Major poultry firms agree to fund cleanup after decades of pollution controversy.
Two major poultry companies have agreed to settle a long-running legal battle with Oklahoma over pollution in one of the state’s most important water systems. The settlements bring the state closer to closing a case that began more than 20 years ago and focused on environmental damage linked to poultry waste in an Illinois river watershed.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced that Tyson Foods And Kargil will pay more than $25 million in total. The money will go toward cleanup efforts, conservation projects, and long-term protection of the Illinois River watershed, which stretches into eastern Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas. Tyson agreed to pay $19 million, while Cargill will contribute $6.5 million.
The deals follow an earlier deal reached in January with another poultry producer, Georges Inc., which agreed to pay $5 million. Together, the deals represent major steps toward settling a lawsuit accusing the poultry giants of damaging the watershed through decades of wasteful practices. The lawsuit was first filed in 2005 by a former Oklahoma attorney general. Drew Edmondson.
At the center of the trial was the use of poultry litter, a mixture of chicken droppings and bedding that is often spread on land as fertilizer. State officials argued that too much dirt was dumped over the years, causing excess nutrients to flow into nearby streams and rivers. According to the state, the pollution has damaged water quality, harmed wildlife, and affected recreation and tourism in the region.
In 2025, a federal judge ruled against several poultry companies, holding seven of them jointly liable for the pollution. The ruling required companies to help pay for the cleanup and imposed strict limits on how poultry waste can be spread in the future. The decision put pressure on the companies to settle rather than continue with lengthy appeals.
Under the new agreements, Tyson and Cargill will take several steps beyond paying the money. The two companies agreed to completely remove the poultry litter from the watershed instead of spreading it nearby. They will also cover the cost of a court-appointed monitor, called a special master, who will oversee compliance with the terms of the settlement. All costs associated with waste removal will be paid by companies, not taxpayers.
In exchange, Oklahoma will drop all remaining claims against Tyson and Cargill related to the case. The two companies also agreed to drop their appeals of the federal court decision, helping make the outcome more certain.
Drummond said settlements strike a balance between protecting natural resources and continuing agriculture. He called the agreements a clear signal that companies operating in Oklahoma are expected to take responsibility for environmental damage. He also said the deals provide a way forward that benefits local communities while giving the poultry industry clear rules to follow.
Tyson Foods said the settlement is in the best interest of the region’s farmers and communities. A company executive noted that Tyson has worked in the area for decades and values its relationships with local farmers and residents. Cargill issued a brief statement saying it looks forward to continuing to operate and invest in Oklahoma.
The Illinois River watershed has long been a concern for state leaders, environmental groups and residents. The river system supports fishing, swimming and tourism, and it plays a role in providing local drinking water. Contamination concerns have fueled debate in Oklahoma and Arkansas, as well as among environmental advocates and agricultural producers.
Not all of the companies named in the original lawsuit have reached settlements. Lawsuits are still ongoing for other defendants, including Cal-Maine, Peterson Farms, and Simmons. These cases may result in further judgments or additional settlements in the future.
After two decades of legal battles, the latest agreements mark a turning point in one of Oklahoma’s most closely watched environmental cases. Although the cleanup effort will take time, state officials say the settlements move the region closer to restoring and protecting an important waterway for future generations.
Sources:
Two more poultry companies agree to settle Oklahoma pollution lawsuits
Tyson, Cargill settle poultry contamination case.
