Placentia Junction no place for mink farm, says cabin owner

There's mounting opposition against a proposal to establish a mink farm in the area of Placentia Junction.

Viking Furs, the company that already operates a mink farm near Cavendish, Trinity Bay, has applied to the provincial government for permission to create a second farm on the Argentia Access Road.

The company hopes to open the farm in 2015, and eventually grow the operation to 15,000 animals within five years.

But many cabin owners in the vicinity are speaking out against the plan, and have launched an online petition that contained 1,000 signatures by Monday morning.

No one would want this next to their property.- John Devereaux, leading opposition to proposed mink farm

The opposition is being led by cabin owner John Devereaux, who worries that the farm will create a foul stench,generate flies during the summer months, and attract animals such as rats and foxes.

The petition also questions the ethical practice of raising thousands of mink in cages and harvesting their furs.

"No one would want this next to their property," Devereaux told CBC'sSt. John's Morning Show.

There are roughly 300 cabins in the area, and Devereaux believes the quality of life for the owners, including many outdoor pursuits, will be "ruined."

He said property owners in Cavendish and area have complained for years about the odour and flies generated by thatmink farm.

"I understand the need for job creation, but it does not need to go there," said Devereaux.

Minister to decide in January

The deadline for public comment on the proposal is Dec. 31, and Environment and Conservation Minister Dan Crummell is scheduled to make a decision by Jan. 19.

The co-owner of Viking Furs, meanwhile, acknowledged that there will be an odour during the spring and fall, when a "liquid manure" is spread over the hay fields.

"It's a normal thing to smell a farm," saidPeter Noer.

However,he said his company will use the latest technology to mitigate any concerns, including a special gutter system that collects excrement from the animals and sends it to a holding tank.

He said a similar system is now in place at the company's farm in Cavendish, and is working well.

The company is negotiating with the owner of an existing sheep farm to purchase the 300-acre property.

Noer said the farm will benefit the area, creating about 20 full-time jobspeaking at 40 jobs during certain times.

He said it's important to foster economic growth in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, instead of relying so much on the oil and gas industry.

"What if oil stays like it is for the next five years?" he said, referring to the current slump in oil prices and its impact on the provincial treasury.

"Maybe we should start to look around and see what else can we create in rural Newfoundland? What could we make right here in Newfoundland and Labrador?"