The Drag and Spruce Lakes Property Owners Association has become aware of a re-zoning application to build a biochar plant on Kennaway road close to the intersection of Jones road. Details are pretty sketchy so far and we are trying to get more information. We have written Pat Martin, the planner for the Township regarding the application and received the following in response to our request;
“I suggest that you, or a representative of your lake association, attend the public meeting so that you can ask questions directly to the applicant. They have submitted a site evaluation report and you are welcome to visit the Municipal office and review this report. Please call beforehand so that I can ensure that there is staff available to assist you and room for you to review the material. The applicants are working with MOECC on the required approvals and they will be able to update you on the status of these approvals at the November 7th, meeting. Copies of the Notice of the Public Meeting can be found at the following link:
https://www.dysartetal.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/November-7-2016.pdf”
The fact that the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Preserve are working with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) may imply that they require approval for a waste processing site and/or air emissions. This may be particularly troublesome.
“ Biochar Is a Soil Amendment. This 2,000 year-old practice converts agricultural waste into a soil enhancer that can hold carbon, boost food security, and increase soil biodiversity, and discourage deforestation.” – for more info click here
We urge you to attend the Public Meeting at the Township office on Monday November 7, 2016 at 5:00 PM.