TULSA, Okla. (AP) — The Oklahoma Board of Agriculture has temporarily halted processing new registrations for poultry feeding operations so a newly formed council can address resident concerns about the increase in poultry houses.
The moratorium announcement comes about a week after the first meeting of the Coordinating Council on Poultry Growth, The Tulsa World reported. Gov. Mary Fallin and Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker announced the creation of the council last month to address residents’ concerns.
Eastern Oklahoma has seen more than 200 new poultry houses within the past year, according to department data. Residents at community meetings in July and August expressed concerns about how the increase in chicken houses will impact water quality and supply, property values, road maintenance and air quality.
— The Associated Press