The Dairy Plant’s $85M Problem: A Lifeline in Limbo

An expanding dairy plant in Norfolk, Nebraska, has become essential for local farmers amid declining dairy operations, but its growth has created significant infrastructure challenges. The Actus Nutrition dairy plant, previously known as Milk Specialties Global, is fundamental to the survival of regional farms, with farmers like Walter Aschoff and Mike Guenther crediting it for their continued operations. With Nebraska's dairy farms reduced from 650 in 1999 to just 73 today, the plant offers a better milk price and reduced transportation costs.

However, the plant's rapid growth has led to nearly 300 instances of violating its wastewater treatment agreement with the city, causing frequent biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) issues and strong odors that upset residents. It is currently operating at approximately two-thirds capacity due to limited infrastructure support.

City officials estimate upgrading the wastewater treatment facility to accommodate the plant's needs would cost $40 million to $50 million, while a temporary pre-treatment solution could exceed $30 million. U.S. Rep. Mike Flood is working to secure up to $85 million in federal funding, including USDA grants, emphasizing the broader community’s benefit from the plant's success.

In a recent meeting, local leaders, including city, county, and U.S. congressional representatives, demonstrated a united effort to address the situation, striving for long-term infrastructure improvements to support the plant's viability in Norfolk and beyond.