Understanding Oklahoma’s Agricultural Pollution Regulations Today
Hello, I’m OKC business attorney Dillan Savage with Wirth Law Office, and I primarily practice in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area. Today, we’re going to discuss the authority of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry as it relates to pollution of land, water, and air.
Legal Framework for Pollution Control
As you might expect, it is illegal under the Oklahoma Agricultural Code to cause pollution of air, water, or land. If someone is found to be polluting in any of these areas—within the jurisdiction of the Department—the Department has the authority to issue a notice to cease the activity.
Beyond simply requiring the individual to stop the pollution, the Department can also mandate that the person take corrective action to remediate any damage caused to the environment.
Manure: An Unusual Exemption
Interestingly, however, manure is not considered a pollutant under Oklahoma law. In fact, Title 2, Section 2-18.1 of the Oklahoma Statutes specifically states that manure shall not be defined or considered a hazardous substance or hazardous waste.
So while most pollution is regulated and prohibited under the Agricultural Code, manure is explicitly excluded from being classified as a hazardous material.
Your Environmental Compliance Partner
If you found this video helpful or believe it could help someone else, please visit theoklahomacityattorney.com.
My name is Dillan Savage, I’m the Oklahoma City attorney with Wirth Law Office—thank you for watching.
Low-Cost Consultation Available
If you have questions about Oklahoma’s environmental regulations or need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us today at 405-888-5400 for a low-cost consultation.
