The Delaware Environmental Appeals Board has released its opinion on an appeal by local residents of the prior approval by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control of a “Brownfield” remediation plan for the former Vlasic property, which Allen Harim seeks to acquire from current owner, Pinnacle Foods Group LLC.

On Tuesday (June 24), the Board unanimously denied the appeal, confirming DNREC’s approval of the Brownfield remediation plan. The 26-page opinion references the nearly 5,000 page report developed by an outside consultant, covering virtually every aspect of the brownfield remediation process, supported by extensive testing processes and results, and including additional monitoring.

In response to the ruling, Allen Harim CEO, Steven A. Evans, said, “Allen Harim is pleased with the reaffirmation by the Board that our proposed operations, following the DNREC approved plan and related regulations, will not pose an environmental risk to the surrounding community. The Board’s unanimous vote further validates what we have maintained all along.”

“This is a very positive step, but it is just one of many necessary to complete the purchase of the property,” continued Evans. “We appreciate the support of legislators in Sussex County and in State government, as well as the commitment of the more than 200 growers across Delmarva who produce the highest quality traditional, antibiotic-free and Halal-blessed chicken. We are squarely focused on continuing to grow our business across the county, the state and the region.”

Source: Allen Harim