Woman chains herself to bulldozer in protest of hog barn operator clearing marsh land

Janine Gibson (right) chained herself to a bulldozer in protest of a hog operation clearing marsh land in southeastern Manitoba.

A Manitoba woman chained herself to a bulldozer Tuesday, which she said has been used to clear marsh land to allow a hog barn operator to spread manure on the property near Zhoda in southeastern Manitoba.

“The barns need to look at how they are managing manure. Instead of looking at new technologies to manage manure, they are bulldozing marsh forest to spread their manure,” said Janine Gibson.

Gibson was formerly a federal Green Party candidate in the Provencher riding.

Arthur Rempel from Provista Agriculture said he was shocked to see her there and that they will be talking to Manitoba Conservation before the company goes ahead with any more work.

Work was stopped Tuesday.

He said he will be talking to Conservation Jan. 21.

A provincial spokesperson issued a statement Tuesday afternoon.

“Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship is aware of concerns around the activity at this site. Environment Officers and Drainage Officers have visited the property and determined that the activity is related only to clearing brush,” said the spokesperson. “At this time we have identified no compliance issues, but will remain in contact with the property owners and can return if anything changes or other work is undertaken.”

“While current regulations do not permit the application of manure after November 10 or before April 11, if at some point in the future anyone plans to spread manure on that property – they would first have to file a manure management plan with the province. That plan would have to show that there is sufficient buffer area from any watershed,” said the provincial spokesperson.