Saskatchewan farm says no runoff from feedlot
REGINA — Monette Farms says reports of a spill from its feedlot near Lac Pelletier in southwestern Saskatchewan are false.
Residents alleged a spill had occurred outside the operation’s regulated containment zone.
In a statement issued Monday, the company said it was aware of the complaints, but testing had confirmed no manure runoff had occurred.
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“We can confirm that there has been no ‘spill,’ ” it said.
“Melting snow is running into our approved water management areas.”
It said an environmental engineer from the agriculture ministry had been to the feedlot Monday morning and confirmed no runoff had left the property.
The Friends of Lac Pelletier earlier claimed this was the second spill from the intensive livestock operation after one last summer. The group contacted the provincial emergency spill control centre late Friday afternoon and again on Saturday.
“We have called the Spill Control Line twice to report the issue. The second time, after asking why we have not been given an update about any control measures, we were told the issue has been referred to the Ministry of Agriculture and that they don’t work weekends” said Dan Kane, a representative for the association.
“Unfortunately, in my experience, emergencies do happen on a weekend.”
He said they are concerned about what could happen next.
The feedlot has been controversial after residents expressed concerns and opposition to the operation during a public meeting last summer. About 250 people live year-round at the lake south of Swift Current, and about 5,000 people visit each summer.
Asked about the possible spill during a news conference, agriculture minister David Marit encouraged everyone to wait for officials to test the water.
Monette Farms said it strives to remain in compliance with all applicable regulations and remains in contact with the ministry.
Source: producer.com