Concentrated animal feedlot operations (“CAFOs”), also known as intensive livestock operations, present numerous environmental and human health risks to their surrounding communities. One particular concern is the potential for contamination of ready-to-eat crops being grown at neighbouring farms. This contamination may occur when manure or manure dust is transported to the field growing ready to eat crops by wind, or by birds and flies that are attracted to the manure. Legislation in British Columbia is insufficient to effectively address this issue, and related issues associated with feedlots. This legal memorandum prepared by ELC student Alex Stirling identifies gaps in provincial regulation of CAFOs, and surveys how they are regulated in some other jurisdictions.
