Wilson allocates $1 million to fight poultry plant
The Wilson City Council voted unanimously Thursday to allocate $1 million to fight a proposed chicken processing plant in Nash County that the city believes would impair its water supply.
Posted — UpdatedThe Nash County Board of Commissioners recently voted to rezone an area west of N.C. Highway 97, near the Wilson County line, for the chicken plant.
A group of residents also opposed to the plant plan to hold a "Save the River" rally on a farm at N.C. 97 and Tar River Road at 3 p.m. Sunday.
The resolution adopted by Wilson councilors states that the plant's waste disposal would "cause problems with odor, flies, respiratory issues and adverse impacts to the city's water quality, thus negatively impacting the quality of life of the citizens of the City of Wilson."
The City Council said that waste from the plant would be piped into Wilson County's watershed and then sprayed on the ground.
The resolution states that Nash County never informed Wilson about the proposed plant and has denied the city's request to delay the project for an environmental impact study.
The resolution also states that Wilson will not supply water if it would end up being used in the plant.
Nash County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robbie Davis has said that careful research has shown no potential environmental problems associated with chicken processing plants. He promised to hold more public hearings on the issue.
Construction on the plant could begin before the end of the year. The plant is expected to bring more than 1,000 jobs in the area.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
