Delaware Department of Natural Resources Secretary Shawn Garvin has issued an order allowing poultry processor Mountaire to store sludge from its wastewater operation in Millsboro.
Mountaire has been working to upgrade its wastewater facilities and increase the effectiveness of its spray irrigation wastewater system.
As part of that effort, Mountaire plans to clean out lagoons and dewater sludge. Only a limited number of loads of dried sludge can be removed from the site each day.
A liner would be put under the dry sludge, with wells monitoring the water supply.
Garvin’s decision came after a public hearing on the application. Garvin stated in the order testimony at the hearing did not demonstrate a need for further study or a rejection of Mountaire’s permit request.
Mountaire has been under fire from neighbors for groundwater pollution in the area around the plant. Law firms are threatening a federal suit if changes are not made.
Mountaire has not responded to a request for comment on the threat of legal action but previously pointed to plans to spend $25 million on a wastewater treatment project, fired staff at the wastewater plant and hired new workers.
The company has also noted that water quality problems in the area pre-date the company’s purchase of the Townsend poultry plant.
Mountaire fires wastewater workers, announces plans for upgrades at Millsboro site
