Proposed Missouri Beef Plant Meets Resistance
A new 2,400 head per day beef processing facility proposed for east-central Missouri has met local resistance.
American Foods Group (AFG) was granted a conditional use permit in April by the Warren County Commission. Now, opponents of the Green Bay, Wisc.-based beef packer have appealed that decision and an appeal hearing is set for May 24.
AFG plans to build its new 500,000-square-foot slaughterhouse near Foristell, MO, and the Warren County planning and zoning board, a group of appointed citizen volunteers, voted 6-1 to approve the permit, according to the Warren County Record.
AFG chose Missouri after a multi-state selection process. Once fully operational, the plant would employ more than 1,300 workers.
In a public forum, nearby residents raised concerns about potential impacts on area traffic, odor, and water quality, The Warren County Record reported. AFG has included answers to those concerns in the information the company has presented to county officials.
The appeal will be heard by the Warren County Commission, the county government’s top administrative body. AFG and opponents will both get a chance to make their arguments for and against the project and the commission can then choose to affirm the permit, modify it, or reject it.
In December, the commission announced that it is seeking a $2 million grant from the state government to help add turn lanes to Veterans Memorial Parkway near the plant, and to build a paved public road to serve the area.
AFG has stated in its project presentations that all wastewater from the facility will be routed into a sewer system and cleaned of contaminants, a requirement that is strictly mandated by state law.
