Compost facility not NORD’s mandate

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 13, 2009 6:00 PM

The North Okanagan Regional District could be left sitting on the sidelines over a controversial development in Grindrod. Staff have told the regional district board that it will likely have no jurisdiction over the proposed animal waste composting facility on Monks Road.“Unless they step out of the Agricultural Land Reserve, it’s a provincial matter,” said Herman Halvorson, chairman of the NORD board and the director for rural Enderby. “Our role is very limited at this point.” In their report to the board, staff indicate that the proposed compost facility will be located entirely within the ALR and no processing or storage of compost material will occur on the property that is currently zoned agricultural industrial zone.“In accordance with the Agricultural Land Commission Act and regulations, composting is therefore a permitted use and the regional district’s role is very limited in the process,” writes Rob Smailes, general manager of planning and building. “In addition, if the compost material is classified as Class A compost material under the Organic Material Recycling Regulation, it may be spread as a soil supplement on the farm, including those which are currently leased in accordance with the Agricultural Land Reserve Use Subdivision and Procedure Regulation.” The only way NORD could directly become involved in the issue is if the proposed facility is constructed on non-ALR lands. Rezoning would then be required.

“If it comes to the board, we will deal with it,” said Halvorson.The fate of the proposal ultimately rests in the hands of the Ministry of Agriculture.If the facility is approved, the waste would be collected from slaughterhouses and retail stores, and the compost would be spread on the farm as fertilizer.Among the concerns of some residents is Lambert Creek runs through the property and it and adjacent land could be contaminated by waste containing antibiotics.However, the property owner insists action is being taken to ensure the integrity of the creek and the soil.