SCHROEPPEL -- Thursday night, the Schroeppel town board room was filled with frustration, as debate continues over a cattle slaughterhouse that may set up in Oswego County. It could bring hundreds of jobs but many residents aren't sold on the idea.
"We really question their motive behind the whole thing and it threatens our homes, our families and our life. It stands to cause a lot of harm to this area," said Sybil Gouchie.
There are more questions than answers at this point. Bion Environmental Technologies tells CNY Central, partial information is fueling fears in the community. The company says the facility is based on cutting edge technology, which would use waste from cattle to help power the plant.
"Bion has proposed what seems to be an unproven technology of housing a great number of cattle, far too many for what most people consider to be prudent for a piece of property. And because of that there is a lot of concern about runoff," said Dan Sicchio.
Bion has yet to pinpoint land for the proposal but is eying the Town of Schroeppel. The town supervisor says there are many unanswered questions because it's still just an idea. If the project gains momentum, it would have to clear multiple hurdles and pass several boards including planning and zoning, and the town.
"We really appreciate the board looking to encourage investment in our community especially when it comes to jobs, but the problem here is I don't believe due diligence was done," said Sicchio.
Some residents were hoping the board would rescind a resolution passed in 2009, that said the town was open to hearing about Bion's plan. But the board did not take any action.
