Small Scale Meat Processing
Small scale meat processing facilities are generally regulated at the Federal level by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and at the State level by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA). Although these facilities are generally regulated by USDA and TDA, there are several Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) environmental rules and regulations to consider to start or operate a small scale meat processing facility. Some facilities may need to submit environmental permit applications several months in advance of beginning construction. This page provides resources for specific types of small scale meat processing and general information on environmental concerns for new or operating facilities.
Deer Processing – Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
If your facility processes deer, be aware of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has a webpage dedicated for information on CWD and includes updates for areas that are impacted. Privately owned landfills will not accept deer carcasses in areas affected by CWD unless it is confirmed the carcass is not infected. If you need additional information on CWD carcass disposal, please contact Jeremy Hooper with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s (TDEC) Division of Solid Waste Management.
Environmental Permitting
The following sections apply to all small scale meat processors.
Construction and Operating Permits
Incinerators, boilers, emergency engines, or other processes may emit pollutants. Depending on the potential emissions, TDEC Division of Air Pollution Control (APC) Permits may be needed.
The air emission source may be determined to be an insignificant source of air pollution. This could only be determined if the information is sent to TDEC APC or a delegated county’s air pollution program, usually in the form of a permit application with a request for determination letter.
Asbestos
If an existing structure will be demolished or renovated, a Notification of Demolition Form should be submitted to Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s (TDEC) Division of Air Pollution Control (APC), or a county’s air pollution program. This notification should be submitted even if there are no asbestos containing materials to notify APC that materials have been evaluated and found free of asbestos.
Wastewater
Disposal of wastewater generated from the manufacturing process needs to be considered. If a facility discharges all wastewater to the municipal wastewater treatment plant, then no TDEC wastewater permits are needed.
If access to the municipal wastewater treatment plant is not available, then wastewater should be directed to a subsurface sewage disposal system, commonly referred to as a septic system. A construction permit is required to install a septic system. A soil map may be required to assess the feasibility of a septic system on your site. To assist with installation and soil mapping, here are links to the list of permitted installers and licensed Soil Scientists.
Land application of wastewater is not allowed.
Construction General Permits (CGP)
Construction activities, including but not limited to clearing, grading, or excavation, that result in one acre or more soil disturbance requires coverage under a Construction General Permit.
To dispose of offal and carcasses, some options include composting, incineration, or utilizing a waste disposal provider. TDEC’s Division of Solid Waste Management offers some guidance regarding composting.
Poultry Processing
This document, Environmental Permits for Small Scale Poultry Processing, outlines the environmental permits that may be needed for small scale poultry processing facilities. The information within the document is for businesses that do custom or retail processing and does not cover areas outside of Tennessee environmental rules and regulations. Additionally, it does not cover processing for personal or household-level use.
UT Extension developed this document, Managing Risk: Costs, Regulations and Food Safety for On-farm Poultry Processing in Tennessee, to assist poultry growers looking for guidance concerning the rules and regulations for poultry processing.
Resources
- Business Development Division: Meet our Team
- Custom Slaughter and Deer Processing web page.
- Agriculture Enterprise Fund is a cost share to be used for infrastructure or equipment.
- Beginning Farmer Resources.
- Our Team. Find the local contact by scrolling down the page.
- Tennessee Smart Start. A website guide to establishing a business.
Contact the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program for help
Hotline: 800-734-3619
Email: BGSBEAP@tn.gov