The board of the Rainy River District Regional Abattoir Inc. has announced public consultation results on its proposal to construct an abattoir in Emo, as well as the measures it will take to mitigate concerns expressed by some residents of the town.
“In response to 725 mail-out packages, we received 163 comment sheets back: 87 were in favour, 62 were opposed, four were neutral, and 10 were undecided,” noted board president Steve Loshaw.
“The main concerns of those opposed were about location, odour, water usage, traffic, property value and waste,” he added.
“We have given the concerns careful thought,” Loshaw pledged. “And in response, we have made significant, reasonable adjustments to our plans.”
The measures Loshaw referred to are as follows:
•Location too close to residences
The proposed abattoir is being re-located about 100 metres east to 26 Byng St. in Emo, which will place a row of trees and more space between it and the nearest residence on Cherlen Bay, which will be about 220 metres to the west.
One residence on the east side of Adelaide will be about 150 metres to the southwest.
•Odour
All wastes will be removed daily from the facility, away from town. Facility work areas will be washed and disinfected after each usage.
As a result, odour will not be an issue.
•Water usage
The abattoir will use water at a rate equal to about two-three households, which is low compared to some abattoirs. This is because the proposal is for a slaughter facility and not for a full processing plant.
The abattoir will abide by water restrictions imposed by the township, just like any other user. Hence, water usage will not be an issue.
•Traffic
The Township of Emo and the Rainy River Agricultural Society Board both have indicated they are willing to allow road access along the eastern boundary of the fair grounds between Byng Street and Highway 11/71.
This will provide a truck route that avoids the residential area and approaches the abattoir location from the east.
•Waste
All wastes will be moved out of town daily in leak-proof, sealed containers. Blood and specified risk materials will be transported under permit to a member’s farm away from town (N1/2 Lot 4, Con. 1, Burriss Twp.) for composting within a secured area (i.e. fenced, gated, controlled access, and signage).
SRM and blood-derived compost material will be covered at all times, composted on a stable pad or base, and on an impervious liner.
All reasonable and practical measures to control and prevent leachate, fugitive odours, and scavenger/vector access will be instituted.
Other inedible materials and offal either will be moved to the same farm for composting in a separate composting system, or will be delivered to the Emo landfill for burial.
Effluent to the town’s sanitary sewer primarily will be facility washings. If required, pre-treatment of the effluent can be provided before discharge to the sewer.
Based on the water usage rate stated above, facility effluent may increase flow to the town’s sewage works by about 2.5 percent, which would increase loading to the system from about 69 to 71.5 percent of capacity.
Loshaw said these measures will address the main concerns, as well as mitigate any effect on property values. FedNor’s environmental screening also will consider impacts associated with the mitigation.
The RRDRAI board now will complete its financing arrangements and prepare for construction in the spring or early summer.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
