Minto’s Committee of Adjustment has deferred a minor variance application that would allow a reduced MDS II setback for a liquid manure tank, due to objections from neighbouring property owners and the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA).
Minto’s Committee of Adjustment is comprised of the members of town council and a hearing on the proposal for a 6th Line property was convened during the June 17 council meeting.
The applicant, Aden Martin, operates a dairy farm with milking cows, heifers, calves and horses on the property, which he acquired in 1993.
Martin is proposing the installation of a liquid manure tank with a setback of 76.2 metres (250 feet) to the nearest neighbour’s dwelling, although the minimum MDS II setback is 183m (602 feet), a difference of 106.8m (352 feet).
A report from Wellington County junior planner Jameson Pickard notes the relief requested is “substantial.”
Alternate locations, which would comply with the required setbacks, “would push the tank to the back side of the barn further away from the dairy operation and manure pile and into a currently cultivated field. As a result the runoff would have to be pumped to the tank,” the report notes.
“Staff also recognizes that an open manure pile currently exists immediately adjacent to the proposed manure tank on the property. As a result, the proposed construction will improve the containment of manure storage on the property and will improve the nutrient management system for this farm,” states the report, which indicates the county has no concerns with the application.
However, the MVCA indicated concerns that the proposed tank location is within the floodplain and doesn’t conform to provincial policy statements.
“Should the storage tank be permitted as proposed, fish habitat and water quality would be adversely affected should the tank be flooded during a regional flood event,” states MVCA environmental planner and regulations technician Brandi Walter in her report.
Neighbouring property owner Ronald Blair told council a neighbour advised him his property “would be worthless” if the proposed liquid manure tank is allowed at the reduced MDS distance.
“I am unaware of any liquid manure tank in Minto that is closer to an adjacent dwelling than it is to the dwelling of the farm itself,” Blair observed, adding he believes the tank should be located further from his residence, even if that requires pumping the manure and additional expense.
“There is no question that we support farmers. But there are alternatives,” he stated.
Another nearby resident, Dennis Harper, told council, “The point is, this is in a flood plain, too close to the neighbour’s property.”
“That’s why we have these public meetings,” noted Mayor George Bridge.
“It’s not a done deal until we get all the facts.”
Martin asked council to defer a decision on the application until he has time to consult with the MVCA.
Minto CBO Terry Kuipers told the hearing the MVCA’s objection caught him off guard.
“The mapping that we have doesn’t show what they are saying,” said Kuipers.
“If it’s not feasible where it is (proposed) and we have to move it … well, we have to do what we have to do,” Martin commented.
Council agreed to defer the matter.
