Poultry companies oppose dismissal of claims

Thursday, April 6th 2006, 6:16 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Poultry producers are opposing a request by Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson to dismiss claims against Oklahoma landowners, businesses and municipalities from a federal lawsuit.

Edmondson sued several poultry companies last year for allegedly releasing hazardous substances and other pollutants into the Illinois River watershed and Lake Tenkiller.

On Monday, he asked a federal judge to dismiss 160 claims he said poultry producers filed to shift the blame to others in the watershed. The companies also filed a claim against 150 unidentified individuals.

Edmondson asked a federal judge to rule that those named in the claims don't have to respond until the court decides his request.

Poultry producers accused Edmondson of playing politics and said they'll oppose dismissal of their claims.