Composter faces Ministerial Order

Environment and Labour Minister David Morse announced today that a ministerial order has been served against New Era Farms Ltd.

The Halifax area composter has been ordered to implement five comprehensive measures targeted at odour complaints regarding its composting plant, and to hire a professional consultant to prepare an overall review of the facility. The terms of reference for all of the measures must be submitted by April 15. A final report must be submitted in 60 days.

"This order requires both immediate action and longer-term action to deal with odour problems and other concerns," Mr. Morse said.

The order follows charges laid last week against the owner for not complying with the terms and conditions of the company’s operating approval from the Environment and Labour Department.

New Era is also ordered, as of today, April 2, to keep all feedstock delivery doors and employee doors at the main receiving building and curing building closed at all times unless feedstock or compost is actively being transferred to or from the building.

It was also told to immediately cease the removal of compost which has not been tested for maturity and pathogens, Mr. Morse said during budget estimates debate in the legislature.

He said among the measures the company is also being ordered to carry out are the identification of potential sources of leachate and preparation of a report for the development and implementation of a groundwater monitoring program for the site.

Failure to comply with a ministerial order is subject to a penalty of up to $1 million.