There was a wastewater leak at JBS on Feb. 3. (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND – On Feb. 3, Hall County Emergency Management Agency was called by Kari Leonhard of JBS to say that there was a release of diluted wastewater into the water way across the road from JBS on the north side.
There was a pump failure and approximately 7,855 gallons of plant floor wastewater ended up in the ditch water way, according to a statement from Grand Island/Hall County Emergency Management.
The plant floor water is from the “hot box” cooler area. There was not a lot of product mixed in with it. They have been pumping out contaminated water, taking samples, and watching the “wildlife” (the fish seem to be ok).
JBS is unsure as to exactly when the pump failed, but knows it has not been more than 24 hours since the pump failed.
Nikki Richardson is a corporate communications spokesperson for JBS.
“JBS can confirm there was a spill at its Grand Island facility on Monday evening. The company took immediate action to contain the spill and initiated cleanup efforts,” Richardson said.
“JBS is working closely with state officials and appropriate regulatory agencies to ensure the incident is addressed safely, thoroughly and in compliance with environmental requirements. Environmental response professionals are on site and remediation activities are underway. The safety of our team members and the surrounding community remains the top priority for JBS,” Richardson said.
