CHICAGO — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially began an investigation into the wastewater treatment processes and equipment at Smithfield Foods’ St. Charles, Ill., processing plant.

An investigation into the plant was encouraged by Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) after he received complaints of foul odors coming from the facility. The congressman sent a letter to the EPA on Aug. 18, urging the agency to look into the issue and to send its findings to his office and the public.

The EPA responded with a letter of its own on Sept. 12. The agency noted that while it has begun looking into the odor concerns, it would not be able to share its findings with the congressman once they become available.

“Due to a long-standing policy of limiting third party communications regarding enforcement matters, the US Environmental Protection Agency is not able to share findings from ongoing investigations,” the agency wrote. “Please be assured that we are in contact with the City of St. Charles and with the Smithfield Foods facility. And we will be pleased to provide you with the information concerning the inspections when publicly available.”

“I welcome the news that the EPA has launched an investigation into the malodors surrounding the Smithfield Foods facility in St. Charles,” Krishnamoorthi said. “While I am disappointed by the EPA’s initial refusal to share its findings so long as the investigation is ongoing, I will continue to work with local authorities to address this issue while pressing the EPA to disclose any investigatory findings pertinent to the health and wellbeing of St. Charles residents.”

Smithfield’s St. Charles facility produces dried sausage, pepperoni and salami and employs 500 team members.

This past year, Smithfield invested $350,000 in odor neutralization and system setup for the plant. It implemented process controls, expanded testing protocols, developed capital projects and installed system upgrades. Additionally, Smithfield welcomed a new wastewater consultant and hired an environmental/wastewater supervisor.

“We fully understand the concerns with odor associated with our wastewater system in St. Charles and are working to be sure we are doing our part to mitigate any potential odor issues,” said Ray Atkinson, senior director of external communications at Smithfield. “It is important to note that the last complaint was more than four months ago.”

Atkinson added that Smithfield is in “constant communication” with the City of St. Charles. Last month, the company met with Krishnamoorthi’s office to inform them of investments that have been made and will continue to be made to mitigate potential odors.