The noise pollution, the smell, the sweeping of trucks and the risk of pollution still worries a collective of local residents which was formed in the spring to oppose the purchase and development of a farm in the communes of Peyrilhac and Nieul. The T’Rhéa company wants to fatten 3,100 cattle there and assures that the project respects all environmental and animal welfare standards. However, it will slightly modify its project, following a unfavorable opinion formulated by the investigating commissioner following the public inquiry.
Unanswered questions about water management and pollution
Opponents denounce an oversized project and fear its impact on their living environment. They also fear possible pollution of nearby ponds and waterways. Concerns on which they were, in part, joined by the investigating commissioner. In his conclusions, he notably emphasized that “the proposed file and the responses provided, particularly on the water issue and the risks of pollution on the Chavaignac site, do not seem sufficient for a file of this nature.” The fact remains that his opinion is purely advisory, the prefect of Haute-Vienne is not required to follow it.
The opponents therefore decided to maintain the pressure before the final decision, expected for the fall. This Tuesday they again listed their concerns and raised new questions, particularly regarding a methanizer supposed to support the project. To date, its construction is no longer so certain. The equipment could also change location compared to the initial project, which raises further reluctance. Opponents of the 3,100 cattle farm are announcing a demonstration for September, in order to relaunch the debate after the summer holidays.
The project is maintained, with some modifications
On the T’Rhéa side, Pascal Nowak is staying the course. He is the one who is piloting the project for this agri-food group and he assures that everything is done according to the ruleseven if he recognizes that there are some adjustments to be made on certain points.
“We expected many comments from the investigating commissioner on animal welfare and the risk of environmental pollution. In view of all this, 90% of the observations that were made were validated by the investigating commissioner. There remains only one point which concerns the risk linked to the pollution of residual water.” explains Pascal Nowak.
It will therefore propose arrangements for the management of rainwater and proposes to move a building built too close to a pond, 27 meters away: “We will move, we will get a building permit, we will put it 50 meters away.”. Around the question of waterways and the evacuation of residual water, it has already launched a study with the Vienne Basin Development Union to propose a evacuation plan of these waters without passing through the ponds. A study which will be attached to the file sent to the prefect within a few weeks.
