As a result of environmental contamination with inadequately treated wastewater, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources withdrew the relevant permit for Missouri Prime Beef effectively closing the plant.

Representative Jim Kalberloh is cooperating with Representative Mike Stephens on a resolution to the problem to allow over 300 workers to return to the facility.  Kalberloh stated “I understand the impact of fresh water and clean water, so it’s a kind of thin line to try to walk. We are just trying to work out a deal where both can coincide and to live and come to a peaceful conclusion” The solution to the problem would be for the new owners of the plant to make the necessary investment in an effluent treatment plant to conform to state and industry standards.

If legislators strong-arm environmental regulators, over an issue of obvious contamination, the entire process of control will be eroded, with adverse consequences to the residents of the area. It is understood that a petition with 1,000 signatures was presented to the State protesting the release of incompletely treated effluent into the Pomme de Terre River adjacent to the plant. That should grab the Legislators’ attention!