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EPA Orders Two Oklahoma Companies to Stop Discharging

Release Date: 07/14/2009
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Anthony Suttice at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

(Dallas, Texas – July 14, 2009) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a cease and desist administrative order to Murphy Products Inc. and the Oklahoma National Stock Yards Company, both of Oklahoma City, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act.

The order specifically addresses a compost facility which is operated by Murphy Products on property owned by the National Stock Yards. The facility is located southeast of the intersection of I-40 and I-44 in Oklahoma City and includes a composting system which incorporates animal manure from the stock yards. On June 22 and 23, 2009, inspectors from EPA and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF), observed the potential for unauthorized discharges from the compost facility directly into the Oklahoma River.

“EPA will continue to vigorously enforce our nation’s environmental laws through effective compliance assistance and a strong enforcement program,” said EPA Region 6 Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Division Director John Blevins. “Environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility.”

“On July 1, 2009, ODAFF issued an Emergency Cease and Desist Order to Murphy Products to stop all conditions which may lead to a discharge of pollutants to the waters of the State, including the Oklahoma River. ODAFF is pleased to work with EPA in joint enforcement actions such as this to stop potential pollution from agricultural sources in Oklahoma,” said Terry Peach, Oklahoma’s Secretary and Commissioner of Agriculture.

Based on these findings, Murphy Products, Inc. and the Oklahoma National Stock Yards Company have been ordered to cease all discharges of pollutants from the compost system, and within 30 days submit to EPA and ODAFF a plan and schedule of actions that will ensure that all run-off from the compost facility does not discharge to the Oklahoma River.

More about activities in EPA Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/region6

EPA audio file is available at https://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/jul2009.html