State sampling poultry farms
OKLAHOMA - Oklahoma has begun taking samples from poultry farms in eastern Oklahoma as part of its water pollution lawsuit against Arkansas poultry companies, a spokesman for Attorney General Drew Edmondson said Tuesday.The sampling, which the companies sought to prevent, began Monday on farms in Oklahoma, spokesman Charlie Price said. A federal magistrate gave the state permission in May to take samples of soil, water, waste and runoff from about a dozen farms, many of which raise chickens for the companies.
"We'll proceed under the judge's order until we're finished," said Price, adding that he was not free to discuss exactly where or when sampling was taking place.
Bev Saunders, spokeswoman for Poultry Partners, a group of 400 farmers, said resistance by farmers targeted for testing was unlikely.
Saunders' farm is one of those that has been selected for sampling, but she said she had not received the required 72 hours minimum advance notice from the state. She said any sampling there would likely take place in July, when the birds she raises will be taken from their houses.
Source: Cattle Network
16 June 2006
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