Freeman residents displeased with odor from nearby rendering plant

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FREEMAN, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - The rural communities of South Dakota are often tight-knit.

A group of residents in Freeman is bonding, but it's because of their collective fight to stop a smell that's driving them inside their homes to escape.

Kristi Stahl has always been a country girl.

"I'm a farmer's wife. I grew up on the farm my whole life," Stahl said.

Then she moved to Freeman, and she likes the area.

"Live in town because my son is now out at the farm," Stahl said.

But a year ago, Kristi and her neighbors started noticing a smell from the new rendering plant, Dakota Protein Solutions.

"Just don't know when the smell is going to come about," Stahl said.

And it's unlike any other farm smell.

"Gagging sensation. It makes you want to throw up. The school actually sent out a letter. They're treating it as a weather event. Football practices are outdoors. They're right in the direct impact of the smell," Stahl described.

She appreciates the plant shuttering for big events.

"They did shut down their facility during our big events here, Chislic Fest and Rib Fest," Stahl said.

Many Freeman residents want answers.

"How long is it going to take? Bunch of excuses that we've been hearing for the last year, and we just don't seem like we're getting anywhere," Stahl said.

A meeting regarding the plant is on September 23 at 6:30 p.m. at a yet to be decided location in Parker.

"The residents of Freeman need to be there," Stahl said.

Residents described concerns of property value loss, scaring potential new residents away, and risks to businesses if the rendering plant's stench is not resolved soon.

A spokesperson for the board at Dakota Protein Solutions issued a statement, saying,

"The Board would like to make the following statement: Our plant is still relatively new, and we are continuing to fine-tune our processes to help address this issue. We understand that the intermittent odors can be disruptive, and we want you to know that resolving this is nothing short of the highest priority for us. To that end, we are going to great expense to partner with third-party experts and resources to improve key parts of our infrastructure. We are confident that these efforts will make a meaningful difference. We truly appreciate the community's patience and cooperation as we work diligently toward a lasting solution."

In the one year of operation, Dakota Protein has also been fined by OSHA for issues creating risks of falling, and an auger with a potential to have employees caught in, pinched, or even a limb amputated.

There may be some patience in Freeman, but most agree it is wearing very thin.

"We just want to be able to go outside and enjoy the fresh air, versus never knowing when the stink is going to come," Stahl said.