Local organizations secure consent decree requiring chicken rendering plant to pay fines

DELMARVA- A lawsuit has been settled after a number of groups went after a local chicken rendering plant, accusing the plant of violating its permitted wastewater pollution limits for years.

The Maryland Department of the Environment filed a judicial consent decree. It addresses the lawsuit brought on by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, ShoreRivers, Dorchester Citizens for Planned Growth, and the state of Maryland who were going after Valley Proteins. Those organizations said the facility’s more than 40 violations over the previous decade have resulted in excess amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, fecal coliform bacteria, and ammonia entering the Transquaking River and the Chesapeake Bay. Now, with this consent decree, it requires Valley Proteins to upgrade equipment, pay fines, and investigate groundwater at the site.

“We hope this settlement will really be a warning to all polluters in the state that if you violate permit conditions you’re going to be held accountable,” Alan Girard, CBF Eastern Shore Director, said.

“The company has agreed to pay $540,000  in civil penalties; the company will also provide non-profit organizations $135,000 to help with monitoring and restoration work,” Girad said. “So, these are significant financial penalties and resources that will help go towards restoring the health of the river.”

We did reach out to the company, Darling Ingredients, who now own Valley Proteins and as of airtime we did not heard back. Both of those companies will be responsible for meeting the terms of the settlement.