Arkansas asks EPA to reject Oklahoma water standards

<br>(Little Rock-AP) -- Efforts between Oklahoma and Arkansas officials to agree on a water quality standard have apparently broken down. <br><br>Arkansas officials are asking the federal Environmental

Monday, November 11th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Little Rock-AP) -- Efforts between Oklahoma and Arkansas officials to agree on a water quality standard have apparently broken down.

Arkansas officials are asking the federal Environmental Protection Agency to reject Oklahoma's proposed standards to limit phosphorous in Oklahoma scenic rivers.

Oklahoma submitted its proposal to the E-P-A last week. The agency must approve the proposal before the stricter levels become law.

Arkansas officials want the EPA not to grant Oklahoma an expedited review so the agency can review Arkansas' concerns.

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality says the Oklahoma standards are unrealistic under any circumstances and will hurt economic development in northwest Arkansas.