FAA ‘Not Likely’ to Endorse Controversial Gadsden Poultry Plant Plans, Aderholt Says

The FAA is “not likely” to give its approval to the controversial plans to build a poultry processing plant on Northeast Alabama Regional Airport property in Gadsden, “effectively” killing the proposal, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R- Haleyville, said Wednesday.

The congressman released a letter the agency sent to him Wednesday in which the FAA said Pilgrim’s Pride’s proposed poultry rendering plant would be a “hazardous wildlife attractant,” which would negatively impact the Gadsden airport.

Efforts to reach Pilgrim’s Pride were unsuccessful.

In the letter, the FAA said it recommends a 10,000-foot buffer between an airport and a facility such as the poultry plant and a five-mile cushion between the closest point of an airport’s aircraft operations and the plant.

“The letter from the FAA makes it clear that such a facility, which they believe would attract wildlife, would not be a good choice to locate on airport property,” Aderholt said. “While the FAA remains open to proposals for the plant, I think any reasonable person who reads their letter can conclude a poultry rendering plant is not likely to get their blessing to go forward.  I believe this effectively ends this proposal for the plant.”

Gadsden residents have protested the proposal, arguing that chicken parts processed at the plant will have serious impact on the environment, air quality and property values.

The FAA said it received a request to conduct an airspace review but rejected it “because it was filed incorrectly.”

While the agency said it does not issue construction permits, some localities require a favorable airspace determination report before building starts.

“We recognize the public concern with this proposed development,” the agency said.

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