OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. — A federal judge granted the State of Oklahoma an additional 90 days to come to an agreement with poultry companies on a lawsuit dealing with poultry litter pollution in state watersheds.

US District Judge Gregory Frizzell in the Northern District of Oklahoma recently stated that both sides agreed to a scheduled date of June 16 at a status conference in Tulsa. Poultry companies and the state are expected to have a joint status report by June 9.

During January, Frizzell ruled in favor of Oklahoma’s arguments of trespassing and public nuisance-related claims regarding several poultry companies that operated in Oklahoma. 

The case started in 2005 by then-Attorney General Drew Edmondson regarding improper poultry litter disposal. 

Current Attorney General Gentner Drummond shared his thoughts on the process of the agreement.

“We have had lengthy and productive discussions with the poultry companies about a resolution that both looks to the future and mitigates past damages,” Drummond said. “The poultry industry has made significant improvements over the years in its litter abatement process, and I am hopeful we can craft a plan that protects Oklahoma’s natural resources without placing unreasonable burdens on the companies.”

Poultry companies included in the process are Tyson Foods Inc., Cobb-Vantress Inc., Cargill Inc., George’s Farms Inc., Peterson Farms Inc. and Simmons Foods Inc. along with other subsidiaries working in Oklahoma.

In January, Frizzell stated that the companies were supposed to find a solution by March 17.