GRAFTON – The Massachusetts’ Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) announced on Monday it approved eight projects, including one in Worcester County, for the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP).
Feedback Earth, Inc., of Grafton, de-packages and pasteurizes food waste to create animal feed. It receives $495,000 in EDIP tax credits to construct a 6,0000 square foot building to expand its volume of inbound waste up to 7,5090 tons per month. The company is investing $2.5 million in the project and the Town of Grafton approved tax financing of $24,424 over five years.
The announcement on Monday comes after an announcement by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) last week that it has fined the company $6,000 for incidents from May through November 2023 that involved off-site odor emissions and improper food waste management practices. The company has paid $25,250 since 2022.
A MassDEP permit that enables the company to operate requires compliance with state air regulations and proper food waste storage and management. The company previously paid $25,250 for violations since 2022. According to MassDEP’s findings, the Grafton facility’s mismanagement led to air pollution and disturbances to the community. The Grafton facility’s mismanagement led to air pollution and disturbances to the community.
Mary Jude Pigsley, Director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester, expressed concern over Feedback Earth’s recurring noncompliance. “The company’s persistent issues have not only caused public nuisances but also pose potential public health risks,” she said.
MassDEP says it is intensifying its oversight of the company’s operations to prevent further air pollution and health hazards.
