A motion asking permission from the federal court in the Northern District of Oklahoma to submit a brief on the State of Oklahoma’s legal bid to halt use of poultry litter in the Illinois River watershed was filed Dec. 6 by Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
“We believe livestock producers are abiding by state laws, which have more extensive environmental regulations than required by federal law,” Mike Spradling, OFB President said.
While not part of the lawsuit, Farm Bureau represents thousands of Oklahoma livestock producers and other farmers who would be harmed by the legal action.
In a motion filed for a preliminary injunction earlier this year, the State alleged poultry litter is polluting the Illinois River watershed. In 2005, the State filed suit against the poultry companies with growers in the watershed. The suit alleged poultry litter is hazardous waste under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). During the 2007 Oklahoma Legislative Session, lawmakers passed legislation clarifying animal manure is not a hazardous waste.
“Animal manure has been used as a valuable fertilizer and soil enhancement for centuries and is not a hazardous waste,” Spradling said.
