There have been a number of instances where opposition by residents has resulted in rejection of permits. A 2011-2012 case concerned the proposed 3.5 million- hen in-line breaking operation in Union County Ohio which was abandoned after legal wrangling. A proposal for Sanderson Farms to establish a 1.2 million broiler per week complex near Rocky Mount, NC was scuttled by opponents, resulting in the Company electing to establish their new complex near Palestine, TX in a more welcoming community. Currently Harim-Allen Foods in Delaware is the target of opposition to conversion of a derelict pickle factory to a new processing plant, notwithstanding the obvious contribution in terms of jobs and tax revenue. The issue relating to the conversion of the Vlasic Pickle factory relates to concern over pollutants. The previous operator, Pinnacle Foods was apparently responsible for releasing perchloroethylene and lead which have allegedly seeped into ground water. According to the Environmental Program Administrator of the DNREC, the chemicals do not pose a risk at the levels assayed. Apparently up to $225,000 will be made available by the state of Delaware to remove contamination. An additional issue termed “Environmental Justice” has been raised in the Harim-Allen case. The EPA has invoked this principle which allows the Agency to protect residents from potential negative consequences when industrial operations may be prejudicial to communities based on their race or income. The not-in-my-backyard phenomenon will become more common especially where small-scale operations wish to locate in “gentrified” areas with hobby farms and residences owned by townspeople. These are frequently located near regional centers including state capitals. These commuter communities have a high concentration of educated residents wishing to maintain a semi-rural lifestyle but with no appreciation of the realities of commercial food production. Accordingly aspirant poultry producers are cautioned to carefully evaluate the location of capital-intensive facilities. Consideration should be extended to potential opposition based on environmental or health issues, whether real or imagined. Financial institutions will also consider potential opposition from neighbors and regulatory authorities in advancing loans since future conflicts and legal issues may seriously erode the capacity of a lender to service a loan.egg-cite/share/email/default.aspx?contentID=2624
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 16:31:18 +0000
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