Missouri's House has voted overwhelmingly to regulate the disposal of meatpacking sludge, addressing long-standing health and environmental concerns.
Allison Kite reports for Missouri Independent.
In short:
- Residents near meatpacking waste storage have faced unbearable odors and health issues, prompting legislative action.
- The proposed bill mandates water pollution permits and sets minimum distances for waste storage facilities from homes and public buildings.
- Denali Water Solutions, the company at the center of the controversy, argues the bill could increase food production costs.
Key quote:
"It literally burns your lungs, your chest. I’m an ICU nurse — like, I know this isn’t normal."
— Vallerie Steele, local resident and nurse
Why this matters:
The primary concern with meatpacking sludge is its potential to pollute water supplies, harming aquatic ecosystems and potentially jeopardizing human health. When improperly managed or treated, this sludge can leach into rivers, lakes, and groundwater, carrying with it a high load of nutrients, pathogens, and chemicals.
In North Carolina, hog waste pollution leads to a familiar result. Will things ever change?
