(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- After years of complaints of foul odors, the U.S.
EPA is investigating the Smithfield Foods meat processing plant in west suburban St. Charles.
The inquiry was prompted by a letter from Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat who represents Illinois's 8th District. In the letter, he requested the EPA inspect the facility and its wastewater treatment and share its findings with his office and the public.
The EPA launched an investigation, but the regional administrator told Krishnamoorthi the agency is not able to share findings at this time.
“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,” the congressman said in a news release.
A spokesman for the company provided a response to WBBM Newsradio outlining how Smithfield has devoted resources and money to address the potential for odors at the facility. The company has been working with the state EPA, he said.
“We are in constant communication with the City of St. Charles. We also met with Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s staff last month to share information about investments we have made and will be making to mitigate the potential for odor issues at our wastewater treatment facility in St. Charles,” the statement said.
The Smithfield Foods plant makes dried sausage products and employees 500, according to the Kane County Chronicle.
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