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Residents urge answers about proposed beef-processing plant at Ag Park
Summary
Residents raised health, odor and water-quality questions about a proposed beef-processing plant at the agricultural park; the council said no final proposal has been submitted and promised public hearings and more information before decisions are made.
Residents told the Tenino City Council on July 14 that a proposed beef-processing plant at the agricultural park could create odor, wastewater and public-health problems for nearby homes. Karen Parker, who spoke during the meeting's public-comment period, said the plant's early descriptions raised multiple unanswered questions.
"They're gonna start out with about 50 beef per day with plans to expand in the future," Parker said, then asked specifically: "How do you control the odor for the neighbors that are downwind? Are they going to be rendering and processing the byproducts on the site? What about wastewater treatment — will they process blood, fat and wash water on-site or use the city's sewage treatment plant?" Parker said she and dozens of families downwind were worried about flies, groundwater contamination, and the effects of any pesticides or repellents used on incoming animals.
Mayor (speaker 1) told Parker the city has not yet received detailed plans and that the current timeline is not immediate. "There's nothing specific from the place yet," the mayor said, adding that the council would ensure the public has an opportunity to hear the proposals and answers when the developers bring them forward. The mayor characterized the project as likely "a couple years down the road."
Councilmembers at the meeting echoed requests for more information and time for public review. One councilmember (speaker 8) said the council had not been brought into the process and asked to be included as details are developed so members and residents can review proposals before any approvals are expected.
The council did not take action on the project at the July 14 meeting. Officials said they will circulate any developer materials, involve relevant agencies for environmental and wastewater review, and schedule public hearings before any land-use approvals or agreements are considered.
