TRUCKING OUR WASHDOWN WATER TO A MUNICIPAL SYSTEM IS AN EXTREME EXPECTATION FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN!! (COSTS ARE $1800 – $2000 PER WEEK)
THE FARMING INDUSTRY HAS BEEN UNDER ATTACK – see Farm Bureau Letter: https://mfb- ottawa.informz.net/informzdataservice/onlineversion/ind/bWFpbGluZ2luc3RhbmNlaWQ9MTE xMDAyMjYmc3Vic2NyaWJlcmlkPTExNzU0Mzk5Mjg=
THIS FRUSTRATING ISSUE IS BEING FOUGHT BY THE SMALL MEAT PROCESSOR AS WELL.
Everyday Caledonia Packing washes down the facility with high pressure hot water (180 degrees). This method of washing down and sanitizing our facility results in VERY CLEAN wastewater which is held in our lined lagoon. This lagoon/pond is a “holding vessel” for the water through the winter. In the past this water has been approved for land application. The STATE OF MICHIGAN IS HOLDING BACK ON DISCHARGE PERMITS WHILE THEY WORK ON CHANGING REQUIREMENTS. In November of 2022 the new permit for Meat Processors was released and almost immediately challenged by the Michigan Meat Association. (Similar to the permit for CAFO farmers as referenced in the Farm Bureau letter above).
It is encouraged for you to contact your state representatives https://www.house.mi.gov/ and your state senator https://senate.michigan.gov/FindYourSenator/ We have found that when an affected individual contacts their representative to inform about these extreme changes there are a chain of events that happen. Each state representative WANTS to know what is going on in their constituency. Please call them!
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY (6/12/2023)
| PRICING | FEE INCREASE |
| Processing | .04/Lb |
| Cattle Kill | $20/head |
| Pig Kill | $10/head |
| Lamb/Goat Kill | $10/head |
| Environmental Fee | |
| Cattle | $15/head |
| Pigs | $10/head |
| Lamb/Goat | $5/head |