A Pennsylvania hemp drying facility has been open for less than three months but has already been shut down.
However, if Patriot Shield Security addresses odor complaints, the company can temporarily resume its operations to dry hemp into smokable hemp flower. Jeannette City Solicitor Tim Witt told Trib Total Media
And, if Patriot Shield Security addresses other code violations including inadequate exit lighting and submitting architectural drawings, the city could issue an occupancy permit. City officials said the company opened in September without a permit.
Jeannette officials have been involved since several nearby residents and businesses complained about the odor, alerting the city about its operations. The state Department of Environmental Protection issued two notices of odor violation. Patriot Shield Security installed air scrubbers that reduced the “nauseating” odor, but not enough to eliminate the problem, according to a state inspector.
The city allowed the plant to operate on a temporary basis until Nov. 2 but issued a cease and desist order Nov. 13 after officials said all the needed changes were not completed or in compliance with code.
In addition to building code violations and resident odor complaints, former Patriot Shield employees started protesting outside the facility earlier this month, citing inconsistent pay.
Patriot Shield Security is a veteran-owned cannabis security company that offers logistics, video monitoring, transportation and hemp processing and storage with operations in Colorado, Oklahoma, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
