Huge Piggery Planned in New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND - While environmentalists and animal rights activists are against the idea of the $25 million pig plant planned near Foxton, others see it as a boon as it creates employment opportunities for many.According to Stuff, Pork Industry Board director Colin Kay, trading as Coastal Lakes Station, has applied to Horowhenua District Council and Horizons Regional Council to farm up to 4800 breeding sows on about 20 hectares of a 1592hectare farm in Wylie Rd.
If approved, it will be one of the biggest pig farms in New Zealand, with up to 45,000 pigs. The application includes a proposal to discharge effluent on to the farm for 25 years.
About 30 staff would be employed at first, increasing to about 50 at full production.
Buildings proposed include breeding and growing units, a grain silo complex and feed mill.
The farm, on the coast between Himatangi and Foxton, was chosen for its relative isolation and low-fertile, free-draining sandy soil. There are three lake-wetland areas within or partly within the property.
The company says effluent produced at the piggery will be collected in drains under the buildings, which will be flushed daily to a biodigester and treated.
Once treated, the effluent would be used as liquid manure and spread on paddocks. Methane produced at the plant would be used to generate electricity.
The piggery would be largely computer-controlled, with automated feeding, ventilation and drain-flushing, Mr Kay said.
The district council, which has to approve the development, has received 11 submissions - two in support and nine against. Objectors include Forest and Bird, local iwi and animal rights activists.
Concerns included smell and the effect on water quality.
The application will be heard by both councils tomorrow.
View the Stuff story by clicking here.