Approximately 50 area residents living near where the proposed 56 chicken growing facilities are planned made their voices heard at the LeFlore County Commissioners’ weekly meeting this morning.
After an address by State Representative Lundy Kiger (R-Poteau) concerning the planned “industrial” chicken farms, District 2 Commissioner Lance Smith opened the floor for public comments. Most of those who spoke voiced their concerns that the environmental impact, including health and safety issues, of that many growing facilities within 4 square miles would have on the local population.
One resident living near an already established growing facility in the area said that his water pressure has decreased significantly since the chicken houses have been operating. He said that there is not enough water to supply the existing chicken houses, much less the new ones planned. Another local resident speculated that the 56 chicken houses would consume as much as 73 million gallons of water per month. Rep. Kiger suggested contacting PVIA to see if the rural water district would be able to guarantee the supply of that much additional water. Other concerns included the run-off from the “industrial” chicken farms and the surface water that drains into the Poteau River, then into the Arkansas River and eventually into the Mississippi and then finally into the Gulf of Mexico.
Others voiced their concerns about the amount of ammonia nitrate that would be released into the atmosphere when the ventilating fans in the chicken houses would be running. Additional concerns included the increased levels of dust that would also be pulled from the houses and re-distributed in the homes of residents living nearby. There were also some concerns about the noise pollution from all the fans and the increased over-all health risks of living near the “mega” chicken growing facilities. Another resident suggested that large facilities such as these would have as many as 1000-3000 chicken carcasses per house per growing period to be disposed of. He said that one representative from OK Foods said they would be incinerated while another company spokesman said they would be composted.
Rep. Kiger stated that he is working with several Oklahoma state agencies to find out what the environmental impact of these “mega” farms would be. He plans to explore all avenues to stall the operations of the “industrial” chicken growing facilities until he exhausts every possibility. He plans to see what legislation is possible when the Oklahoma House of Representatives convenes their General Session in February. Rep. Kiger also told those in attendance that the legal representatives for the commissioners, the District Attorney’s office, is looking into what can be done legally to halt the construction and operation of these large farms.
Another resident of the area between Gap Creek Road and Cameron stated that the roads in the area are already bad and the increased trucking that would be necessary to sustain the new chicken houses would do even more damage more quickly. The Old 112 re-surfacing project from about 4 years ago, which some people present considered to be the best road in the county, was not intended to handle the increased traffic that 56 chicken houses would require.
Increased traffic not only would cause additional wear and tear on the roads, but several residents also were concerned about safety, particularly for those living in Castle Estates. The small rise in the roadway just to the north of the entrance to the neighborhood makes pulling out onto Old 112 even more dangerous if the proposed chicken houses become operational and increase truck traffic.
Several residents commented that the quality of life of all the area residents would be different not just for the current generation but for future generations if the “mega” farms were allowed to operate “in their back yards.” Those who live in the area agreed that the beauty of the countryside is what drew them to that part LeFlore County. If the proposed chicken growing facilities become operational, the residents believe that the natural beauty would be greatly diminished.
Following the public comments, Rep. Kiger agreed that another meeting with OK Foods is necessary. A request made by one of the residents in attendance asked the commissioners to consider sending a letter to OK Foods from all three commissioners requesting the company representatives meet with them and others concerned about regulations and other requirements which need to be considered. The commissioners voted to compose such a letter and send it to OK Foods as soon as possible.
Below, State Representative Lundy Kiger (R-Poteau) addresses the LeFlore County Commissioners (left to right: Commissioners Craig Olive, Derwin Gist and Lance Smith and Jedd Kirby from the County Clerk’s office) at their regular meeting November 25, 2019.
Get Local News!
