A proposed 30,600-bird chicken operation prompted questions about manure management, traffic and municipal oversight during the County of Stettler’s Oct. 20 Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) meeting.

Council authorized a response to the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRB) indicating the county had no objections to the proposed development based on its planning requirements. The decision does not constitute approval of the operation, which falls under the NRCB’s permitting process.

The application proposes a confined feeding operation with 30,600 broiler chickens and an associated barn on land in the Erskine South Warden ward.

Development officer Rich Fitzgerald explained that the NRCB handles confined feeding operation applications, while the county participates as a directly affected party. Its role includes providing comments on municipal land use requirements and setbacks.

According to the administration's report, the proposal complies with the county’s Municipal Development Plan and agricultural district setback requirements. It also falls outside designated confined feeding operation exclusion areas.

The report lists a required minimum separation of 162 metres between the proposed operation and the nearest residence. The nearest residence is 476 metres away.

Coun.James Nibourg raised questions about tax implications, manure management and traffic associated with the operation.

Reeve Larry Clark expressed frustration with the review process, saying commission members had more questions than answers because they were not responsible for issuing the permits. He questioned whether the provincial process was addressing all the concerns that could arise locally.

Craig Teal, director of planning and development, described municipal involvement as a long-standing point of tension. He said the industry had pushed for reduced municipal input over the past 20 years and expressed the view that the NRCB was reluctant to consult municipalities.

The county’s proposed response letter focused on the application’s compliance with municipal planning documents, agricultural zoning and setback requirements. It advised the NRCB that the county had no objections to the development.

The NRCB deemed the application complete Sept. 24, with written comments due Oct. 26.

Nibourg moved to send the county’s response letter to the NRCB. The motion carried.