Approximately 150 RM of Keys residents attended an informational meeting regarding the Crystal Lake Hutterian Brethren’s proposed colony development on May 4 at Rainbow Hall in Canora.
Representatives of the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency and Saskatchewan Agriculture were on hand to answer questions regarding the development and the permit process involved.
The proposed site of the Colony, including the intensive livestock operation (ILO) is located 2.2 kilometres east of Stenen and 4.1 km NE of Crystal Lake. The ILO application is for 1,980 animal units of birds, including layers, broilers, turkeys, ducks and geese. The operation is also to include up to 20 dairy cattle for the consumption of the colony.
Barry Hvidston, RM of Keys administrator, addressed the meeting regarding steps taken by the RM in dealing with the proposed bylaw change regarding communal living for the colony. This included first reading on March 8, a public hearing on April 12, second reading following the public hearing, the ratepayer meeting on April 16 and the informational meeting.
David Tratch, a Regina-based engineer who worked with the colony on the site assessment, shared information from the assessment with those in attendance.
After a detailed look at the soil structure and the groundwater at the site, he concluded that the proposed ILO and communal housing of the colony would not have a significant negative effect on the surrounding environment or the area’s water supply. Even after 20 years of operation there would be less than a one metre draw down on the Fulton lake aquifer, the main source of water for the site. Sheldon Diduck of Saskatchewan Agriculture indicated that other ILO’s have been located over aquifers, and with proper management, they have been successful with no significant negative effects on the surrounding environment.
Tratch said that the colony’s state-of-the-art dry manure handling system is expected to play a significant role in protecting the surrounding water supply and environment. He added that if the colony was proposing an ILO with a liquid manure system, as is usually found in large hog or dairy cattle operations, he would have advised colony representatives to look for a new site.
Questioners commended the presenters at the meeting for their attendance and contributions of valuable information. One questioner said she was not biased against the Hutterite Colony, or against collective living, but was concerned about the water supply, and the danger of some unforeseen calamity taking place. Tratch indicated that he and his company, Watermark Consulting, have professional liability insurance to guard against such an event.
Questioners asked George Hofer of the Crystal Lake Colony to consider moving the ILO to another site which was further away from the Fulton Lake aquifer. But Hofer said the proposed site is at an ideal location for their operation, with good road access, water access without the need for pumping, access to three phase power and natural gas access.
Questioners then asked Hofer to put the wishes of his neighbours near the proposed ILO site over business interests.
Questioners brought up concerns such as odours and flies. Experts at the meeting said these concerns will be minimal, due to the state-of-the art technology in the Hutterite operation. According to regulations, the chicken barns would be washed and disinfected six times per year.
Questioners expressed concerns regarding spreading of manure and the danger of leeching into groundwater during heavy rains. Experts at the meeting indicated that manure will have to be applied at rates within regulations which are there to protect water supplies.
A farmer from the Stenen area indicated he would welcome the presence of the Colony and the opportunity to spread the dry manure from the ILO on his land.
Questioners indicated concerns regarding possible loss of land value due to proximity to the proposed ILO. Garth Bates, Reeve of RM of Keys, indicated that the RM can’t afford a land value assessment.
A questioner living near the proposed ILO site was concerned with air quality for her asthmatic son. No air quality expert was present at the meeting, so indications were given that this question will be pursued by the RM of Keys.
Those interested in reading the Hutterite application were encouraged to visit the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture office in Yorkton, or ask Hofer for a copy.
The next RM of Keys Council meeting is scheduled for May 10. Hvidston said the group will be discussing information shared and comments made at the informational meeting, as well as the next steps in dealing with the Hutterite Colony’s application.
