EarthRenew has development permit rejected but will appeal decision

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

EarthRenew, a company looking to restart its manure-to-fertilizer operation in Wheatland County, had its bid for a new development permit rejected by the county’s planning commission, but will appeal this decision.

When the EarthRenew plant operated for a few years around 2008, some nearby residents complained it emitted an intolerable odour. The company later went into receivership and the plant has since lain dormant. The company and its patented process were purchased by new owners who are looking to restart operations at the facility located within Cattleland Feedyards.

EarthRenew applied for a development permit from Wheatland County this year. The county’s municipal planning commission (MPC), which is composed of the county’s seven councillors, met to deliberate the application on April 13.

During the meeting, the MPC heard and considered comments from the proponent and county residents about the facility. The county received 38 letters in opposition and six letters in support from residents. Among the opponents, the reasons for opposition were varied, but many centred around concerns the plant could emit noxious odours if operations restart. Many respondents argued this would reduce quality of life and depress local property values.

But Kerri McGovern, EarthRenew’s chief operating officer, said the plant would be different under its new ownership, as new technologies would be added to mitigate odours.

“We know that the prior company did not care about odour control on the plant, and that the smell wafted many kilometres away and affected many people’s quality of life; that was irresponsible and, frankly, unnecessary,” she said. “We do not have to innovate in this area, rather only apply what is already known to work; and to meet any air quality standards put in place, we will do that.”

Despite these assurances in consultations, many locals in the area around the plant remain concerned about the plant restarting, fearing the odour will present itself again, said Councillor Scott Klassen, representing Division 5 in which the plant is located. 

“People were not upset with the feedlot; what they are upset with is something that was on site before. (The process) was tried (and) it had a problem that went on for a number of years, and it was far reaching,” said Klassen. “I’ve talked to all sorts of my residents around and that is their fear, and it’s valid. They don’t want their way of life changed.”

Councillor Glenn Koester said the last owners said they too would work to eliminate odours yet failed to do so. The overall process being proposed is the same as the original design, except for new odour scrubbing, but the onus should be on EarthRenew to prove this effective, he said. “Before I can vote for them, I have to be sure that their odour scrubbing technology actually works.” 

Councillor Tom Ikert suggested the MPC could approve the permit application with some or all the conditions identified by Matt Boscariol, Wheatland County’s general manager of community and development services, which would give the county more control in reviewing and contributing to the plan for process design, monitoring and response to complaints.

“My opinion is that we try to grab as much control of this situation as we can (and) put as many conditions as possible on it,” said Ikert.

The reason for this is because Earth Renew can appeal the county’s decision. Any appeals for developments next to a provincial highway automatically go to the municipal government (board) for a decision, explained Suzanne Hayes, development officer with Wheatland County.

But the company having an opportunity to appeal should not influence the MPC’s decision, argued Councillor Ben Armstrong. “If the ratepayers don’t want it, then the appeal is there to move it to the next level.”

If the permit were to be approved, the county would not allow the plant to start operating for one year until all conditions are met, and the permit would be active for one year. 

“So, it’s like a test run,” said Hayes.

But the MPC instead elected to reject the application, in a 5-2 vote, with Ikert and Councillor Jason Wilson voting in opposition. Klassen said he was against the application because he felt it was incomplete and does not appropriately address the concerns of residents. Wilson said he was afraid the county would ultimately lose the appeal.

EarthRenew will appeal this decision, stated McGovern in an email.