Improvements at Morrell Plant Please Officials

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — State officials say they're pleased with improvements made to wastewater treatment at the John Morrell meat processing plant in Sioux Falls.

The plant has spent $10 million on upgrades after being cited for numerous wastewater violations in recent years. State environmental specialist John Miller inspected the plant and the upgrades in late September.

The upgrades were part of a settlement after Sioux Falls' largest employer was cited for being out of compliance with dozens of environmental rules for the treated wastewater it discharges into the Big Sioux River.

The Argus Leader reports that Kelli Buscher with the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources says recent violations have been limited.

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