Operators of the Stanhope Dairy Farm say they look forward to continuing farming under an agreement that does not allow them to bring in food scraps and construction debris.
However, neighbours of the Central Saanich property are taking a wait-and-see approach.
Between April 1 and Sept. 12, 2013, there were 1,400 complaints, registered by more than 50 individuals, against the Foundation Organics composting plant that operated on the farm.
A suspension of its licence was upheld in October 2013 by the Capital Regional District.
In summer 2016, neighbours expressed concern about the amount of construction waste they said was being brought to the site, processed and sold.
A three-week trial was to start Monday over alleged bylaw contraventions on the Old East Road site, but discussions and a full day of mediation between representatives of the farm and Central Saanich led to a “consent order” that precludes the court proceeding.
Litigation concerning the farm has been going on for several years, said Central Saanich chief administrative officer Patrick Robins.
The consent order dictates that the farm operators can not bring in consumer waste such as food scraps.
The order also says construction debris cannot be brought to the property and limits wood waste to 6,000 tonnes per year.
The wood waste has to be used for bedding for the farm’s 320 cows.
Sales of 2,000 tonnes of manure per year will be allowed from the farm, Robins said.
“We believe that this brings to the end, obviously, a long-standing issue within the community.”
A number of neighbours concerned about the farm attended a B.C. Supreme Court hearing on the consent order Friday. Among them was Kevin Fry, who said he would have liked to have seen more controls.
“It is a step,” Fry said of the order. “It’s not nearly the step I would want to see, but it is a step.”
Dolores Bell said she is taking a wait-and-see approach to how the order works out.
She is part of the Tanner Ridge, Martindale and Hunt Valley Coalition, which has raised questions about the farm’s activities.
A statement issued by their lawyers said farm operators Gordon and Rod Rendle are pleased with the consent order “and look forward to continuing what they know best, farming.”
“The order protects and preserves the agricultural uses of Stanhope Farm lands,” the statement said.
The statement said the farm not only has cows, it also produces silage and hay for livestock around Vancouver Island.
Provisions of the order were acknowledged, including the ability to sell manure as part of “environmentally responsible manure-management practices.”
Source: Times Colonist
