I am a resident of New Underwood, SD and my life along with those of my neighbors is about to be drastically affected. A slaughterhouse/meat packing plant is being planned for construction in our neighborhood. This isn't just about an unpleasant smell or noise - it's about the potential damage to our quality of life and local environment. The proposed site for the building will literally be the first building coming into our town off I-90.  

The proposed facility will possibly bring industrial noise, odors and increased traffic, but also pose serious threats to our city water supply. The meat industry is known for its high water usage and pollution rates. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), slaughterhouses can produce wastewater containing blood, fat, hair, and other organic solids that could contaminate our water sources. Our water system is already struggling to get by as it is, this extra stress will no doubt cause more issues that you and I as city tax payers will have to pay for in the form of higher taxes and water/sewer monthly rates.  

Moreover, property values are likely to decrease due to these issues. No one wants their hard-earned home investment eroded because of an industrial facility nearby. Our town is small enough that everyone will be neighboring this plant. 

Our peaceful town deserves better than this. We should prioritize preserving the quality of living for current residents over industrial development that could harm us all in many ways. There is a reason that this facility is being proposed here:  Wall and Rapid City did not want this plant in their town, and especially not in their residential neighborhoods.  

We urge local authorities to reconsider this project - we need your support! Please sign this petition if you believe in protecting New Underwood from environmental harm and maintaining its residential appeal.