Tyson Farms Wastewater Permit Hearing: Community Concerns

0:00It's March 27. This is Birmingham News today, AI-powered stories from your city. Alabama's Department of Environmental Management held a public hearing in Blountsville on a proposed wastewater permit for Tyson Farms. The permit would allow the company at 6-7-2-4-0 main street to discharge treated poultry processing wastewater, sanitary waste, and storm water into nearby surface waters. Here this week, dozens of residents and environmental advocates showed up to voice their input. They worry the discharges could harm local spots like Graves Creek, Locust Fork, and Martis Mill Falls, which people use for recreation and support. Wildlife? Community members recognize Tyson as a key employer in Blount County, but point to a past incident. Back in 2019, a major wastewater spill from the company killed an estimated 175,000 fish in the Mulberry. Fork of the Black Warrior River, leading to a $3 million settlement with the state, environmental

1:01groups like Black Warrior River Keeper are calling for tougher pollution limits on nutrients and bacteria, plus upgrades to treatment, technology, and more monitoring of groundwater use. Tyson Food says it already follows strong compliance standards, uses the latest science for water management, and supports the permit as written, while valuing community ties. ADE is now reviewing all the feedback before deciding on the final permit. Folks can still send written comments by mail or email to Water-Permits at edem.alibama.gov by Friday at 5 p.m. as the agency weighs. These local water protection concerns.