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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2001-08-08, Page 11News THE HURON EXPOSITOR, Asst 4,2001-11 Fanners still waiting for nutrient management act details By Martie Evans Lakeshore Advance Editor Fanners and politicians from Huron. Perth and Middlesex Counties are itching to know the finer details of Ontario's proposed new Nutrient Management Act. But the Act just received first reading in mid-June, meaning these people will have to wait until this winter before more details are available. Some questions, including "what will this cost?" posed at a public meeting July 26 in Kirkton went unanswered. One farmer posed a scenario asking if a certain animal unit category is required by the province to adhere to a ban on winter spreading within a period of five years, could that farmer spread every winter until the last day of the deadline? "The regulations aren't written yet so I couldn't answer that. You have to wait for the details in the regulation," said George Garland, Manager of Engineering and Technology, for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, (OMAFRA) but he did offer that notice would likely be given to a farmer and if he doesn't comply, he would be caught in a random audit. "Winter spreading could ban manure and biosolids at the same time," he added. Usborne Township farmer Pat Down, a former president of the Huron County Federation of Agriculture, publicly thanked MPPs Helen Johns and Bert Johnson for organizing the meeting for farmers in "the heart of a prime agricultural area" and pointedly asked OMAFRA to remember the Huron and Perth areas when setting up consultation meetings. Two other meetings were held in Ridgetown and Mount Forest. • "Regarding a minimum standard of application, what does this mean?" she asked. Garland said manure and soil testing would be required for levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. "There's currently little information on this, regarding times of year, etc.," he said. "Testing could "WARNING" to all "Does" in the C4th area he done by the government not farmers." "I would ask that in categories considered small that the regulations don't get to he so onerous that they quit and we have all Targe (farms)," asked Down. Garland met this statement with a self - described challenge to- the othe audience of over 100 farmers and politicians. "I suggest is that really fair? Do we have to have different rules? Maybe some day there'll be one set of rules," said Garland. A n unidentified man stood up to ask how those dealing with untreated businesses getting money hut 1 don't see help to farmers." he said. "It's more appropriate later. That's another process." answered Garland. In a two-hour presentation, Garland outlined nine parts ()if Bill 81, the proposed Nutrient Management Act that generally deals with t h e collection, handling, transport and storage of animal manure and human waste. The act outlines requirements f o r construction of farm buildings but doesn't take the place of Quoted 'The regulations aren't written yet so I couldn't answer that. You have to wait for the details in the regulation,' - George Garland, manager of engineering and technology for OMAFRA septage can get Certificates of Approval and funding. "Where will the funding come from if they can't get funds from the marketplace to recoup the cost?" he asked. "Our small farmers will continue to diminish because they won't generate revenues." "That's a good point to remember but we'll talk about this when we develop the regulations," said Garland. He .did say there is a proposed plan by the Ministry of the Environment to phase out untreated septage within a five-year period and require its treatment. He suggested septage could be trucked to municipal treatment plants, but recognized there is no currently capacity for septage. "We need a practical approach," he said. Another question dealing with cost to municipalities was posed to Garland who responded, "The Act doesn't address cost. We must wait until the Act is passed." Dairy farmer Earl French noted concerns with a proposed provincial audit and timetable for implementation and the absence of some environmental programs from Healthy Futures. "I see small agricultural Dianna's Country Bakery & Cafe St. Colum an 345-2804 OPEN Mon - Thurs - 6am - 7pm Fri - 6am -8pm,Sat -lam-2pm Sun -Sam -Spm BAKERY SPECIAL Date Squares 3.50 ea- NOW 3.00 Breakfast Spedal 2 eggs with bacon, ham or sausage toast & homefries until 11 a.m. Sat. &Sun.' 2.99 SUNDAY BRUNCH 10:00 AM TO 2:00 PM $695 • SUNDAY EVENING BUFFET 3:00 PM -8:00 PM Roast Beef and Chicken Parmesan 5,795 • GRADUATION "Chevy" is 18 (Kyle Henderson) August 13th Best Wishes from two special friends SHERRY HARBURN On June 15 at the University of Toronto Convocation, Sherry Harburn the daughter of Bill and Marlene Harburn and the granddaughter of Ruth Thorbum received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy being named to the Dean's Honour Roll. Sherry is a former student of Seaforth District High School and is also a graduate of Lakehead University with Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology (1996). Sherry has accepted a position with Toronto General Hospital in the Intensive Care Department. Congratulations Sherry and Best of Luck Love from your family and friends the Ontario Building Code. Garland explained the Nutrient Management Act also includes regulations from other controlling bodies including the Environmental Protection Act and the Water Resources Act but don't take their place.. Following Garland's highlights, the proposed Act will permit provincial officers to enter and inspect a property suspected of contravention; issuance of prevention orders and appeals to a tribunal. Garland said the tribunal could be the Environmental Review Tribunal or an existing tribunal under OMAFRA's umbrella. If a property owner fails to correct a problem, the Act as it is currently written would allow the province to step in and do the work and then charge the cost to the property owner. Penalties listed the proposed Act are: administrative penalties (tickets) of up to $10,000 per day; a first-time conviction would cost a violator $5,000 per day, a second or subsequent conviction would cost $10,000 per day. A corporation would be fined $10,000 per day for first- time conviction or $25,000 for second and subsequent 1 : C,ittrtitas -t rut tiirtl _• : ' ' 551 Huron St. 273-6780 ' 1 1 1 1 11 America's Sweethearts Nightly at 7 & 9:15 dsi Planet of the Apes Nightly st i ll 9:15 /El IYM.. N tpw T, -.dry% s..,r•ry 1 Sundry The Princess Diaries Nightly at 7 & 9:15 40 tp„ Tw.dry. {Mary/ L awrdry 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 4.25 Tuesday 1 .,,..11. n,I,',,,. conviction. "Keep in mind this is preventative legislation." said Garland. adding a spill will still he handled under the Environmental Protection Act. Despite the new Nutrient Management Act, municipalities will still need a Certificate of Approval for spreading biosolids on farm land but farmers are exempt when spreading in a "normal farm practice". But Garland cautioned the•definition of "normal" will be changed, not giving the possible new definition. Highlights of the proposed Act: • Commercial land applicators may be certified after a written or practical exam. • Farms will be categorized according to number of animal units. • An organization, other than the province, will be asked to assume management of education and testing, leaving enforcement tasks to the province. "We anticipate it will be the MOE (environment ministry) or OMAFRA," said Garland. This question is a source of debate between the Huron County Federation of Agriculture and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. Huron President Charles Regele said later county farmers want OMAFRA to MCL SOUND FULL D) SERVICE Book your Receptions, Buck & Does early! tfrFor more info call John McLeod - Clinton 482-9984 after 6 p.m. or leave a message &Da Steve Campbell & Kim Farquhar Fri., Aug. 10 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. Hensel! Ice Surface DJ. Light lunch Age of maJodty required Bus leaving Exeter 9:15 Bus leaving Zurich 9:45 FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 SPECIAL HAM STEAK OR ALL -YOU- CAN -EAT. FISH & CHIP $5 5 e SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 SPECIAL 10 oz. PORK RIBS OR 951 ROAST BEEF $g. SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 SPECIAL STUFFED CHICKEN LEGS FARMERS $ 95 SAUSAGE 8e Seniors Discount 10% SPARKY'S PLACE FAMILY DINING 527-1964 90 Main St. Seaforth The family of Joe and )flrlam Terpsrra would like to Invite anyone who wishes to Join them • • In the celebration of their 1S'" Wrddina AnnMrrsary. which , will rake place on Saturday. _lwrust 11. 2001. itfass will rake place at wren • • o'clock pm at Sr..lmbrose ( whelk Church In Brussels. There rill also be a reception to follow at 9 o'clock pm at the &Awels Community (.enter. The alrr of your presence /s appreciated. 4 4 4 Kennedy -McCann 4 Tjrsen is proud to announce 4 the forthcoming marriage of 4 • 4 his parents • 4 Tammy Lynn 4 4 daughter of Dale & Helen di 4 Kennedy 4 • of Seaforth to • e Deric Joseph 4 4 son of Ken McCann, 4 4 Centralia and Joan Johnston, Huron Park L he ceremony will take Me in Niagara Falls, Ont on Aug. I 1 th, 2001 handle education and testing because they know hest the issues facing farmers. Garland encouraged the public to give their views to the Justice and Social Policy Standing Committee when it begins its tour of the province in September. Meanwhile, the agriculture and environment ministries will begin drafting possible standards so if the proposed Act is given third reading, Buck & Doe Kelly VanBakel and Tina Glavin Saturday, Aug. 11 Hensall Ice Surface 9pm-lam Age of Majority Tickets $5 each For info. Call 348-4973 or 345-2553 which may come in May 2002. they are ready with the new regulations. To give your comments. contact the Justice and Social Policy Standing Committee. Chairman Toby Barrett, Clerk Tom Prins at Room 1405, Whitney Block, Queen's Park, Toronto, ON, M7A 1A2. Phone: 416-325- 3509. Fax: 416-325-3505. E m a i 1 tom_prins@ontla.ola.org, BUCK & POE for Jeff Hunt and Kelly Bennewies Saturday August 11 9pm-lam Lunch Age of Provided Majority Tickets '5.00 Advance '7.00 At Door For information call Kyle at 345-2432 or Jackie at 521-2132 BUCK & DOE for Scott Wood Amanda Dayman Saturday August 18 9 p - lam Seaforth Arena D.J. Johnny Classic Lunch Age of Provided Majority Tickets $6.00 Contact: Rick I@ 527-0194 Randy @ 527-1894 GODEAICH 524 7811 FRI., SAT. & TUES. 6:45 & 9:15 PM SUN., MON., WED. & THURS. 8 PM COARSE LANGUAGE SEXUAL CONTENT FRI. - THURS. AUGUST 10 -16 4)11. - •< D d o�, D d�(D--s, � Vit . T P0 FRI., SAT. & TUES. 6:45&9:15 PM SUN., MON., WED. & THURS. 8 PM ti,ZS LONG DISTANCE? CAII 1-800-265-3438 FOR TOIL FREE MOVIE INFO Seaforth Student Success Foundation 2nd ANNUAL 9 HOLE GOLF SCRAMBLE Friday August 17, 2001 in support of Seaforth District High School $25.00 per person 1 • 9 holes of golf starts between 5 & 6 pm • sausage on a bun & ice cream • prizes! • dancing 9:30 'til midnight (dance only) -$10.00 at door Why S.D.H.S.? • community school • over $21,000 in scholarships & bursaries • supports local businesses who support you • best high school in Huron East Phone Seaforth Golf Club to Register 519-522-0985 Limited to first 100 Golfers Pick your own team or join another Trinity Anglican Church Bayfield Proudly presents the Sixteenth Annual . BAYFIELD ANTIQUES FAIR Bayfield Arena - Bayfield, Ontario Friday, August 10th, 2001 - Gala Opening 7-9 pm Saturday, August llth, 2001 -10 am until 6 pm Sunday, August 12th, 2001 —11 am until 5 pm ADMISSION - FRIDAY PLUS SATURDAY or SUNDAY - $6.00 - SATURDAY or SUNDAY - $3.00 Thirty Five Prestigious Dealers Tea Room Open Saturday and Sunday For Information Call Proceeds for church needs and Outreach (519) 565-2596 (519) 482-7455 During your stay in Bayfield be sure to visit our Historic Main Street which is designated, under the Ontario Heritage Act