Senator George Burns is concerned about the increasing number of water permits being applied for in southeast Oklahoma. He recently held a meeting with state agencies and area residents to discuss the permits for poultry farms and marijuana grows.
Burns is especially concerned about the town of Garvin and its residents. According to Burns, there are 65 poultry houses in a four-mile area surrounding the town. Only one of those is locally owned.
“Protecting our water resources is a priority, especially when it comes to safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of our local communities,” Burns said. “The people of Garvin have valid concerns about the potential environmental harm and overuse of groundwater. It’s essential that these issues are thoroughly considered before any new permits are granted.”
The Oklahoma Water Resources Board has received protests concerning some of the applications. They Board will hold future public hearings so that protestors will be able to present their concerns before a decision is made regarding the permits in McCurtain County.
