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FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2002

The state of Oklahoma has enlisted the University of Oklahoma to find out if huge piles of mine waste can be safely used for highway construction.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Indian Affairs have cleared the removal and sale of the waste, known as chat, for such purposes. The lead-contaminated tailings are dangerous to children if left alone.

The chat is located at the Tar Creek Superfund site in northeastern Oklahoma. About 70 percent of the affected land is owned by Quapaw tribal members.

Get the Story:
Mine tailings may find use in asphalt (The Salt Lake Tribune 8/2)

Relevant Documents:
Affected Sites | EPA Report

Relevant Links:
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee - http://www.senate.gov/~epw
Tar Creek Information Site - http://www.tarcreek.org
Tar Creek, State of Oklahoma - http://www.deq.state.ok.us/LPDnew/Tarcreek
Tar Creek Site, EPA - http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/rodsites/0601269.htm

Related Stories:
Senate panel questions Superfund status (8/1)
EPA changes mind on Superfund funds (7/22)
Bush cutting cleanup funds for Okla. site (7/2)
EPA criticized for Superfund cuts (7/2)
EPA cleanup funds being slashed (7/1)
Tar Creek mold confirmed (4/23)
Head of EPA urged to visit Okla. site (9/11)
BIA aiding cleanup of Okla. site (9/7)
End of mine waste moratorium praised (8/30)
Sale of mine waste cleared for Okla. Tribe (8/22)