Superior Farms, the only remaining meat-packing facility within the city of Denver has settled with the Environmental Protection Agency for improper handling of anhydrous ammonia.  The plant was cited for safety violations including failure to minimize risks of accidental release.  The company will pay a $120,000 civil penalty and will invest $250,000 in a supplemental environmental project to upgrade equipment and prevent future leaks.

Superior Farms Inc. operating the plant in North Denver is the subject of a ballot initiative banning animal processing within the city.  Animal rights and vegan organizations initiated the ballot that if passed, would result in closure of the plant that was selected by activists for its vulnerability.

The ballot proposal was regarded as a toss-up a few weeks ago. More recently civic organizations, labor unions, the restaurant industry and other business organizations in Denver have come to the defense of Superior Farms. There is now more structured opposition to the ballot proposal with publicity on the risks and potential consequences of approval.

Activists continue to make use of ballots to promote their vegan principles, imposing their views on the general public often with profound cost implications.  This rise in activism is  represented by the proposal to ban CAFOs in Sonoma County, California.  Adoption would result in closure of many family-owned and operated farms and reduce egg, poultry, dairy and beef production to the detriment of consumers and County revenue.