“Since 2012, West Liberty Foods has been able to divert 520 million pounds of waste from landfills by becoming landfill free,” remarked Michele Boney, director of EHS for West Liberty Foods, during her presentation at USPOULTRY’s 2016 Environmental Management Seminar. More than 130 industry professionals attended the meeting in Destin, Fla.
Boney shared West Liberty Foods’ success story of becoming landfill free with the help of various programs and by sharing knowledge with the community regarding composting and recycling. She provided attendees with information that could help with their sustainability efforts and ultimately become landfill free.
In his presentation on “Critical Environmental Issues at the Feed Mill,” Jamie Burr, technical services manager for Tyson Foods, provided examples on issues that can arise in feed mills if air pollution control devices are improperly operated, which can create a stormwater issue. Burr highlighted air permitting, stormwater, RCRA, EPCRA and SPCC regulations and provided tips on ensuring that feed mills are up to date on inspections and evaluations.
Stephen James, director of environmental engineering for Pilgrim’s, and Doug Singleton, environmental specialist for Tip Top Poultry, provided case studies regarding infrastructure improvements as a result of EPA audits and complying with State stormwater permits. James elaborated on the importance of documentation, clarification and engaging third party groups as guidelines that can be used for complete stormwater capture and treatment.
USPOULTRY also presented its Clean Water Award to Sanderson Farms of Kinston, N.C., in the full treatment category, and Tyson Foods of Russellville, Ark., in the pretreatment category. The Joint Poultry Environmental Management Committee likewise met at the seminar, and Brenda Flick, manager of environmental services for Sanderson Farms, was recognized for her many years of support of the Joint Poultry Environmental Management Committee and the Environmental Management Seminar Planning Committee.
