Fresno City Council approves relocation of SW Fresno rendering plant after decades of complaints
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It has been a long time coming for residents affected by the smells of the plant--which may soon be moving to Fresno County after tonight's meeting.
All city council members voted in favor to relocate Southwest Fresno's Darling Ingredients Rendering Plant to Fresno County on Thursday night -- a controversial location that's left residents to deal with unpleasant smells in the area. One resident compared the scent to expired dog food.
"This probably represented probably the most egregious act of environmental injustice issues that exist in Fresno," said Oliver Baines.
Councilmember Oliver Baines describes the approval as a historic moment, saying if he made this happen in his eight-year term as a councilmember, he would consider his term a success.
Residents say they have dealt with the strong stench from the plant where animal waste is recycled for about six decades. Mary Curry is one of them.
"It's been a struggle all the way through but you just can't give up," said Curry.
Advocates showed up to the meeting in yellow t-shirts that read 'Invest in Southwest'. People in favor of the plant re-zoning claim it has caused health issues like asthma for them and some say they will not allow their kids to play outside.
"I wouldn't be here today if my mom didn't make the decision to move out of West Fresno," said
Others say this decision is just moving the same problem to another location but Darling Ingredients assure the new plant will allow them to invest in newer and better technology and odor control for a healthier environment.
Councilmember Baines says the move will be official as long as they receive a tax credit awarded and they should find that out by the end of the year. If that happens the plant will be moving to Jensen and Cornelia in Fresno County on 40 acres of land.
