Tar Creek is regarded as one of the largest environmental catastrophes in the United States, resulting from lead and zinc mining in Northeast Oklahoma. Waste materials containing lead and zinc from the mining process would infiltrate the groundwater, ponds, and lakes, thus polluting almost all water sources in the vicinity. The residents of small towns like Cardin and Picher face a significant risk of lead poisoning, which can lead to long-term health issues. The presence of Tar Creek has been identified as the main cause of high rates of learning disabilities in this region.
During World War 1 and World War 2, this area was home to highly popular lead and zinc mines. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the mining companies used to dispose of the waste material, known as “chat,” by either collecting it into large aboveground piles or dumping it into flotation or tailing ponds. Additionally, it was common for waste materials from mining to be dumped into exploration holes that were dug out for mapping purposes. After the mining operations ceased in the 1960s, the mines became flooded, causing the waste materials to mix with the rest of the water that filled the mines.
During the 1950’s, miners predicted that highly contaminated acid mine water would start flowing from the mine shafts in Ottawa County Oklahoma. As anticipated, in 1979 this water reached the surface, forming springs of contaminated water. The USGS, in 1977, had also predicted this event through the findings of S.J. Playton. The impact of this acid mine water on the aquatic and riparian communities of Tar Creek and other local streams and lakes is undeniable according to the information provided by www.tarcreek.org. The “Oklahoma Plan for Tar Creek” has led to various remediation efforts in the area.
Four main objectives for remediating Tar Creek are: improving surface water quality, minimizing exposure to lead dust, addressing mine hazards such as sink holes, and reclaiming the land. The plan not only includes specific cleanup projects but also establishes a long-term cleanup process. While the team is taking action to achieve these objectives, they are also urging the federal government to address human health concerns. (source: www.deq.tate.ok.us)
The government has tried to purchase all the homes in hazardous areas and relocate the residents to safer places. However, some people were unable to move due to financial constraints. Tar Creek, which is a significant environmental disaster, is not widely recognized nationwide. Efforts, such as producing documentaries, are being made to increase public awareness about Tar Creek and the challenges it has brought to the people of Northeast Oklahoma.
There is a significant effort being made by various organizations to address the Tar Creek issue. Although some may argue that more effort could be made, overall there are initiatives in place to assist this area. It is worth noting that cleaning up an area like this is challenging, as there are countless piles of chat scattered throughout the Tar Creek region. Removing these piles is not a simple task due to their vast quantity. Additionally, finding appropriate disposal methods poses another challenge. However, there are possibilities for beneficially utilizing the chat, which would not only reduce the piles but also enhance both human health and the environment in the area” (www.deq.state.ok.us).
I am convinced that the chat has multiple advantages and discovering additional applications for it would be beneficial. Nevertheless, even in the absence of the chat, there would still be numerous challenges to confront, such as water contamination. Dealing with the problem at Tar Creek demands substantial endeavors, and despite advancements being made, there is still a considerable amount of work remaining.
Works Cited
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry,. (2010, Nov. 12 ). In Tar Creek Superfund Site. Retrieved Feb. 8, 2012, from http://www. atsdr. cdc. gov
- Local Environmental Action Demanded,. (2010, Aug. 19 ). In Tar Creek Information Site. Retrieved Feb. 8, 2012, from http://www. tarcreek. org/
- Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality,. (2010, Jul. 6 ). In Land Protection Division. Retrieved Feb. 7, 2010, from http://www. deq. state. ok. us
