An Industrial Waste Survey of a Poultry Processing
Plant for Broilers
RONALD F. LAYTON, Ph.D., President
Water and Wastewater Technical School
Neosho, Missouri
INTRODUCTION
The largest single agricultural animal product of Missouri is the poultry grown and
processed within its boundaries. In fact, poultry is processed in every state in the United
States and represents a billion dollar yearly income. This industry which maintains a
breeding stock of approximately 500,000 birds produces the marketing of an estimated 40
million broilers a year (1).
Employment yielding family and community income derived from broilers produced
in this country is of tremendous significance, particulary in 9 or 10 ofthe southern states.
Poultry production and processing has increased significantly as shown in Figure 1, in the
past few years. With increasing prices in beef, a projected growth trend is expected to
continue in future years regarding broiler production.
Figure 1 -    Poultry production  in  the
U.S.
The slaughtering of broilers in plants has become more centralized and mechanized in
locations close to where the birds are grown. Unfortunately, this trend has placed
tremendous waste loads on areas where these plants have located. Often these processing
plants have been placed in remote, rural areas which in the case of Southwestern Missouri,
Northwestern Arkansas and Northeastern Oklahoma coincides with areas much valued for
"clean environments" and recreational water uses.
The emphasis on water pollution control and a clean environment in this area where
the economical importance of this industry cannot be over-estimated, is producing a
situation with extremely important consequences.
This industry has traditionally been one of marginal profit and has located where
labor, utilities, and other costs have been low.
With the vigorous action of regulatory groups such as Pollution Boards and the EPA,
the industry is under considerable pressure nationwide to find solutions to its pollution
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