Quapaw Nation Business Committee Members Linda Vallier, Linda Davis, and Manz McKibben, along with members of the Quapaw Nation’s Environmental Department, concerned tribal citizens, and local residents, attended an open house meeting hosted by ARGO and MEADS on Tuesday, March 11th.
The meeting focused on ARGO's proposed bioprocessing plant, which aims to convert poultry litter into renewable natural gas and fertilizer. This proposal has sparked both interest and concerns among local residents. During the meeting, a local resident raised questions regarding tribal jurisdiction, and attendees were assured that ARGO has been working with the Quapaw Nation, which holds jurisdiction over the area.
Key points from the meeting included that the proposed project is expected to create 14 to 15 operational jobs, with a median salary of $60,000. The initial lease for the plant is set for 22 years, with two 10-year extensions. The plant is projected to use 100,000 gallons of water per day, with zero liquid discharge. Additionally, the air permit application indicates that the plant will be classified as a true minor source of emissions, which is significantly lower than major emissions sources in northeast Oklahoma.
Some residents expressed concerns about the volume of water to be used daily, the amount of poultry litter to be transported, and potential risks associated with the plant’s operations.
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality will hold a public meeting to discuss the air permit on April 2, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the City of Miami Civic Center in Miami, Oklahoma.
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