Table Rock Meat Company addresses processing plant concerns

DAYTON–The Table Rock Meat Co. are in pursuit of opening a processing plant by the Port district on land available for development. It has been met with safety and environmental concerns by a few in the community during a Port of Columbia meeting and also in a Letter to the editor published in the Dayton Chronicle. The following is a response to Aileen Warren’s letter to the editor published in the November 24, 2022 and December 1, 2022 edition of the Dayton Chronicle by owners Michelle Shoun and Cheyanne Reed.

“Generations of our family have been born and raised in Dayton. We couldn’t agree more that actively promoting its health and wellbeing is paramount for the survival of our community. We also appreciate all the kind words and support we’ve gotten in return from said community. We are proud to be providing such a service to this wonderful town, but we want to do more! With this meat processing plant, we finally can. We welcome any and all questions and/or concerns anyone in the community may have.

“Will there be a feedlot associated with this processing plant?”

No. Livestock will NOT be on the premises for more than 24 hours. The holding pens will be pressure washed and cleaned between each load; therefore, smell should not be a problem. Being cattle ranchers, we know the smell of a dairy as well as a feedlot. Seeing as this will be neither, smell should not be a problem.

“Will this be a kill facility?”

Yes, this will be a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) slaughter facility. Meaning this facility will be held to the high standards of a USDA Government inspector. The sound of gunshots will not be a problem seeing as we won’t be using them. USDA facilities must follow the HMSA (Humane Methods of Slaughter Act), which requires the humane treatment and handling of food animals at the slaughter plant, while also providing a quick and effective death. We will be using an air-operated Captive Bolt Stunning Gun inside of an insulated steel building with concrete barriers. The noise of this will not be heard by anyone outside of the building.

“Where will the refuse and unwanted animal carcass parts/offal be kept? And how often will these be removed and the facility sanitized?”

Did you know we currently keep all carcasses and offals right on main street? There are refrigerated buildings we keep all unwanted parts in until they are ready to be picked up. All areas of the facilities are kept clean and always sanitized. These parts get picked up and taken away bi-weekly. We plan on having a similar system in the USDA plant, except now we will be held to a higher level of accountability. The new offal room will be directly connected to the building, with mobile barrels for the offals to be stored in. When the rendering plant comes to collect, the barrels will be accessible on the back side of the building from an exterior door.

“How will the potential insects, rodent and other pests be managed?”

As stated before, being USDA certified means we are held to the highest of standards. This is not just for cleanliness, but many other things as well with pest control being one of them. Pest control systems are regulated and designed by the USDA. They mandate devices such as sealants, brush control around the building, and draining and sanitation systems. Seeing as USDA mandates a pest free zone, this should not be a problem.

“What are plans for odor management?”

Simple, we are going to keep everything clean and sanitized. As stated before, being a USDA slaughter facility means we will be held to the high standards of a USDA inspector. These inspectors will be on site at all times during operating hours to see that everything is done to code. This includes cleanliness, pest control, and odor management, not only for our neighbors, but for the quality of the meat as well. We will be using freezers, concrete, metal, and drains. Everything will be washed, cleaned, and sanitized daily by a cleaning crew. Smell should not be a problem.

“If there are to be live animals housed at this facility, what plans are in place to deal with securely corralling them?”

Permanent fencing will be installed for the livestock being brought in. This fencing will include metal poles that have been concreated into place. Containment areas will be stronger and taller than needed to avoid any livestock getting out. Seeing as the livestock will NOT be on the premises for more than 24 hours, keeping them safely corralled shouldn’t be an issue.

“What are the plans for commercial traffic hauling animals in and removing processed carcasses to the next facility or point of delivery?”

This area is already zoned ‘Commercial/Light Industrial’. There won’t be any more traffic than there is now with the current semis coming in and out of the neighboring businesses. As far as removing the processed carcasses, again, we are currently doing that now, on Main St. nonetheless, with no problems. The rendering plant pick up is no different than garbage day.

“How will the activities of the plant be shielded from viewers or passersby/traffic?”

This will be nothing more than a steel building to the public eye. The corrals will be behind the building, and everything else will happen inside. As far as the Boys and Girls Club across the street, there will be nothing to see nor hear.

“Will the facility conform to the noise ordinances of the City of Dayton?”

You are correct when saying “At no time are animals always quiet.”. This does not just apply with livestock, but other animals as well, including household pets such as dogs and cats. As stated above, the livestock coming in will not be on the premises for more than 24 hours. The design of the building will also mitigate sounds coming from the animals being held, as the large building and the surrounding shrubs we plan to plant will absorb noise. They will also have water and shelter to keep them calm, quiet, and happy. While we cannot guarantee that no animal will ever call out, we believe that they will cause no more noise than a barking dog, or a neighbor’s stereo.

As humans, we are meant to eat meat. While we are very aware of the unpleasantries of what we do, it still needs to be done. Being respectful to the animals and the public is very important to us. This facility will not only provide a service to the public, but jobs for local people as well as bring in more business to our small town. We can’t wait to start moving forward with this project, and we appreciate everyone for their help and support along the way. If there are any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and ask.”

For more information on USDA standards, please visit http://www.usda.gov.