SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Smithfield Foods was fined $46,260 by the South Dakota Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) due to surface water discharge permit violations at its facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The state agency said that Smithfield reported the violations between Feb. 1 and July 31, 2019, of its permit limits for total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand, ammonia, fecal coliform and toxicity test. The company operates a wastewater treatment plant in Sioux Falls to treat the wastewater generated by its operations.

“Smithfield has addressed these violations,” said DENR Secretary Hunter Roberts. “However, this penalty reinforces the need for permit compliance. DENR expects operators to comply with their permits and will continue to work closely with Smithfield to prevent future violations.”

Even after Smithfield reported the violation, DENR required Smithfield to collect water quality samples daily in the Big Sioux River to determine potential impacts. Results indicated that the discharge violations did not lead to exceedance of the South Dakota surface water quality standards.

According to the DENR, Smithfield must conduct additional toxicity monitoring if there are any further violations. The company also needs to complete an evaluation of its water collection system and implement approved corrective actions to minimize excess water flows during precipitation events.

In July 2018, Smithfield Foods received a city building permit from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for a $12.5 million expansion of its pork processing plant.