Sweet-smelling news is on the way to neighbors of FPL Foods.
The meat processing plant is slated for a renovation including odor-reducing equipment.
“The smell is awful, and during Masters’ week, it’s embarrassing. Our poor renters said something about it last year,” said Nikki Leigh Daniel, a resident who voiced concern about the smells emanating from the facility located at 1301 New Savannah Rd.
The city of Augusta has approved the renovation plans. The project is scheduled to begin this month and be completed by the third quarter of 2022, according to an email from FPL.
A full rebuild of the air scrubbing system is on tap, as is the installation of additional odor collection systems. To reduce odor emissions, all pieces of equipment that create odor will be connected to the air scrubbers, and new equipment will be installed to better capture any odor-producing dust.
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Augusta Commissioner Brandon Garrett said, “One of the best parts of the renovations is a dome around the section where the smells come from. That will improve air quality for the area. (FPL) is investing millions in the area over the next few years.”
According to FPL’s representative, these renovations further the company’s desire to be responsible stewards of the environment and our communities, while supporting its vision of providing world-class beef in the Southeast.
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In addition to the odor-management plans in the renovations, roughly 250 to 300 jobs will be added by way of an expanded carcass cooler and fabrication floor. The company currently boasts over 1,400 employees across multiple facilities in Georgia.
FPL purchased the plant in 2004 from Keystone Foods based in Pennsylvania. Shapiro Packing Co. opened the original plant in the 1930s.
Tyler Strong is the Business Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at tyler@theaugustapress.com.
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