The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conducted an emergency investigation of the Republic Foods facility in Lone Jack, MO, after receiving reports from a local resident of a small creek being contaminated and having a foul odor.
Investigators in late December observed that the creek was brown in color and had a septic odor. The Missouri DNR cited Republic Foods in February with six violations, including contaminating waterways, failure to post signs and provide an emergency spillway, and failure to keep records for visual inspections at the plant.
“The facility has been referred to the Water Protection Control Branch, Compliance and Enforcement Section for violations of the Missouri Clean Water Law,” DNR spokesperson Brian Quinn said to news outlet Fox4 Kansas City. “Additional information regarding an ongoing enforcement case will become available once the matter has been resolved.”
Republic Foods is not commenting on the situation.
Republic Foods opened the facility shortly after Valley Oaks Steak Co. closed in 2019.
