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Manure spreaders cause concerns

County residents are upset over heavy manure haulers in Ponoka County.

County residents are upset over heavy manure haulers in Ponoka County.

Coun. George Verheire told council May 14 he has received complaints from people in his area unsure how to handle the issue. “If it was a contractor come in and hauled it we could shut ’em down.”

He asked whether there is a way to hold these farmers accountable or to stop them from abusing the roads.

“We get after everybody else. These individuals can do whatever they bloody well feel like,” added Verheire.

CAO Charlie Cutforth has also received calls from residents asking whether the county can control a landowner’s actions. They have seen some land sold recently with trees as windbreaks and they are concerned those trees will be cut down.

“There is no control on private land of clearing,” County Coun. George Verheire said Cutforth.

He feels there is resistance to changes such as taking out trees on a property.

Heavy use on these roads is also an issue when farms do not pay commercial taxes for land. Cutforth says the amount is approximately based on the quality of land but on average a quarter of bare land taxes are approximately $300 to $400.

Verheire wants to see some changes to the rules of the road or a way to deal with farm taxes when some operations have 800 to 1,000 cows but Cutforth feels that is a difficult job. “It’s going to take some political will to make that change.”

With manure spreaders using the roads to manage operations, some neighbours are upset about so much use, added Verheire. He also does not feel requiring a permit will matter to some. “They tell me, ‘There’s nothing you can do about it.’ The other one says, ‘You can go to hell!’”

Ponoka County does have legal enforcement options under the Municipal Government Act by requiring a permit if hauling more than three loads in a day and if haulers don’t get a permit from the county there is some recourse.

“Then at least we have some way to make them pay for the repair,” offered Cutforth. “At least then we have some legal enforcement ability.”

The intention is not to be “heavy-handed” with farmers but to try and manage road allowance. Cutforth feels once farmers understand the purpose behind the permit then there will be less of an issue.

“At least if we know they’re there we can keep a grader in the area,” he added.

Oil and gas companies are required to follow the rules of the road and Verheire would like to see same rules apply to farmers. “We’re going to take a little heat for this but it’s a step in the right direction. It’s a start.”

Council decided to require manure spreaders to apply for a permit when hauling more than three loads in a day, whether commercial or private operators.