TUCKER, GA. – Two Tyson Foods Inc. poultry plants were recognized by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) for following through on commitments to conserving and treating water used at their facilities. Representatives of the plants, located in Nashville, Ark., And Berryville, Ark., received 2021 Clean Water Awards for their achievements during the recent USPOULTRY Environmental Management Seminar.  

One innovation at the Nashville plant that was highlighted by USPOULTRY was its program to successfully upcycle contaminated plastic by partnering with a vendor using a process to transform the plastic into beads designed to produce other plastic products.  

The Nashville plant was the winner in USPOULTRY’s full treatment category. While producing 1.2 million gallons of wastewater per day, the plant’s treatment program ensured discharge levels were below the permittable limits established by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. 

In the pretreatment category, Tyson’s Berryville plant was awarded for not only for discharging less than the permitted limits for its .75 million gallons of high-strength wastewater each day, but also for implementing an oil filtration system to limit the oil entering its wastewater facility. The filter also produces a “cake” that is recycled as an ingredient in animal feed. 

“We received several terrific applications for this year’s Clean Water Awards, and they should all be commended,” said Greg Hinton, USPOULTRY chairman who is also vice president of sales with Rose Acre Farms. “The quality of the applications received is representative of our members’ unwavering commitment to wastewater treatment and the conservation of our earth’s natural resources. Congratulations to this year’s winners.”