Burns Hosts Meeting to Address Water Resource Concerns in Southeastern Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, recently held a meeting with multiple state agencies and Southeastern Oklahoma residents to discuss critical water resource issues in Southeastern Oklahoma. The meeting focused on concerns surrounding the environmental and public health impacts of water permits being issued for commercial use in the region, specifically for a poultry farm and a marijuana grow operation.

Residents of Garvin, Oklahoma, have raised strong objections to these permits, citing potential overuse of local water resources and environmental degradation. In a four-mile radius surrounding the town, there are currently 65 poultry houses, only one of which belongs to a local resident, according to community members. The overwhelming presence of commercial operations, coupled with concerns about groundwater depletion, has led to formal protests filed with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB).

"Protecting our water resources is a priority, especially when it comes to safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of our local communities," Burns said. "The people of Garvin have valid concerns about the potential environmental harm and overuse of groundwater. It’s essential that these issues are thoroughly considered before any new permits are granted."

Under Oklahoma law, landowners may apply for groundwater permits for commercial uses such as poultry farming or marijuana cultivation. If the applicants meet the statutory requirements, they must publish notice of their application in local newspapers and provide notice to surrounding landowners. This allows community members the opportunity to file formal protests, as they have done in this case.

The protestors have raised a number of issues, including concerns that the proposed wells for these commercial operations would not be adequately spaced from their existing groundwater wells. Additionally, they fear that these operations could deplete local water supplies, lower property values, and diminish environmental quality.

The OWRB will hold a hearing on the permit applications in the coming months, where protestors will have the opportunity to present their concerns. OWRB Executive Director Julie Cunningham said the OWRB is aware of concerns regarding several permit applications in McCurtain County.

“The water rights permitting process includes a public notice phase and OWRB has received many protests to these applications. The next step is a hearing where the OWRB will receive evidence and comment regarding the applications. This hearing has not yet been scheduled. Additionally, the OWRB is cooperating with USGS to update the water availability study on the Antlers groundwater basin. This study is expected to be completed summer of 2025,” Cunningham said.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Burns: (405) 521-5614 or George.Burns@oksenate.gov