Oklahoma Reaches Settlement With Poultry Company Over Litter Pollution
Oklahoma settled with George’s, Inc. for $5 million over poultry litter pollution in the Illinois River Watershed.Summary
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced a settlement agreement with George’s, Inc., resolving claims of poultry litter pollution impacting the Illinois River Watershed. The agreement requires George’s to pay $5 million to the state for remediation, conservation projects, and attorney fees. Furthermore, George’s committed to removing poultry litter from the watershed over seven years, reducing the remaining amount from a maximum of 40% to 20%. A Special Master will monitor compliance at a cost of $250,000, and any removed litter cannot be applied to other nutrient-sensitive watersheds in Oklahoma. Attorney General Drummond emphasized the value of good-faith negotiations in protecting Oklahoma’s water resources while acknowledging the needs of agricultural partners. This settlement does not affect ongoing legal proceedings against other defendants, including Tyson, Cobb Vantress, Cargill, Simmons, Peterson Farms, and Cal-Maine.
(Source：Insurance Journal)