Oklahoma Reaches Settlement with George’s, Inc. Over Poultry Litter Contamination

The state of Oklahoma has officially settled with George’s, Inc., addressing allegations related to poultry litter contamination in the Illinois River Watershed. This agreement marks a significant step in resolving the state’s claims against the poultry producer and outlines various financial contributions and operational adjustments aimed at mitigating environmental impacts.

Attorney General’s Statement

Attorney General Gentner Drummond commented that the settlement signifies a balanced approach that integrates environmental protection with the economic activities of the poultry industry. As part of the deal, George’s will be released from any further claims by the state associated with this issue.

Financial Contributions and Commitments

As part of the settlement terms, George’s has committed to contributing $5 million to Oklahoma, which will be used to facilitate remediation and conservation projects within the watershed and to cover legal costs. Furthermore, the company has agreed to a seven-year plan to eliminate poultry litter from the Illinois River Watershed, with an ambitious goal of reducing the litter levels from a maximum of 40% to no more than 20%.

Oversight and Compliance Measures

The agreement includes provisions that mandate George’s to allocate $250,000 for the oversight of a court-appointed special master. This individual will be responsible for monitoring compliance with the terms of the agreement. Importantly, any poultry litter that is removed from the watershed may not be applied to land in other nutrient-sensitive watersheds across Oklahoma.

Recent Legal Developments

This settlement comes in the wake of a federal court ruling that determined multiple poultry companies, including George’s, are jointly liable for pollution in the Illinois River Watershed. The ruling called for long-term remediation efforts and imposed stricter regulations on poultry waste application practices in the area.

Implications for Other Poultry Companies

State officials noted that this agreement with George’s does not impact ongoing legal proceedings involving other poultry companies named in the federal case. Key players such as Tyson Foods, Cobb-Vantress, Cargill, Simmons Foods, Peterson Farms, and Cal-Maine Foods are still under scrutiny. Negotiations with these companies are ongoing as Oklahoma continues to seek comprehensive cleanup and restoration efforts within the watershed.