Of the 38 chemicals that were proposed to be added to the list, 18 are known carcinogens and each of the chemicals are either currently being discharged into Oklahoma waters or are used or manufactured by industries in Oklahoma.
Officials at the Agriculture Department said the application, which was formally approved by the department on Dec. 12, had been submitted and processed prior to the suspension being put in place in October.
Critics said that by adding the May 31 end date to the temporary moratorium on poultry feeding operation applications, the board created a situation that allows the poultry industry and its allies in the Legislature to essentially run out the clock without having to add any new regulations or protections.
The proposed consent decree would require steel distribution company Blue Tee and three of its top executives to pay a combined $75.5 million to seven states, three federal agencies and seven northeastern Oklahoma American Indian tribes.
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In June 2018, Oklahoma was the first state to have its coal ash program approved by the EPA.
Rep. Josh West said he does not believe his job conflicts with his duties as a state legislator or as a member of the new council to examine the growth of poultry farms in the state.
In Delaware County alone, the Department of Agriculture has issued licenses to 162 operators for 712 total chicken houses holding nearly 19.6 million birds, most of which go to Simmons Foods.
