The Neuse River Compliance Association recently reached a near unanimous decision to ask the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources to deny the plant a permit because of its potential environmental impact on the Neuse River. In a nine-page resolution drafted by the association, it states that the proposed chicken plant — along with broiler and feeder houses needed from an eight-county region to supply the plant — could increase the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering the river.

Voting in favor of the resolution at the association’s meeting in Fuquay-Varina included the municipalities of Apex, Clayton, Farmville, Goldsboro, Kenly, La Grange, Raleigh and Wilson. Others entities opposing the project were Johnston County; the South Granville Water and Sewer Authority, which represents Granville County and Butner, Creedmoor and Stem; Contentnea Metropolitan Sewer District, which includes Ayden, Grifton and Winterville; and Aqua America, a private wastewater service with more than 250,000 customers in 42 N.C. counties.

“The facts are clear, the threats are real, and other cities are now realizing how this project and the decisions of one county could harm the entire region,” said Wilson Mayor Bruce Rose.

Kinston, where the headquarters of Sanderson Farms is located, was the only association member to support the project.

Source: Rocky Mount Telegram