The MD of Willow Creek Municipal Planning Commission will recommend the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) receive more information about a proposed confined feeding operation east of Stavely, that is still being opposed by adjacent land owners.
The MPC read correspondence July 10 from the NRCB indicating an application at 31-14-26-4 by the Hutterian Brethren of Ivy Ridge has been deemed complete.
The application is to construct a chicken layer and pullet barn 111.56 metres by 30.48 metres; a dairy barn 111.56 metres by 36.58 metres by 3.7 metres deep; a calf shed and dry cow barn 111.56 metres by 45.72 metres; a broiler barn 111.56 metres by 36.58 metres; and a mixed poultry barn 76.2 metres by 18.29 metres for 150 dairy cows plus associated dries and replacements, 18,000 chicken layers, 34,000 chicken pullets/broilers, 1,000 ducks, and 100 geese.
MD of Willow Creek planning and development manager Cindy Chisholm said the applicant made changes to the initial application, relocating manure storage from the southeast to northeast corner of the development.
The application was re-circulated for comments with a deadline of July 18.
Greg Olsen, an adjacent land owner opposed to the application, was present.
Olsen said a petition is circulating opposing the development. It has 600 signatures and growing and will be submitted to the MD of Willow Creek and Vulcan County.
Olsen explained their intention is to raise awareness by actively seeking out others affected by decisions of the NRCB and forming a coalition to oppose the board.
Olsen also asked the MD of Willow Creek to go on the record to stand with ratepayers against this application.
Chisholm noted the MD of Willow Creek has already submitted its comments on the application and those comments were included in the MPC’s agenda package.
In those comments to the NRCB, the MD of Willow Creek requested confirmation the applicant has received a licence from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas to construct the water reservoir which is shown on the drawings provided as part of the application.
The MD of Willow Creek also requested confirmation the applicants have applied and registered to drill additional water wells on the proposed lands for proposed developments to ensure projected water usage quantities are met.
The MD of Willow Creek. expressed concerns about the impact on the roads as well.
It was noted appropriate and recommended road upgrades for Range Road 270 and Range Road 260, would be required to support the proposed development, and should be provided by a professional engineer following a review of the existing and future traffic patterns through a transportation impact assessment.
A heavy haul agreement should be considered if the traffic volumes and types generated by the development require it.
The MD of Willow Creek noted the application does not meet the minimum distance setbacks from the feedlot to all residents listed either.
MD of Willow Creek chief administrative officer Derrick Krizsan explained that Olsen’s request to stand against the application places the MPC in a precarious position.
Krizsan noted the MPC has to remain unbiased, especially if an application for a Hutterian Brethren colony is made.
Otherwise, questions about bias will be raised at any appeal hearing on whatever decision is made, whether approved or denied.
After a closed session where all applications were considered, the MPC reverted to open session.
It directed administration to seek legal and engineering representation pertaining to the NRCB application process, potential appeal process, hydrology, traffic impact assessment and other matters for both the Ivy Ridge NRCB application as well as the development permit application process.
