Maryland Officials Seek Accountability for Polluting Rendering Plant in Linkwood

LINKWOOD, Md.- The Maryland Department of the Environment hosted a virtual public hearing on a draft permit for the Valley Proteins poultry rendering plant located on Linkwood Road.

Wednesday afternoon's public hearing provided the public opportunity to comment on the permit which would limit the plant's allowed phosphorous and nitrogen discharge levels into the nearby Transquaking River. The permit would also implement new groundwater monitoring tables at the plant.

The Maryland Department of Environment alleges that the plant has been responsible for numerous pollution violations since 2018.

Matt Pluta, the Choptank Riverkeeper with the environmental group ShoreRivers, says the permit is a step in the right direction.

"Finally, we're happy to see a new draft permit. But in no way should that excuse the history of non compliance that I mentioned related to some of the pollutants that they've been discharging into the river above their permitted limits," Pluta said.

In a statement to WBOC, an MDE spokesperson said the department is "committed to working with the facility, citizens and conservation groups for cleaner water, a healthier watershed and greater accountability."

MDE is planning an in-person public hearing at a time and date that has yet to be determined. The public comment period on the draft permit is open until December.

WBOC reached out to Valley Proteins for comment. The company did not respond to our request.

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