Opponents see pig barn delay as ploy

Local news - The decision by an Elmwood farmer to put his plans for a large pig barn on hold is being viewed with skepticism by opponents.

"I think it's a ploy. The nutrient management regulations will do little or nothing to ensure the safety of the environment," said Grant Robertson, a farmer near Paisley and vocal opponent to the proposal by Ken and Wally Schaus to build a pig barn near Paisley that would house 3,000 sows.

"I will not be happy until the application to build this barn is withdrawn," he said.

Wally Schaus announced Thursday he's delaying the hog operation until provincial regulations governing livestock operations are put into practice. Nutrient management legislation has passed but the regulations are still being drafted that will spell out the rules for the handling, storage and treatment of manure.

"We want to be good corporate citizens. We are concerned about the environment and our neighbours," said Ken Schaus, a partner in the project.

Ken said there was no hurry to build the barn and he could easily wait until the new regulations come into effect. But he added the Paisley property may not be the best spot for their pig farm.

"If we can build there, fine. If that's not OK, we have other properties in the area," he said.

"We're in no hurry. We can wait for a year and a half or two."

"This is not good news for the people of Paisley. It only delays the inevitable," said Brockton councillor Charlie Bagnato who headed up a proposal by council to have the provincial government impose an immediate moratorium on new industrial-sized hog barns to protect against another Walkerton-type water disaster.

Bagnato and Robertson met with the NDP environment critic at Queen's Park on Thursday to relay concerns about the possible effects on the area's groundwater.

"This takes the heat off the municipality and diffuses the opposition. Now opponents have nowhere to make their complaints," said Bagnato.

He also said that under the province's new nutrient management legislation, Schaus will have a free hand to build whatever size operation he wants.

Ontario Agriculture Minister Helen Johns has said the municipality has the power to cap the number of animals on any new farms but has chosen not to.

While the regulations which take effect in April will remove that right, they will force farmers to have a detailed plan on how to store and dispose of manure. But the size of the operation will be limited only by a farm's ability to deal safely with the manure.

The manager of a hideaway vacation resort for disabled children located across the road from the proposed hog barn says the delay gives opponents time to join forces in a united voice with opponents across Ontario.

"It gives us more time to lobby effectively. It gives us more time to meet with other groups," said Cam Porter, who was encouraged to finally hear from Schauses.

"Up until now we were dealing with a faceless entity," said Porter. He is hopeful Schaus will meet with opponents and discuss a solution to the stalemate.

Brockton's mayor said he agrees with Schaus' decision. "I think it was wise," said David Thomson. "I can see where they want to do things right."

In all of his dealings with Schaus, Thomson said he's never been concerned that they would do anything but what was right. "That's the way they operate. "