Oklahoma farms to be tested in pollution lawsuit

April 2006

U.S. Water News Online

SPRINGDALE, Ark. -- Ten farmers in Oklahoma will have their soil tested for pollutants as part of Oklahoma's lawsuit against Arkansas poultry firms.

Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson sued the poultry companies in June over pollution of the Illinois River watershed.

Several farmers have received subpoenas asking them to submit to tests.

"I am again discouraged at the hardships and costs that the Oklahoma Attorney General's actions are causing the individual family farmers," said Bev Saunders, a spokeswoman for Poultry Partners, a group of 400 farmers.

"He says he's not out to hurt the small farmers, but that's hard to believe when we keep getting hit with more and more legal actions coming directly from his office," Saunders said.

Samples of soil, poultry litter and groundwater are to be taken on the farms and tested for various pollutants and pathogens as evidence for the lawsuit.

Charlie Price, a spokesman for Edmondson, confirmed the office has begun issuing subpoenas and plans to perform the soil tests soon.


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