Advertisement

UPDATE: Residents protest meat compost facility

A local alternative to disposing slaughterhouse by-products is creating controversy near Salmon Arm.

On Thursday, a Salmon Arm area farmer opened the Spa Hills composting facility.

The facility is designed to get rid of slaughterhouse waste, but not everyone is happy about it.

Nearby residents concerned about water contamination, odour problems and declining property values protested at the grand opening.

Protesters say the facility’s technology to turn animal parts from slaughterhouses into compost is unproven.

Government and industry officials say the technology is well-proven.

Jake Mitchell of Spa Hills Farm says staff members do not foresee any problems.

Slaughterhouse waste will be processed from three regional abattoirs.

Right now, the waste is being shipped to Alberta, which adds to expenses.

Four similar facilities have opened in other parts of the province over the past few years.

Sponsored content

AdChoices