Proposed wastewater lagoon surfaces fears for Lake Winnipeg

A proposed wastewater lagoon on a Hutterite colony development in Manitoba's Interlake is raising concerns from some in the area who worry it could impact the health of Lake Winnipeg.

A proposed wastewater lagoon on a Hutterite colony development in Manitoba's Interlake is raising concerns from some in the area who worry it could impact the health of Lake Winnipeg.

The proposed lagoon is part of the Crystal Spring Hutterite Colony development in the Rural Municipality of Armstrong, about 10 kilometres southwest of Gimli.

Victor Kleinsasser, the secretary of the colony, told CTV News the lagoon would manage the waste for a new development of 250 people as well as an abattoir – an animal slaughterhouse.

"It's not a commercial abattoir," Kleinsasser said. "We sometimes butcher chickens, mostly for our own use."

According to documents for the development, the lagoon would be designed to discharge into the nearby road drain and then into Willow Creek. It will then travel about 15 km through the creek before entering Lake Winnipeg.

"This lagoon is being built up to modern best standards," Kleinsasser said, adding the colony has hired Brandon-based engineering firm Burns Maendel. "They're not cutting any corners."

However, the project has faced opposition from some in the community who are worried about the lagoon's potential environmental impact.