A recent investigation has uncovered that over the past five years, Tyson Foods has been directly releasing millions of pounds of harmful pollutants into rivers and lakes across the United States. This reckless action poses a significant threat to the delicate balance of ecosystems, putting both wildlife and human health at risk.
Between 2018 and 2022, just 41 Tyson slaughterhouses and mega processing plants released a staggering 371 million pounds of pollutants into waterways. These pollutants included nitrogen, phosphorus, chloride, oil, and cyanide.
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Research conducted by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has revealed that a staggering 87 billion gallons of wastewater, containing a range of contaminants such as blood, bacteria, and animal feces, are being released directly into streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. These bodies of water are not only essential sources of drinking water but also important for fishing and recreational activities. The analysis conducted by UCS, which was shared exclusively with the Guardian, is based on the latest publicly available data on water pollution, as required by current regulations that Tyson must adhere to.
According to a Guardian analysis, the amount of wastewater was sufficient to fill approximately 132,000 Olympic-size pools.
Tyson, a Fortune 100 company and the world’s second-largest meat producer, caused water pollution across 17 states. However, Nebraska, Illinois, and Missouri bore the brunt of this contamination, with nearly half of the pollutants being dumped into their streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
The Midwest is facing an issue of nitrogen and phosphorus saturation due to industrial agriculture practices, including factory farms and synthetic fertilizers. This saturation has led to the growth of algal blooms, which have detrimental effects on water infrastructure, worsen respiratory conditions like asthma, and deplete oxygen levels in the ocean, resulting in the suffocation and death of marine life.
Water pollution from the corporation’s slaughterhouses and processing plants is a much larger issue than what the UCS research suggests. The research findings only scratch the surface, as they focus on just one-third of these facilities and a mere 2% of the total pollution nationwide.
The current federal regulations do not impose any limit on phosphorus, and most meat processing plants in the US are exempt from water regulations. This lack of oversight means that there is no way to track the amount of toxins being discharged into waterways.
According to Omanjana Goswami, co-author of the UCS, there are more than 5,000 meat and poultry processing plants in the United States. However, only a small portion of these plants are obligated to report pollution and adhere to limits. Being one of the major players in the industry, Tyson holds a near-monopoly in certain states, granting them the ability to view fines and penalties for polluting as nothing more than a business expense. This mindset needs to be transformed.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently faced with a decision between implementing strong regulations that experts argue would provide enhanced protection for waterways, critical habitat, and downstream communities from polluting plants. Alternatively, they could choose to adopt weaker standards, which are favored by the influential meat-processing industry.
The EPA should listen to communities whose wells, lakes, rivers and streams have been contaminated and put people over corporate profits Omanjana Goswami
In response to a lawsuit filed by environmental groups in 2017, the EPA is currently in the process of revising its outdated pollution standards for slaughterhouses and animal rendering facilities. The updated rule is set to be released by September 2025. However, critics argue that the agency is leaning towards adopting the least stringent option, which could result in significant amounts of nitrates, phosphorus, and other contaminants continuing to flow into waterways.
According to Dani Replogle, an attorney at Food and Water Watch, the existing rule concerning American waterways is outdated, inadequate, and has catastrophic consequences. Replogle criticizes the way American lawmaking is influenced by industry, and expresses concern over the nutrient problem in the US, which has reached alarming levels. Replogle emphasizes the importance of the EPA standing strong against industry influence, as it would be a great disappointment if they were to give in.
In 2023, the meat-processing industry invested a total of $4.3 million in lobbying efforts in Washington, with Tyson leading the way by contributing nearly half of that amount, amounting to $2.1 million. These figures were reported by Open Secrets, a political finance watchdog. Additionally, since 2020, the industry has donated a total of $6.6 million to political campaigns, with a majority of these funds going to Republican candidates. Among the industry’s corporate donors, Tyson stands out as the largest spender.
Goswami emphasized the need for the EPA to prioritize the well-being of communities affected by pollution over the objections of Tyson and other large agricultural companies. It is crucial for the EPA to listen to the concerns of these communities, as their wells, lakes, rivers, and streams have been contaminated. The focus should be on safeguarding the health and safety of people, rather than prioritizing corporate profits.
According to Sarah Little from the North American Meat Institute, a trade association representing large processors like Tyson, meat and poultry companies invest significant amounts of money to adhere to the EPA’s effluent limitations guidelines. She states that the EPA’s proposed guidelines will impose a cost of over $1 billion and result in the loss of 100,000 jobs in rural communities.
Tyson ignored multiple requests for comment despite the persistence of the inquiries.
The EPA’s one-size-fits-all approach has garnered criticism from the American Association of Meat Processors, who argue that it could potentially drive their small, family-owned members out of business.
As a highly skilled blogger and outstanding copywriter fluent in English, I can re-write the given text in a way that reflects a more human-like and active voice. I will follow the writing style of the provided paragraph without skipping any headings or paragraphs.
Nebraska, a rural state with a sparse population, is primarily characterized by its dominant agricultural sector. This industry, which has become increasingly consolidated with corporate entities, holds significant influence over the state’s economy, politics, and management of land and water resources.
In Nebraska, an immense amount of land is devoted to factory farming. The state is home to numerous concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) that emit significant amounts of methane. These CAFOs are surrounded by vast fields of monocropped soybean, corn, and wheat, which are mainly cultivated for animal feed and ethanol production. Unfortunately, only a small portion of arable land in the state is allocated for sustainable agriculture or the cultivation of vegetables and fruits.
Between 2018 and 2022, Tyson’s five largest plants in Nebraska discharged over 111 million pounds of pollutants into waterways, which accounted for one-third of the total pollution nationwide. Among these pollutants were 4 million pounds of nitrates, a chemical known to contaminate drinking water and pose health risks such as blood disorders, neurological defects in infants, and diseases like cancer and thyroid disorders in adults.
Tyson’s main plant sits in Dakota City, situated along the Missouri River – the longest waterway in the United States, spanning 2,300 miles across eight states before converging with the Mississippi. This expansive facility focuses on beef processing, emitting an unpleasant odor that permeates the nearby South Sioux City, commonly referred to as sewer city, where numerous plant employees reside. (Adjacent to Tyson’s plant is another beef processing facility.)
Earlier this month, I observed several trucks waiting to unload cattle for slaughter at the facility. Once the animals are slaughtered, their carcasses are rendered, processed, and packaged in various sections of the plant. It is worth noting that this plant generates a significant amount of wastewater, which is stored in lagoons located on the riverbank. Before being released into the Missouri River, the wastewater undergoes treatment. It is important to highlight that the Missouri River serves as a source of drinking water for millions of individuals.
According to an analysis conducted by the UCS, the Dakota City plant, which is the largest employer in the area, has been identified as Tyson’s biggest polluter. Between 2018 and 2022, the plant discharged a staggering 60 million pounds of contaminants into local waterways.
Rogelio Rodriguez, a grassroots organizer with Conservation Nebraska, emphasized the dual nature of the Tyson plant. While it played a significant role in financing his college education and providing employment opportunities for migrant workers, there is an often overlooked dark side. Rodriguez pointed out the concerning issues of water and air pollution associated with the plant. He further highlighted that these issues tend to be overlooked by the general public, who are primarily focused on their own survival. Conservation Nebraska, as part of a coalition, is advocating for enhanced state protections for workers in meat processing plants.
According to Rodriguez, whose family works at the plant, lax regulations often prompt corporations to push boundaries in order to maximize profits. This lesson was learned during the Covid pandemic. In April 2020, a devastating Covid outbreak occurred at the Dakota City plant, infecting 15% of the workforce and causing significant community transmission.
The Winnebago tribe, located just a few miles south of the Dakota City Tyson plant, is making steady progress in restoring and reforesting their land. They are also embracing organic farming practices as part of their transition.
Aaron LaPointe, a member of the Winnebago tribe who oversees Ho-Chunk Farms, emphasized the significance of water and soil conservation on their lands. He expressed concern about the pollution released into the Missouri river by the nearby Tyson plant, highlighting the cultural and environmental importance of the river to their community. LaPointe stated, “Water is our most vital resource, and it is crucial for us to protect it. We are committed to investing significant resources in safeguarding our natural resources because it is the right thing to do.”
The issue with water scarcity and the absence of responsibility extends beyond Tyson.
In the past year, Governor Jim Pillen, whose family is the owner of one of the largest pork companies in America, faced significant backlash for labeling a journalist from Flatwater Free Press, who was originally from China, as a “communist.” This incident occurred after she uncovered severe water quality violations at his hog farms. Recently, the Nebraska supreme court made a ruling that permits the state environmental agency to impose substantial charges, amounting to tens of thousands of dollars, on the same news outlet for a public records request related to nitrates.
Gavin Geis from Common Cause Nebraska, a non-partisan elections watchdog, characterizes big ag’s influence on state politics as “endemic”.
In a recent study, it was discovered that 20% of produce in the United States contains unhealthy levels of pesticides. This finding is significant and raises concerns about the safety of the food we consume. It is crucial for consumers to be aware of this information and take necessary precautions when purchasing and consuming produce.
Geis emphasized the significant influence of corporate agriculture’s substantial financial investments in lobbying and campaigns in opposing stricter regulations. Despite evident issues like elevated levels of nitrates in groundwater and the prevalence of cancer cases in rural communities, the agricultural industry has resisted the implementation of more comprehensive oversight for farmers in general.
Graham Christensen, a regenerative farmer and founder of GC Resolve, a communication and consulting firm, expressed concerns about the current system in Nebraska. He believes that there is a lack of accountability, which poses a threat to the ecosystem, including the land, water, and people of the state. Christensen argues that political capture is negatively impacting rural communities, and he emphasizes the need for assistance from federal regulators.
Apple Unveils New iPhone 13 with Improved Camera and Battery Life
Apple has recently announced the launch of its latest flagship smartphone, the iPhone 13. With an emphasis on camera improvements and extended battery life, the new iPhone aims to provide users with an enhanced and more immersive experience.
One of the standout features of the iPhone 13 is its upgraded camera system. The device now boasts a larger sensor and advanced image processing capabilities, allowing users to capture stunning photos and videos with greater detail and clarity. Additionally, the new Cinematic mode introduces a depth-of-field effect, similar to what is achieved with professional cameras, making videos more visually appealing.
In terms of battery life, Apple claims that the iPhone 13 offers significant improvements compared to its predecessor. The device is equipped with a more efficient A15 Bionic chip, resulting in longer battery endurance. This means that users can expect better performance and a longer-lasting battery, ensuring that the iPhone 13 can keep up with their busy lifestyles.
Furthermore, the iPhone 13 comes in four different models: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max. Each model offers distinct features and specifications to cater to a variety of user preferences. Whether you prioritize a compact size, a high-quality display, or advanced camera capabilities, there is an iPhone 13 model to suit your needs.
Apple has also announced that the new iPhone will support 5G connectivity, allowing users to experience faster download and upload speeds. This enables seamless streaming, gaming, and browsing on the go, further enhancing the overall user experience.
With its sleek design, improved camera system, extended battery life, and 5G capabilities, the iPhone 13 is set to be a highly sought-after device in the smartphone market. Apple continues to push the boundaries of innovation, providing users with cutting-edge technology and features that elevate their everyday lives.
Indigenous Americans once thrived along the Missouri River, practicing sustainable farming methods. However, their way of life was disrupted when white colonial settlers forcefully removed tribes from their land. Eventually, the entire river system was dammed primarily for energy production and industrial agriculture. Today, the Missouri River and its communities are confronted with numerous challenges arising from dams, the climate crisis, excessive usage, and pollution.
Contaminants such as nitrogen and phosphorus, originating from Tyson plants in the midwest, have the ability to travel along river-to-river pathways. This phenomenon not only leads to fish kills but also contributes to the formation of dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico. During periods of drought or high temperatures, when the river is drier, these pollutants become more concentrated and can form sediments. These sediments are then dislodged and carried downstream for miles during floods.
According to Tim Grant, director of environmental protection for the Omaha tribe, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to global heating. As underground aquifers dry up from prolonged droughts, tribes may need to rely on the Missouri River as a source of drinking water. Grant expressed concern about the river’s water quality, as it holds significant cultural and traditional importance for their community. To address these concerns, Grant has initiated testing on the fish in the river for toxins.
Tyson’s expansive Lexington slaughterhouse and beef processing plant is located just under two miles away from the Platte River. This area is home to four federally designated critical habitats, which are crucial for the conservation of the whooping crane.
According to George Cunningham, a retired aquatic ecologist and Missouri River expert at Sierra Club Nebraska, the long-term threat posed by exposure to industrial toxins could have cumulative effects on the cranes’ food sources, reproductive success, and overall resilience as a species.
“Poor environmental regulation can be attributed to the strong influence that industrial agriculture holds over politics at all levels. This is a clear case of political capture.”
