Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Bi-Products (CBI)?
Central Bi-Products (CBI) is a full-service rendering facility located in Long Prairie, Minnesota. The facility processes agricultural and food-industry by-products into useful materials such as animal feed ingredients, fertilizers, and industrial products.
How long has CBI been part of the Long Prairie community?
CBI has operated in Long Prairie since 1947 and is part of Farmers Union Industries, which has served farmers and the agricultural sector since 1929.
Why is CBI making new investments at the facility?
CBI is investing in facility upgrades to improve system reliability, environmental performance, and regulatory compliance. These investments also strengthen long-term operations and demonstrate CBI’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the local community.
What prompted the recent infrastructure improvements?
Some of the investments are related to a stipulation agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) following alleged violations in 2023 and 2024 involving wastewater pretreatment operations during periods when the system was overloaded. These allegations did not include evidence of harm to people, animals, or property.
What improvements are being made?
Since 2023, CBI has invested more than $3 million in site improvements and is committing an additional $12 million to a supplemental environmental project. These improvements add redundancy, upgrade treatment systems, and enhance the facility’s ability to manage wastewater before it is reused or discharged to the city’s treatment plant.
How is wastewater handled at the facility?
Wastewater generated at the facility is treated on-site through an industrial pretreatment system. Treated water is either reused within the facility or discharged to the City of Long Prairie Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was expanded in 2021 and treats water from both residential and industrial sources.
Why can odors occur at rendering and food-processing facilities?
Due to the nature of agricultural and food processing, wastewater can contain high levels of organic material. This can lead to the formation of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a common by-product in wastewater, agricultural, and food-processing systems.
Is the facility regulated?
Yes. CBI is regulated and monitored by multiple agencies, including the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
What does the investment mean for the local economy?
CBI employs approximately 125 people and is one of Long Prairie’s larger employers. Recent investments have supported local and regional contractors and businesses, including plumbers, electricians, fuel providers, equipment suppliers, and welders.
What happens to the civil penalty paid to the state?
As part of the agreement with the state, CBI agreed to pay a $3 million civil penalty. Under state regulation, 40% of that amount will be distributed to the Todd County Health Department.
Why is rendering important to agriculture?
Rendering provides an environmentally beneficial solution for managing animal by-products. Without facilities like CBI, options would be limited to composting, landfilling, incineration, or burial. Rendering supports agriculture, Minnesota’s largest economic sector, by recovering valuable resources safely and responsibly.
How can community members stay informed?
CBI will continue to share updates on facility operations, environmental improvements, and monitoring through this website as work progresses.