Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson told a federal judge in Tulsa that the poultry industry has “infested” waterways in northeastern Oklahoma with pollution that is a risk to the public’s health. The state is seeking an injunction from Federal Judge Gregory K. Frizzell barring the spread of poultry litter in the million-acres Illinois River watershed that stretches from northwest Arkansas through northeast Oklahoma.
According to NewOK.com, opening statements in the hearing were delayed as attorneys wrangled over three motions that involved the expected testimony of pollution expert witnesses and the state’s request to eliminate some data prepared by one of its witnesses. Edmondson outlined the state’s case and the list of expert witnesses it expects to call over the three days that Judge Frizzell has given it to make its case. Next will come the poultry industry defense.