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Edmondson, Poultry Companies To Argue Over Tests
The Morning News reports the Oklahoma AG and poultry companies will go before a federal judge in Tulsa on March 16 concerning the Oklahoma Attorney General's request to test soil, litter and water on farmers' properties this spring.
The Morning News
A hearing to determine if Oklahoma will be allowed onto farmers' land for extensive testing is set for March 16 before a federal judge in Tulsa.
Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson has asked the federal district court to allow him to test soil, poultry litter and water running off of fields in the Illinois River watershed for a variety of possible pollutants including arsenic, zinc, hormones and bacteria.
Edmondson said farmers usually spread their poultry litter in the spring and that could create a health hazard if pollutants from the litter wash into the Illinois River.
Farmers protested the request last week stating Edmondson is on a fishing expedition to find whatever he can to help his lawsuit against 14 poultry companies.
Janet Wilkerson, a spokeswoman for the companies, labeled Edmondson's request another scare tactic to further his political agenda.
Edmondson sued the companies in June claiming the poultry litter spread on fields in the region is contributing excessive nutrient and other pollutants to the watershed.