The federal government has spent at least $120 million to clean up 75 million tons of mine waste in northeastern Oklahoma but there appears to have been little progress, The New York Times reports.

Lead levels in children in the Tar Creek area remain higher than the national average. A 2000 study showed that 12 percent of children had levels above the hazard threshold. Among Indian children, a 1994 study showed that 35 percent had levels above the excessive exposure threshold.

The Environmental Protection Agency has spent $120 million to clean up the yards of homes in Tar Creek. The agency says the effort has reduced lead levels in children but that hasn't convinced dozens of families that are willing to move if offered relocation money.

The mine waste, also known as chat, was generated from mining on lands owned by members of the Quapaw Tribe and by other individual Indians.

Get the Story:
Despite Cleanup at Mine, Dust and Fear Linger (The New York Times 4/12)
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