It appears Battleford will be home to a meat processing plant in the near future, as town council approved Munawar Sabir's application during their council meeting, Jan. 10.
Sabir had appeared before the council at their last meeting, Dec. 20, where he answered questions. The main concern was the plant would emanate an unpleasant smell.
Sabir explained the livestock would be brought into the plant and slaughtered the same day. Waste would also be removed the same day, and no rendering would take place at the Battleford site.
The discretionary use application was approved providing a number of conditions are met. The conditions, to be met at the owner's expense, are as follows:
The water well on the site will be decommissioned and confirmation of the decommissioning will be provided.
A testing station that can be accessed by the Town at any time will be installed.
Wastewater will remain within the limits earlier indicated by Sabir, which amounts to approximately the volume of wastewater produced by six residential lots, with surcharges being levied for any amount above this limit.
Air quality checks will be conducted when requested by the Town.
The sewer line on the property could potentially require upgrading or replacement.
Any future expansion requires Town approval.
The plant must fulfill all regulations from relevant agencies, including Sask. Environment, Public Health, Canadian Food Inspection Agency and provide the Town with documentation.
Lastly, Sabir will qualify for the Commercial Builder's Incentive, a two-year tax concession, only if the existing structures are completely removed.
Sheryl Ballendine, town administrator, informed council an abattoir existed on the property a number of years ago and there would be no detriment to the surrounding properties.
