KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary

December 12, 1997

Contact: Don Brown

(785) 296-1529

Monfort Inc. Fined $200,000

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued an administrative order assessing a $200,000 fine against Monfort Inc., for violating conditions of the company's Water Pollution Control Permit at its Garden City meat packing facility.

Based upon inspection records at KDHE and communications with Monfort Inc., the Secretary of Health and Environment has determined that the facility violated terms and conditions of the permit by,

1) failing to comply with a schedule of compliance to clean an anaerobic lagoon;

2) failing to maintain adaquate freeboard in the wastewater lagoons;

3) applying wastewater to farm land in excess of agronomic plant nutrient requirements;

4) failing to maintain records as required by the permit.

The department determined that conditions at the facility posed a risk to the environment and public health. Under these circumstances, state law authorizes the department to issue civil penalties.

KDHE inspectors continue to monitor the facility to ensure compliance with the permit. The order is subject to appeal to the Secretary of Health and Environment.