Source: Meatingplace
A renewed permit will allow embattled poultry renderer Valley Proteins Inc. to expand its Linkwood, Md., facility and discharge almost four times the amount of its current wastewater output, raising concerns among environmental groups.
The permit, issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and made effective Feb. 1, authorizes an average discharge of 150,000 gallons per day and provides a possible expansion to an average of 575,000 gallons per day.
MDE’s approval comes a few months after Valley agreed to pay $700,000 in civil penalties to settle a lawsuit accusing the company of illegally polluting the Transquaking River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.
The renewed permit is drawing fresh criticism from opponents, including environmentalists who say that state officials are still failing to curb pollution from a facility that has a history of violations and shouldn’t be rewarded with authorization to discharge more wastewater.
MDE spokesperson Jay Apperson said the permit includes conditions that will reduce pollution and improve water quality, working in tandem with Valley’s consent decree. He noted changes to the permit include more temperature monitoring and a requirement that the upgraded facility have adequate staffing, among other conditions.
