Study claims Tyson dumped millions of pounds of pollutants into U.S. waters

HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – According to an article from The Guardian, Tyson Foods allegedly dumped millions of pounds of toxic pollutants into U.S. rivers and lakes, including plants in Robards and Sebree.

The Guardian claims Tyson was found hundreds of millions of pounds of pollutants from 41 factories. The report says more than 79,000 pounds of pollutants were released into the water from the Robards plant. It also showed more than 161,000 pounds were released from the Sebree plant.

The data was based on research by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The study claims that Tyson’s wastewater contains blood, bacteria and animal waste and was released directly into streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands that are relied on for drinking water, fishing and recreation.

The study was also based on publicly available water pollution data Tyson is required to report under current regulations.

Tyson responded with a statement provided to Eyewitness News by a Tyson Foods spokesperson. The full statement reads:

“Tyson Food uses a robust management system to mitigate environmental risks and impact, and we strive to run our operations as responsible stewards of our natural resources. We consistently monitor effluent from our facilities, and we work closely with our federal and state regulators, as well as our local municipalities, as we plan, design, and operate our wastewater systems. This report does not acknowledge our ongoing compliance with EPA regulations and certification by the Water Alliance for our strong water management practices. Our longstanding treatment program protects the environment and the interests of water across our nation, along with ensuring resiliency of the food system.”

Henderson County Judge Executive Brad Schneider says in a written statement that he has not received any EPA violation or heard concerns from the Henderson Water Utility. His full statement says:

“I have not received notice of any EPA violation by the Tyson Sebree plant in my eight years as judge-executive, nor have I heard of concerns from the Henderson Water Utility, which handles Tyson Sebree’s wastewater and also has freshwater intake in the Green River not far from Tyson. I cannot comment on the situation at other sites, but Tyson Sebree is a valued, and I believe conscientious, member of Henderson County’s industrial community. They employ 1,000 people and are very generous with donations of food to local non-profits.”

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