Shire’s OMB appeal gets underway in Lincoln

Shire Corp.’s appeal of a Town of Lincoln decision to deny its request to operate a human biosolids storage facility at its Frost Road property got underway Tuesday morning.

The 35-acre property had a previous use as a poultry processing plant, with ponds in place which were used for waste.

The hearing got underway with two preliminary motions were heard.

The first was the Community Association’s motion to dismiss Shire’s appeal on the basis that a permit under the Environmental Protection Act was required before the OMB process.

This was denied.

The second motion – to phase the hearing to deal with the threshold planning issue first, which the Town supported – was also heard.

The Board reserved its decision Tuesday and Wednesday denied the motion to phase.

“A large contingent of residents were in attendance today,” said Lincoln CAO Mike Kirkopoulos.

“It is obvious this issue has created a significant level anxiety in the community and there remains strong opposition by all parties. Day one was very much as expected.”

A host of representatives from industry, government, wineries and community groups have been granted party status and will be given a chance to address the hearing.

The OMB has alloted 20 days in which to conduct the hearing.

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Editor’s Note — on February 3, the motion to phase was denied by the board.