Meatingplace.com
By Tom Johnston

Cargill Meat Solutions’ Fort Morgan, Colo., beef plant on Monday pleaded guilty to two wastewater permit violations that occurred in 2004 and 2005.

The company noted that the incidents were reported to the government by Cargill when they occurred.

Spokesman Mark Klein said in an e-mailed statement that the company expects the federal court to issue a penalty in the next 30 days, and it would likely include a fine and a compliance agreement.

“We are pleased that this matter is being resolved, and we are proud of a number of steps we have taken over the last five years to enhance our environmental performance,” Klein said.

Cargill violated its permit by discharging more than 2,875 pounds per day of total suspended solids and more than 400 coliform colonies per 100 milliliters, according to a report by the Associated Press, citing court documents.