Scientists call for changes to EPA regulations after Tyson Foods dumping report

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) – Tyson Foods discharged 371 million pounds of pollutants into U.S. waterways between 2018 and 2022, according to a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Two researchers who reviewed the data Tyson Foods was required to report to the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Omanjana Goswami and Dr. Stacy Woods, concluded that Tyson Foods was operating within EPA regulations.

However, scientists want these regulations to be changed.

“While it is concerning that we could only collect information for 41 Tyson meat processing plants, it is not surprising,” Woods said. “This is because current regulations only apply to about 300 of the approximately 5,000 meat and poultry producers in the United States.”

During this time, 30 pollutants entered the waterways. The five most prevalent were over 138 million pounds of chloride, 82.5 million pounds of total dissolved solids, 40.2 million pounds of sulfate, 34.2 million pounds of nitrogen and 27.6 million pounds of total suspended solids.

The states with the most waste dumped into waterways were Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Arkansas ranked sixth in state sewage discharges, as 37,740,228.89 pounds, or about 10% of the total, were discharged into rivers, lakes and other waterways.

Goswami said each pollutant measured occurs naturally, but in much lower concentrations than those released by Tyson Foods. She believes this could have consequences for health and the environment.

“Chlorides in particular cause unpleasant odors. They are creating problems in waterways,” Goswami said. “They also harm water infrastructure. Pipes corrode. Sulfates do the same. And in very high concentrations when consumed by humans, it causes gastrointestinal problems.

While water treatment plants can potentially remove contaminants, Woods said well users do not have the same level of protection.

We asked to speak to a Tyson Foods representative, but instead received a statement.

“Tyson Food employs a robust management system to reduce risk and environmental impact, and we strive to conduct our business as responsible stewards of our natural resources,” a Tyson Foods spokesman said in a statement. “We consistently monitor wastewater from our facilities and work closely with our federal and state regulators, as well as local governments, in planning, designing and operating our wastewater systems.

“This report does not acknowledge our continued compliance with EPA regulations or Water Alliance certification of our rigorous water management practices. Our multi-year treatment program protects the environment and water interests across the country and ensures the resilience of the food system.

Goswami said the EPA is starting to implement some regulatory changes.

“EPA is actually updating regulatory nitrogen limits,” Goswami said. “It establishes regulatory limits for phosphorus for the first time and also updates the wastewater treatment technology requirements that plants would have to meet before releasing that wastewater into the environment.”