Delta residents need a heads-up when to expect the stench of manure.
That came out of a recent council meeting during discussion on a letter from an East Ladner resident about a “horrid smell” which the resident blamed on the contentious Enviro-Smart compost facility. According to Delta staff, it was confirmed there was a particularly foul stench on July 18 and 19, but the complaints received were not as a result of the compost facility but chicken manure being spread on a hay field south of the East Ladner area. The same farmer spread chicken manure earlier in July, resulting in another flood of complaints.
Saying that at some point there should be a way to inform residents of the activity, perhaps through the city’s website, Coun. Jeannie Kanakos asked whether a communication system could be set up with farmers.
Sean McGill, Delta’s director of corporate services said it’s something they can look into, noting there’s “many different farm processes that cause smell” but it’s not clear if farmers will be able to take the time to contact the city about manure about to be spread.
As far as the Enviro-Smart situation, McGill noted staff are attending the area daily and that the file has been “all-encompassing” for staff.
