Document Lgq9QpB4399127jGqodKeaZw5

Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Region 6 - Enforcement & Compliance Assurance Division INSPECTION REPORT Inspection Date(s): Media Program: Regulatory Program(s) 03/26/2024 Water CWA, NPDES, CAFO Company Name: Facility Name: Facility Physical Location: (city, state, zip code) Mailing address: (city, state, zip code) County/Parish: Facility Phone Number Facility Contact: Cherokee HL2, LLC. DBA Cherokee Sales Co. Cherokee Sales Co. 60902 Harmon Rd (36.767712, -98.361900) Cherokee, OK 73728 PO Box 225 Cherokee, OK 73728 Alfalfa (580) 596-3361 https://cherokeesalesco.com/ Andy Urista Office Manager office@cherokeesalesco.com Facility Registry ID: Identification/Permit Number: Media Identifier Number: NAICS: SIC: N/A OKU002204 N/A 424520 5154 Personnel participating in inspection: Lucas Bomar EPA/6ECAD-WA Ada Pfeiffer ODAFF Andy Urista Cherokee Sales Co Matt Huntley Cherokee Sales Co Patrice Herrmann Cherokee Sales Co Inspector(lead) Ag Field Supervisor Office Manager General Manager Owner EPA Lead Inspector Signature/Date Supervisor Signature/Date 6ENFORM-019-R8.2 (02/12/2020) Digitally signed by LUCAS LUCAS BOMAR BOMAR Date: 2024.05.01 11:32:28 -05'00' Lucas Bomar Bryant Smalley Digitally signed by BRYANT SMALLEY Date: 2024.05.09 08:17:39 -05'00' Date Date 1 Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Section I - INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF THE INSPECTION EPA Region 6 inspector Lucas Bomar arrived at Cherokee Sales Co the "Site" or "Facility" located at 60902 Harmon Rd, Cherokee, OK 73728, at 9:41 a.m. on March 26, 2024, for an unannounced inspection. Inspector was joined by Mrs. Ada Pfeiffer of ODAFF as this was a joint inspection with EPA lead. Inspector met with Ms. Andy Urista (Office Manager) at the Opening Conference. Inspectors presented their credentials to Ms. Urista and informed her that this was an EPA inspection to determine the facility's compliance status with the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) regulations as authorized by Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 308. The scope of the inspection included a compliance evaluation of the facility's site operations and record keeping determining the designation of the facility as a CAFO. The government vehicle was parked in the parking lot outside the facility office and the inspection was performed on foot. Inspectors were accompanied by Mr. Matt Huntley (General Manager). FACILITY DESCRIPTION Cherokee Sales Co reported that they have sold a total of 87,856 combined cattle in 2023. They only sell beef cattle. Auctions are held Wednesday every week unless it is a holiday. Animals are housed for around 24-72 hours for each sale. Animals are housed in open lot pens (Appendix 1, Photo 10). The facility borders Cottonwood Creek on the south edge (Appendix 2, Photo 1). A vegetated berm makes up the perimeter of the south edge between the creek and the pens and the north perimeter between the road and facility (Appendix 1, Photos 9, 16-17). Pens are cleaned via scraping using a skid steer loader which is done monthly. Mortalities are hauled off and landfilled same day when needed. The livestock market uses hay and pellet feed. These commodities are stored under cover on the northwestern side of the facility (Appendix 1, Photo 11). Manure is currently being stockpiled on the west side of the site and drains to nearby field and drainage ditch (Appendix 1, Photos 14-15). The facility does not currently land apply manure solids. Manure is given away to 3rd party farmers. Section II - OBSERVATIONS Cherokee Sales Co has the animal numbers to meet the large CAFO regulatory definition. Cherokee Sales Co is well managed and organized. The vegetative berms are sufficient by being well maintained and keeping runoff from entering the nearby creek. Inspectors followed the drainage ditch outfall that collects runoff on the north edge to a nearby field (Appendix 1, Photos 18-22). No potential issues were found during the inspection. Section III - AREAS OF CONCERN There were no areas of concern found at the time of the inspection. EPA Region 6 inspectors conducted a closing conference for the Cherokee Sales Co inspection at approximately 10:53 a.m. on March 26, 2024. During the closing conference, the inspectors reviewed findings with Mrs. Herrmann and Mr. Huntley. Inspector provided compliance assistance brochures and FAQ sheets to office manager. Section IV - FOLLOW UP No follow up with the facility has occurred since the time of the inspection. Section V - LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix 1 - Inspection Photo Log - Utilized twenty-one (21) photos of the facility taken 03/26/2024. Appendix 2 - Aerial Photo - One (1) photo. 2 Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Appendix 1 Inspection Photograph Log 3 Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 1 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0880.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:00 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the southeast. Open pens on the east side of the sale barn. 4 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 2 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0881.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:00 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the northeast. Culvert that collects runoff from the facility with sediment build up. 5 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 3 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0882.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:01 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the east. Other side of the berm where culvert connects to storm drainage ditch. 6 Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 4 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0883.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:01 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the east. Berm between pens and storm drainage ditch. 7 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 5 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0884.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:03 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the south. Open lot pens. 8 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 6 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0885.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:03 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the south. Channel connected to culvert and storm drainage ditch. 9 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 7 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0886.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:03 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the north. Channel from east side of pens with culvert in background. 10 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 8 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0887.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:04 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the south. East end of the pens. 11 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 9 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0888.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:10 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the west. South edge of the facility and open pens. Vegetated berm separates Cottonwood Creek and the facility. 12 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 10 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0889.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:12 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the west. Shot of the open pens with livestock prior to the sale the following day. 13 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 11 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0890.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:17 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the west. Covered hay and feed storage. 14 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 12 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0891.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:19 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the east. Berm on the north end of the facility with some hay bale storage. 15 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 13 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0892.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:19 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the west. North end of the property looking at pens, berm, and storm drainage ditch. The drainage would flow to the east and pass through the vegetated stormwater ditch. 16 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 14 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0893.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:24 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the west. Manure stockpile on west end of the facility waiting on 3rd party pickup. Notice the vegetated storm drainage channel next to the road. 17 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 15 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0894.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:24 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the west. Manure stockpile on west end of facility where the land is relatively flat with no runoff, waiting on 3rd party pickup. 18 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 16 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0895.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:25 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the east. Northwest end of the facility. Berm separating Cottonwood Creek and pens. 19 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 17 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0896.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:26 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the west. Cottonwood Creek on south edge of facility with a berm separating the facility and the creek. 20 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 18 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0897.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:48 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the southwest. Culver storm drainage channel that collects runoff from the facility in background. The flow of the drainage channel is away from the facility. 21 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 19 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0898.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:48 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the northeast. Drainage channel from facility heading into a heavily vegetated grass field. 22 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 20 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0899.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:51 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the southwest. Drainage channel in field with facility in background. 23 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 21 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0900.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:51 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the northeast. Drainage channel after leaving facility. Outfall in background. 24 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Photograph Log Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Location: Cherokee Sale Co City: Cherokee Photo No. 22 County: Alfalfa State: Oklahoma Photo File Name: DSCN0901.JPG Date of Photo: 3/26/2024 Time of Photo: 10:53 AM Photographer: Lucas Bomar Description: View to the north. Eventual outfall of storm drainage channels. 25 Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Appendix 2 Aerial Photograph Log 26 Cherokee Sales Co Inspection Date 03/26/2024 Photo 1: Aerial photo taken from Google Maps showing Cherokee Sales Co facility, Cottonwood Creek, and surrounding areas. 27