Fertilizer Plant proposed on Highway 21

Times Contributor 

 

A plan for a 5.06-acre fertilizer plant owned by Crowfoot Ag Solutions came before Council on Nov. 6. The plant would sit in the industrial area north of Hwy 1, next to the seed cleaning plant on Highway 21.

The site would include a fertiliser mixing dome, an office and two retention ponds. The business would involve the loading and unloading of fertilizer, a mixing station, storage and vending for fertilizers and seed. There would also be a small pesticide component to the business. The hours of operation were regular business hours with occasional extended hours from 7a.m.-7p.m. There would be some truck traffic on the service roads during those hours.

The owner was advised that prior to approval for building, the site would have to address requirements from the Western Irrigation District, Alberta Transportation and Alberta Environment and all County and Provincial guidelines. To gain a business permit it is required to have a comprehensive plan adhering to warehousing standards and emergency preparedness plans. 

Rex Harwood, who lives across the road, had concerns about water use and dust control. He said the water table in the area is low and the plant would be drawing from the same aquifer. He asked if well testing could be included in the requirements. Councillors indicated that Harwood could conduct regular well tests for his own information and safety. The owner indicated they designed the retention ponds to be oversized to accommodate the 100 year flood plan and would not be using the water in the mixing processes. The owner, Andrew Stender, clarified the plant would only be using well water for the washroom facilities. Harwood questioned whether the County or the businesses would supply dust control coming from the truck traffic in the industrial area. Since the businesses were not on county land, councillors thought it would be up to the businesses to be good neighbours.

“We are all about environmental safety,” said Stender. “We are concerned how our company impacts that and its impact on our neighbours.”

Any developments to the plant in the future would have to come back to council for approval.