LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The JBS USA pork-processing plant in Butchertown, Ky., has dealt with odor complaints for several years, but the latest complaint alleges the plant violated its district operating permit. The plant is facing fines of $24,550.

The Louisville Air Pollution Control Board claims the plant, known locally as Swift, violated the operating permit in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Specifically, the board claims the plant failed to report malfunctioning flow meters and failed to keep complete records for four scrubbers and a condenser, which help control odors.


"Additionally, company failed to report monthly or 12-month rolling plant-wide particulate matter [PM] emissions in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 semi-annual compliance reports," the board stated in its Notice of Violation Letter. "Company also failed to report plant-wide carbon monoxide [CO] and carbon dioxide equivalent [CO2e] greenhouse gas emissions in one semi-annual 2011 compliance report, and in both 2012 semi-annual compliance reports. Company also failed to submit its 2012 Annual Compliance Certification on time."

Records from the Air Pollution Control Board show that the Butchertown, Ky., plant was assessed fines of $37,250 in 2011 and $47,800 in 2008 and $16,000 in September alleged odor violations. The most recent fines are in addition to $98,750 in fines issued in March for odor and other violations.