Town: We Don't Need No Stinkin' Bison Meat

Bridgewater, SD, put up with a big stink recently when 44 tons of bison meat left in a closed processing plant began to rot. The meat was left in freezers when the company, Bridgewater Quality Meats, moved operations to another town. It was supposed to be picked up by a pet food company but the transfer never took place.

Then, when the power company shut off the juice and spring came, nature took its course. Soon, the smell pervaded the town, forcing Bridgewater to expend over $10,000 on cleanup (including lots and lots of bleach).

The town is considering court action against the company's owner, who apparently also owes some back taxes and may also be liable for fines related to illegal dumping that occurred prior to the move from the facility. At the least, the town wants reimbursement for the cleanup costs.

Part of those debts might be settled from the proceeds of the sale of the facility, but astonishingly, there have been no takers so far. Bridgewater's mayor admits a new owner would have “some work” to do to make it usable.

Maybe as a rendering plant?