[YARMOUTH, NS] - In its latest move to rectify the outfall of a topsoil processing operation on Argyle Street, the town is consulting its solicitor to see if the property can be cited for unsightly premises.
Kier Anthony has been operating a topsoil screening business on the property for several years without a permit. When this was brought to his attention, he apologized and applied for a development agreement. His application was denied. He said at that time there had not been any complaints about the operation.
Argyle Street resident Garnet Horton says otherwise.
At the March 17 meeting he told council that he represented several concerned residents.
A new bylaw approved by council prevents similar operations from starting but still allows topsoil to be removed from the Argyle property due to a “grandfather” stipulation.
“I can’t see where this can be grandfathered at all. It’s not just about topsoil. They’ve dug ground down to hardpan. It’s preposterous,” said Horton.
During the public hearing prior to the meeting, resident Vivian Kennedy expressed frustration at how the excavations have changed water flow from the nearby property, which is now flooding her backyard.
“I never had a sump pump before, and now I have two. One was going the whole day long the other day,” she said.
Concerns have also been expressed about blowing dust and the danger that mounds and pits on the property could pose to children.
