Manitoba Development Pause Lifted-Permanent Regional Moratoriums Implemented

March 5, 2008 — 

Manitoba Conservation has announced indefinite moratoriums on the construction of new or expanded hog operations in three regions of the province and new environmental restrictions in areas where expansion will be allowed.

The provincial government has released the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission's final report on the Environmental Sustainability of Hog Production in Manitoba.

The report contains 48 recommendations dealing with everything from regulations governing livestock manure and nutrient management to support for environmental research to assistance for producers adopting new environmental management practices and technologies.

Manitoba Conservation minister Stan Struthers says the province will replace its temporary pause on expanded production with permanent moratoriums in three regions. The three regions include: an area of southeast Manitoba, the central region (which is the Red River special management area and the Capital Region of Winnipeg), and the Interlake due to very sensitive soil and water that's in very close proximity to both Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg.

Public comment on the proposed changes will be accepted for the next two weeks and the new legislation will officially take effect in July.

Source: Farmscape, March 4, 2008 (Episode 2771)