OKLAHOMA CITY — A ruling to block the Cherokee Nation from intervening in Oklahoma's water pollution lawsuit against 12 Arkansas poultry companies has been upheld by a federal appeals court, according to The Associated Press. This ruling was handed down on Sept. 21 by a divided three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. It upheld a decision by federal Judge Gregory K. Frizzell made last year.

The Cherokee Nation had asked to intervene so it could try claims it has against the poultry producers. But Judge Frizzell said that would likely trigger a lengthy delay. Last year's ruling cleared the way for the case to go to trial. Frizzell said the tribe can still bring a separate lawsuit against the companies.


In 2005, Attorney General Drew Edmondson sued the companies. He claims chicken waste produced in the Illinois River watershed has caused environmental damage.