Perdue Foods was notified by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) that it allegedly violated the conditions for its permit for the company’s poultry plant in Milford, Delaware.
According to the notice, a facility inspection in 2023 revealed that recordkeeping for kerosene delivered to the facility was incomplete.
Michael Globetti, media relations manager with DNREC, told DelawareOnline the notice of violation is merely a "first enforcement measure," and that no penalties or fees were imposed.
However, a spokesperson for Perdue Farms said the issue has been resolved, and that the notice is largely to serve as a reminder to not make the same mistakes.
“The complaint is connected to an inspection last year that found a recordkeeping issue related to sulfur content, testing and sampling methodology for kerosene deliveries to the Milford facility. Following the inspection, the sulfur content, testing and sampling methodology was provided to DNREC and found to be acceptable. Since the time of the inspection, we’ve improved processes and put new leadership in place at the facility to maintain and monitor internal compliance. As a family-owned company who has called Delmarva home for more than 104 years, we are committed to being good neighbors and stewards of the environment,” the spokesperson said.
The kerosene in question was used for space heaters in the receiving area of the facility. The heaters were utilized because the garage-style door for the receiving area is frequently opened in the winter, letting cold air in.
