Mega munitions storage given go ahead

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

A 2.5 acre parcel of land in Wheatland County is being considered to house a munitions storage site.
If accepted by Wheatland County council, it will be the largest munitions storage facility currently operating in Alberta.
The facility would supply ammunition to hunting stores, sporting clubs, the RCMP and police departments, the military and parks departments. Security, fire and emergency response plans will be submitted to emergency services and the county.
“It is high time we had a business such as this in Alberta,” said Anthony Aleksic, managing director of Metak Distributing Ltd. and security consultant and ballistics expert.
“Here on the Prairies, we are underserved when it comes to munitions, fireworks and high explosive storage. We feel this will help men and women in uniform, giving them the best tools available so they can to do their jobs and it will be done out of Wheatland County. We are providing a service for the private and public sector. This is community and economic development and we are ready for it,” said Aleksic.
He told council the facility will provide taxes and jobs in Wheatland County.
While some of the setback requirements for facilities handling volatile products in an Industrial General designation were met, there were two setbacks that staff felt did not meet county guidelines for adjacent residences. The owner has adhered to all requirements set out by the federal government for a munitions facility.
Jim Cammaert, who has experience dealing with explosives and fireworks, appeared in council to support the developers of the facility and clarified that the fear of explosions should not be a factor in council’s decision, as it is regulated by the federal government and there will be no black powder on site.
“Am I for it? Absolutely,” said Cammaert. “Is it safe? Absolutely.”
There was some discussion whether the designation would be more appropriate under Heavy Industrial, which is supported in an area west of Carseland; however, staff felt the suggested site could be allowed as proposed if conditions for setbacks, environment and safety were in place. The full proposal can be seen under the Wheatland County website Oct. 18 agenda attachments.
Staff spoke with Natural Resources Canada about safety and regulations for a facility of this size. There are inspections annually of munitions sites by Natural Resources Canada and they can request alterations to the business and its location if necessary.
Staff still suggested an alternate location would be preferable, subdivision or a limitation of facility size, and a smaller amount of hazardous material held in stock was encouraged.
The owner would prefer not to move the location and does not desire to subdivide the parcel out of his holdings, although staff indicated that this would be preferable for county planning and future development. A Direct Control designation would give council more options for approval conditions.
Another concern was that the location lies adjacent to two water courses. If there is no subdivision requested, staff cannot mandate environmental studies be completed. While the owner suggested he will supply a biologist to attend the public hearing, staff agreed the biologist’s findings should be peer reviewed. There were also some discrepancies with the supplied site plan. Berms are in the plan and will be erected around the facility. Staff were concerned that they may alter water courses.
“These significant setbacks are in place due to the hazardous nature of this particular use, and the type and nature of the munitions stored,” stated Colton Nickel, Wheatland County intermediate planner. “Staff appreciates this is a particularly challenging use to find a location for and we appreciate the merit of the proposal in finding a remote, unobtrusive location that is within easy access to major transportation routes.”
Council passed second reading, Coun. Don Vander Velde opposed. Council passed third and final reading with Coun. Ben Armstrong and Coun. Vander Velde opposed. The owners and munitions operator will be required to provide additional information to council when they proceed with the development permit.