Source:  Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 2/9/11

The Nash County Board of Commissioners approved changes to its zoning rules that may clear the way for Sanderson Farms to build a contested poultry processing plant in the North Carolina area.

The changes in language to standards associated with slaughtering, processing and meat and poultry packing in zoned industrial areas were under review as a result of a lawsuit filed by local residents who are challenging the original rezoning of the property in late 2010. The lawsuit, filed by the City of Wilson and more than 30 residents, contends that any poultry plant that may be built by Sanderson Farms will contaminate the local water supply. County officials insisted that the changes were not designed to specifically accommodate any Sanderson Farms project, but to clarify how land that is zoned for industrial use can be used in order to avoid future lawsuits.

If built, the plant is expected to bring 1,100 jobs to the area although the company said last year that it was forced to delay constructing the facility until the zoning change was made. Local residents reportedly plan to continue their fight and Sanderson Farms cannot build the facility until the lawsuit is settled.

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