March 19, 2007

Smithfield awaits state decision on increased hog slaughter
 

Smithfield Packing Co's proposal on additional hog slaughter hinges as the state of North Carolina (NC) will have its deliberations and issue a final decision within ninety days. 

Smithfield pitched its proposal to up slaughter at its Tar Heel plant by 12 percent, to 9.5 million hogs per year from about 8.5 million, at a hearing before NC state water regulators. The proposed increase is included in Smithfield's request for a renewal of a permit that allows the company to discharge treated wastewater into the Cape Fear River.

While environmentalists is upset the potential impact on the region's groundwater, rivers and wildlife, labourers worry that increased production will also translate into increased injuries.