"This discharge continued for three days without coverage under a Surface Water Discharge permit as required by the Clean Water Act and the South Dakota Pollution Control Act," according to a notice of violation from the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
As part of the settlement agreement, Northern Beef Packers is required to inspect its wastewater lagoons daily until repairs are made, at which time inspections can be done weekly. The company must also submit a detailed sampling plan, and hire a certified wastewater operator by July 15, 2013.
Northern Beef Packers announced in April temporary layoffs of 108 of its 420 employees. The company, which was processing 200 head per day, was trying to raise money to buy more cattle.
