Small Scale Meat Processing

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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 before starting or operating 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 web page 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 are broken down by applicable TDEC regulatory divisions. The information applies to all small scale meat processors. This New Livestock Meat Processing Facility guidance document was developed to cover the basics of environmental permitting.

In addition to State regulations, a facility would need to present the proposed project to their respective county planning and permitting department to comply with local ordinances. These ordinances can result in additional requirements or restrictions for a new facility. In particular, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby Counties tend to have more direct regulatory authority relating to environmental rules. If you are locating a facility in these counties, be especially aware of local requirements and rules.

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.

If a facility has an air emission source that produces air pollution emissions below certain thresholds, a request for determination as an insignificant source of air emissions may be submitted to TDEC APC or a delegated county’s air pollution program. To submit the request for determination as an insignificant source of air emissions, information about the air emission source must be provided. A permit application typically contains the information needed to make the determination, though a specific request for a determination must accompany the information. Some air emission sources, such as stationary emergency engines, require a permit regardless due to source specific Federal regulations.

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 (which requires an air permit; see the first drop down arrow above), or utilizing a waste disposal provider. Tennessee's Department of Agriculture has a Web page dedicated to Mortalities Management that discusses the disposal options in greater detail. TDEC's Division of Solid Waste Management also has information about composting on their Web page. 

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

Contact the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program for help

Hotline: 800-734-3619

Email: BGSBEAP@tn.gov