SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A new air quality application delivers a glimpse at the hard data and operations that will be inside Smithfield’s new site at Foundation Park.
In order to build the new plant, Smithfield must submit an application to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) to receive an air quality construction permit, as part of the state’s air quality program. The DANR published a public notice detailing its findings in a draft of the permit. The agency ultimately recommended approval for the plant to move forward with its proposed site.
Smithfield’s conditional use permit (CUP) for the site is facing a pending judgment after a lawsuit was filed by nearby homeowners in Crooks. The homeowners argue that the effect of a new Smithfield plant on those residential properties was ignored by the city. The lawsuit asks the court to overturn the CUP for the Smithfield project because the city acted outside the scope of its authority and acted irregularly.
Mayor Erickson seeing community feedback
Smithfield announced their move to the northwest side of the city in February. The Sioux Falls planning commission approved the CUP with a 6-1 vote a month later, then the city council unanimously approved the commission’s decision.
The DANR’s report reviews Smithfield’s data against existing state laws and administrative rules and the federal Clean Air Act. The public can submit comments on the draft permit until Oct. 22…