KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A controversial plan to expand a local meat company is moving forward.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources approved an operating permit on Friday for Valley Oaks Steak Company.
Valley Oaks wanted to expand its feedlot and processing plant in Lone Jack to seven times its current size. The expansion will allow the company to hold just under 7,000 cattle.
Supporters of the plan said it will bring jobs to the area, but critics worried about possible issues with the environment and odors, and said an expansion will hurt property values.
Hundreds of people packed a public hearing on the expansion in April, where both supporters and opponents of the plan spoke their opinions.
Anyone against the expansion may appeal to the Administrative Hearing Commission by filing a petition within 30 days (July 16, 2018).
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