N.S. residents opposed to mink stink from proposed fur farming ranch

YARMOUTH, N.S. - Mink stink.
That was the overwhelming message from more than 150 residents of Nova Scotia's Yarmouth County to government representatives who answered questions during a public meeting Monday about fur farming regulations and pollution concerns.
A mink ranch is proposed for an area of rolling meadows and forest near a couple of lakes in the Carleton area of rural Yarmouth County.
Residents say there's no way they want it there.
The largest of the two lakes is Sloans Lake. Bird Lake is nearby, and both are fed by springs.
An Environment Canada report published last year lists the shoreline of Sloans as one of just eight in Nova Scotia where the endangered pink coreopsis plant is found.
The report estimates 6,000 of the flowering plants remain but are in jeopardy.
While no one suggested mink ranches are not viable businesses, almost everyone in attendance associated fur farms with some type of pollution.
A blue-green algae coating some local lakes is likely the result of contamination from upstream farms, including fur ranches, residents said.
Last March, the provincial Environment Department released a study on some local lakes and algae growth. High nutrient levels were found in some lakes, and shoreline surveys identified potential sources including mink farms and a mink food processing facility.
The report advised further investigation.
Yarmouth member of the legislature Richard Hurlburt told the group he'll meet with Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau this week.
Hurlburt said he plans to push for a moratorium on proceeding with a mink farm in the region until there is a chance to conduct a detailed environmental assessment.
The Municipality of the District of Yarmouth is responsible for ensuring a proposed commercial enterprise like a mink ranch abides by its bylaws.
The mink ranch would be required to be 805 metres from the nearest home and 109 metres from a watercourse, according to municipal bylaws that are primarily concerned with location.
Concerns about manure disposal and air and water pollution must be directed to the agriculture and environment departments, deputy warden Ken Crosby said last month.
Allan Winters said he built a home near a mink ranch in another part of the county several years ago and soon discovered the scent was an unbearable one on most days.
"It's a very souring, pungent smell. It's actually a sickening smell if it's strong," he said about a facility in the Raynardton area.
He said he used to windsurf on Lake Vaughn but stopped because the smell was getting to him.
Winters then bought property on Bird Lake to get away from the odour.
"I don't want to be next to it again," he said.