Denver Slaughterhouse Penalized by EPA for Violating Clean Air Act

Superior Farms, Denver’s only meat processing facility, has settled an alleged Clean Air Act Violation with the Environmental Protection Agency for $120,000. The settlement also includes a $250,000 supplemental environmental project to bring equipment upgrades exceeding EPA code requirements. This comes as Superior Farms faces opposition from a citizen-led initiative seeking to ban slaughterhouses in Denver, which has raised almost $740,000. Pro-Animal Denver, supporting the ban, celebrated the settlement as proof of environmental issues caused by the slaughterhouse. However, supporters of Superior Farms, including employees and industry groups, argue that Pro-Animal Denver is exaggerating claims to shut down the 70-year-old company. The EPA has identified multiple violations by Superior Farms in the past, resulting in fines of $5,000 and $2,000 in previous settlements. The recent settlement stems from deficiencies found in a recent inspection, prompting Superior Farms to invest in modernized equipment voluntarily to prevent dangerous chemical accidents and ensure employee safety. The company’s Vice President of Operations, Greg Ahart, emphasized their commitment to food quality and employee safety through this upgrade. The settlement marks a four-year partnership with the EPA to maintain efficient operations and act responsibly as neighbors in Denver.

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