January 5, 2012

The state has approved a wastewater permit that will allow Seaboard Farms to continue plans to build a hog farm in west central Kansas that would house as many as 144,000 hogs.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment approved the
permit for Seaboard Foods' facility in Greeley County.

The Garden City Telegram reported Wednesday that the department announced the decision in a letter to
those who attended a public hearing on the proposal.

Christy Hopkins, community development director for Unified
Greeley County, said some county residents oppose the project but
she believes it will bring needed economic growth.

In October 2010, Greeley County residents approved a referendum
to allow major hog farms in the county. The vote reversed a 12-year
ban of hog farms in the county.