Inola Rancher Raises Concerns Over Environmental Impact of Proposed Aluminum Smelter on Livestock and Land
An Inola rancher, Steven Flathers, is raising significant concerns regarding the environmental impact of a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola, Oklahoma. Following modifications to the emissions plans submitted to the state's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Flathers conducted his own research into the potential effects on his land and livestock. He argues that while the smelter's parent company, Oklahoma Primary Aluminum, claims lower industrial fluoride fumes and dust per ton, the sheer scale of the project means a substantial increase in overall fluoride emissions. Flathers points out that the proposed Inola facility would produce 55% more fluoride than a similar facility in Kentucky. He cites studies from Norway, where smelters emitting as little as 85 tons of fluoride annually have led to fluorosis in 42% of deer populations, questioning the impact of three to four times that amount on local cattle. Flathers emphasizes that his concerns are based on a 'commonsense approach' rather than extrem... 
