After a mere two decades, a federal judge has finally confirmed what many residents in Eastern Oklahoma already know: the Illinois River Watershed is still getting a generous, phosphorus-rich “spa treatment” from poultry litter. Federal Judge Gregory K. Frizzell ruled last month that despite the claims of major poultry producers like Tyson Foods, the vibrant green glow of the river means pollution from chicken litter is still a problem.
This latest ruling was part of a 20-year lawsuit the state brought against several poultry producers. Two years ago, Frizzell ruled in favor of the state and asked the state and poultry companies to come up with an agreement on how to mitigate future pollution. There’s been no agreement yet.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond said he’s confident that an agreement will be reached, resulting in a clean Illinois River Watershed and a vibrant poultry industry.
“Both can, and should, exist,” he declared.
So far, that coexistence hasn’t been a reality.
This article appears in City crowned.