Robert Emerson offers compromise for proposed livestock shelter in Ripley

The debate was getting rather heated in the Huron-Kinloss council chamber Monday night (May 4), between the township and the Ripley Agricultural Society, when Robert Emerson of the Source Water Protection committee stepped in and offered a compromise.

The discussion was about the location of a proposed livestock shelter for the Ripley Fall Fair. Brought forward three years ago, the structure has yet to be built because the proponents want it located near the Ripley-Huron Community Complex, north of the tennis courts, but council says that's too close to the new Ripley well and has suggested it be located east of the ball diamonds.

Jim Farrell of the agricultural society said the original site is the only option in order to properly conduct a cattle show. There is not enough room at the other location, he said, and there are parking and safety issues.

He said the Source Water Protection committee has said it is interested in talking with the agricultural society, but township council refuses to discuss the matter.

"The agricultural society needs to know where council stands as far as support of the fall fair goes," said Farrell. "This (property) is your asset and we use it one week per year. You've opened a Pandora's Box here and now you have to make some wise choices. The Source Water Protection committee is willing to talk but council isn't willing to listen."

He turned to mayor Mitch Twolan and criticized his comments from the April 20 council meeting, saying that the grandstanding about saving the well was "asinine."

"We tried to work with you," said councillor Don Murray. "Three years ago, there was an option, and nothing was said about the livestock show then."

"It wasn't a good option," said Farrell. "That location would be used just once a year for 12 hours for a livestock show."

At this point, council called on Emerson to make his delegation.

A farmer all his life, Emerson is vice-chairman of the agriculture committee on the Source Water Protection committee. He works with Twolan and other members for the betterment of the area's source water.

He proposed a compromise in this battle of locations for the livestock shelter, noting that it can be built within the 100-metre setback where the agricultural society wants it built, provided there is a risk management strategy and a risk management plan between the agricultural society and the township.

"It would be better if cattle were housed under a roof," said Emerson. "With a plan, all the materials and straw would be removed within two working days. The shelter at this location could be used as a multi-use facility the rest of the year."

He said he spoke with Source Water Protection committee chairman Michael Traynor over the weekend about this situation and the best plan is to have the committee work with the township and the agricultural society to find a solution here.

"The agricultural society is not a fly-by-night operation," said Emerson. "It's been here close to 150 years. The shelter could work at the original location (north of the tennis courts); it would work and it should work. Source Water Protection is not the albatross that people think it is."

Deputy mayor Wilfred Gamble asked if the shelter is allowed at that location, would the show rings be allowed as well?

"Yes," said Emerson. "They would all be part of your risk management plan, between the agricultural society and the township."

Twolan said council's concern stems from comments made by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority risk management official/inspector who has been designated for Huron-Kinloss.

"She told us not to do this," he said. "There's a huge risk of contamination to Ripley's drinking water supply being that close to the well."

Emerson said a risk management strategy and plan are feasible. "What is prohibited within 100 metres of a well are such things as a gas station and a building that houses chemicals."

He asked Twolan to take his proposal to the risk management official for her comments and go from there. "It's important to work with the agricultural society on a compromise here."

Councillor Jim Hanna suggested sending the letter from the risk management officer to Traynor for comment, and see whether a risk management strategy and plan would abate the official's concerns.

Twolan said the township has fought hard for agriculture on the Source Water Protection committee which is why he took offence to comments that council doesn't support the fair and the agriculture industry.

Sharon Martin of the agricultural society said the 4-H members work for a year with their calves and if any manure hits the ground and the calves lie in it, the members are in more "doo-doo" than the calves.

"Manure is stored off-site; it would be well away from the 100-metre setback," she said. "We have done the best we can for containment and safety at the current location. It's not the same at the other location."

"Who signs the risk management plan?" asked Twolan.

"Likely the president of the agricultural society," said Emerson. "I'm baffled as to how a few cattle for a few hours can contaminate a new well, especially since they are closely monitored. It's important that you come up with a workable solution for both sides."

Local farmer John Gillespie told council that the current livestock site is below the well site and water doesn't run uphill. "You could build a berm around the well and there'd be no problem. You could use it as an educational site or a demonstration site on how to contain livestock and materials."

Keith Vander Hoek added that the shelter will have a cement floor which is easier to contain materials on than in the grass.

Council agreed to take the proposal to the Source Water Protection committee.

"We're not promising anything," said Twolan. "We'll take it to the committee and see what happens."