July 12, 2006

North Coast Meats proposes environmentally-friendly plant

North Coast Meats has announced plans to build a US$10 million, multiple-species meat processing plant near Ukiah, California to serve local producers. 

Rancho Meats in Petaluma, Californina, is scheduled to close in 2008, leaving a vacuum which North Coast Meats hopes to fill.

The company, familiar with public opposition to meat plants, is prepared for criticism.

Don Ballek, assistant to the Ukiah city manager, said the new plant would have a focus on humane animal treatment. It would also be smaller in scale than most plants. Ballek estimates the plant would slaughter about 50,000 animals a year and would serve local beef cattle, pig, bison, goat, and lamb ranchers.

Not only would the plant boost the city's economy, it would be environmentally-friendly, Balleck said.

North Coast Meats wanted to utilise methods to benefit not only the facility but the environment, Ballek said. The company was very sensitive and attuned to environmental issues, Balleck said.

Water coming out of the plant would be treated by microorganisms that break down waste and provide cleaner water. These organisms would in turn be fed to ornamental fish.

The company also plans to use excess fat from livestock to produce biodiesel, said Sam Goldberger, managing director of North Coast Meats.

North Coast Meats is currently considering six other sites for the plant.