Following representations by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) responding to complaints from constituents, the Environmental Protection Agency will investigate reports of odors associated with a Smithfield Foods plant in St. Charles, IL. Rep. Krishnamoorthi addressed a letter to the EPA on August 18th noting the urgency of the issue and requesting feedback. On September 12th, three weeks later, the Agency stated that it would commence an investigation but was unable to share any findings if and when available.
The St. Charles facility processes pork into sausages and salamis and is not a primary packing plant. Smithfield Foods claims to have invested $350,000 in odor neutralization and has embarked on a program of upgrading wastewater installations using professional consultants. The question arises as to whether action taken by Smithfield has resolved issues responsible for complaints that were raised over a month ago.