Source:  Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 11/2/10

Sanderson Farms moved another step closer to possibly building a new poultry processing plant in North Carolina after the Nash County Board of Commissioners yesterday approved a rezoning request covering the site.

The panel voted 4-3 to approve rezoning 150 acres in the southern part of the county for general industrial development despite objections from area residents. Nash County is one of several parcels in the state where the processing firm is considering building a facility that is expected to cost $96 million and create up to 1,100 jobs, according to the Rocky Mount Telegram. The plant is expected to open in the summer of 2012.

Opponents in Nash County are concerned about the lack of an environmental impact study, the odors that the plant would produce and the impact on the area’s main source of drinking water. If it builds the plant, Sanderson Farms would also need an additional 600 acres for a spray field.

The issue remains unsettled as Nash County commissioners plan to hold additional public meetings for residents who have concerns about the proposed project.

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