Winchester, a small town in Oklahoma, has announced its intent to sue to shut down the Muscogee Nation’s planned processing plant, Looped Square Meat Co. Winchester Mayor Debbie Atkinson said the town’s water quality may be affected by the facilities, according to local outlet Mvskoke Media.
“There’s not a lot of communities that are totally on water wells like ours, so that’s our biggest concern,” Atkinson said. “Along with the pathogens, the bacteria and the nuisances of the whole disposal of animals.”
The town claims since the meat plant began construction, the nearby creek has flooded several times, and the bank area has eroded. Winchester also alleges the Nation did not file for state or federal permits.
The notice of intent to sue gives the Looped Square Meat Co. 60 days to “cure and correct” violations, or the city will pursue federal court litigation.
