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Residents say Tyson expanded processing and water use without required permit modifications
Summary
Speakers alleged Tyson increased deboning capacity and processing volumes and sought to raise permitted flow limits without following permit‑modification rules; at least one commenter asked ADEM to deny reissuance until monitoring and enforcement questions are resolved.
Deborah Gordon Hellman of Blountsville told the hearing that documents in the application describe a new deboning facility and a processing increase that she summarized as roughly 125,000 additional birds per week and substantial additional water use. "They did not, and I quote, apply for a permit modification at least 180 days in advance of any facility expansion, production increase, or process change," she said and urged ADEM not to approve the permit while those questions remain unresolved.
Other commenters echoed concerns about phosphorus removal and monitoring. Hellman noted that a required phosphorus filter upgrade had an April 1, 2025, compliance date and said she found no sampling records post‑completion; she asked the department to require thorough monitoring and enforcement. ADEM staff said the agency will consider all written and oral comments as it finalizes its determination.
