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February 25, 2013

Mr. Ron Curry

USEPA Region 6 Administrator
1455 Ross Ave. Suite 1200
Dallas, Texas 

Dear Mr. Curry,

Thank you for meeting with my colleagues and me during our recent visit to Region 6 to discuss
mutual opportunities for engagement to enhance the on-going environmental stewardship efforts
of Tyson Foods, Inc. We were pleased to engage a broad range of topics including environmental
management systems, community engagement, environmental justice, and the AgEncy?s current
focus on developing a Total Maximum Daily Load for the Illinois River in Oklahoma.

You may have heard by now of the February 20 agreement by Arkansas and Oklahoma officials to
jointly conduct a comprehensive study of phosphorous concentrations and impacts in the Illinois
River watershed. In short, in the interest of improving water quality in the region, a "Second
Statement of Joint Principles and Actions? have been developed as a framework for advancing
phosphorous science through a stressor response study to be conducted over the next three
years. The study will be overseen by a six member committee, three members selected by the
governors of each state, and performed by an independent vendor. Specifically, science will be
used to determine the relationship between in-stream phosphorus concentrations, algal
production, temperature, flow, beneficial use, etc. This study could reaffirm the original .03?
standard or result in an entirely different standard being adopted. Compliance, however,
with .037 has been suspended under this agreement until the study process is completed.

in light of this new development, we urge Region 6 to consider placing its work on
hold pending the outcome ofthe above-mentioned stressor response study. This would be a
pragmatic move to save resources while awaiting the results of an important study that can only
help the proper scientific outcome of the TMDL process. if the Agency moves ahead with
implementing a TMDL based upon .03? mglL, it could result in costly changes in Arkansas that are
ultimately deemed to have been unnecessary under the ongoing study which could provide more

       

In conclusion, the bi-state agreement has suspended the implementation date of .037 during the
term ofthe agreement. it only makes sense for the Agency to do the same.

Tyson Foods, Inc. 220? Don Tyson Parkway Springtime, AR 

 

We would enjoy further conversation on this matter and would be happy to travel to Dallas in the
near future to do so.

Thank you again for your time and commitment to improving our environment.

  

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SVP and Chief= Environmental, Health 3: Safety Of?cer
Tyson Foods, Inc.

 

Tyson Foods, inc. Don Tyson Parkway Springdale. AR arise-awn