Koster charged the Jackson, Mo. company with water pollution, illegal discharge, failure to report the breaches and failure to submit discharge monitoring reports and sample discharge. The lawsuit states that animal waste was discharged numerous times "in dark brown or red, foamy stream water with an offensive odor." One spill allegedly killed more than 900 fish.
Koster is seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction barring Fruitland from further violations of the Missouri Clean Water Law, and for a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each day violations occurred.
Fruitland American Meat is a small slaughter and processing facility that specializes in processing grass-fed, organic and natural cattle. The company processes approximately 175 to 200 head of beef per week. Fruitland also processes hogs, lamb, goats, bison and elk, according to the company’s website.
