Turning the Tide at Tar Creek: Oklahoma Launches Major Cleanup of One of America’s Most Toxic Sites

OKLAHOMA CITY — A large-scale environmental cleanup effort is underway at the Tar Creek Superfund site in northeast Oklahoma—one of the most hazardous and historically neglected environmental areas in the United States. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in collaboration with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), is spearheading a renewed push to remove toxic waste, restore the land, and protect local communities from ongoing health threats.

This joint initiative marks a critical step forward in the long-overdue remediation of Ottawa County, which has been impacted for generations by lead, zinc, and cadmium pollution stemming from the region’s mining legacy.

Located within the Tri-State Mining District, which also includes parts of Kansas and Missouri, Tar Creek was heavily mined from the late 1800s through the 1970s. The result: over 30 million tons of mine waste—known as “chat”—contaminated neighborhoods, parks, and schools. This waste, once widely used in construction and fill dirt, still poses a serious risk to public health, including elevated risks of brain damage, kidney disease, and nervous system disorders. A 1994 study revealed local children’s blood lead levels to be three times higher than those recorded during the Flint, Michigan water crisis.

“The cleanup of Tar Creek is long overdue, and I’m proud to see real progress being made,” said Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Senate District 1. “We are restoring hope to Ottawa County families and taking responsibility for decades of harm.”

Rep. Steve Bashore, R-House District 7 and Majority Deputy Floor Leader, echoed the sentiment: “This cleanup effort is essential to making our communities safe again and turning northeast Oklahoma into a region where families and businesses can thrive.”

Since assuming primary responsibility for the site in 2016, DEQ has made meaningful strides. More than 650 properties have been tested and 125 remediated—but with over 13,000 residential lots across the county, the work continues. DEQ’s voluntary cleanup program offers free yard testing and, if needed, remediation for Ottawa County residents. Homeowners are encouraged to visit oklahoma.gov/deq to learn more and sign up.

“This project doesn’t just clean up the environment—it puts money back into the community,” said Brian Stanila, DEQ environmental programs manager. “We hire local contractors for all cleanup efforts, helping to stimulate the local economy in places like Miami and Commerce.”

OMES, through its Construction and Properties division, provides vital contracting services to support this multi-agency initiative. By safely managing the removal of massive chat piles and coordinating complex logistics, OMES ensures that this effort meets the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

“This is about more than environmental restoration—it’s a promise to future generations,” said Nathan Wald, Administrator for OMES Capital Assets Management. “When state agencies work together with purpose, we can achieve incredible things. We’re honored to partner with DEQ and support the people of Ottawa County.”

About DEQ

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality works to protect the state’s air, land, and water resources. DEQ is dedicated to promoting public health, ensuring safe drinking water, and fostering sustainable environmental practices. Learn more at oklahoma.gov/deq.

About OMES

The Office of Management and Enterprise Services supports all Oklahoma state agencies through expert financial, HR, procurement, and property management services. OMES delivers efficient, customer-focused solutions to help government work better. Learn more at oklahoma.gov/omes.