URL: https://www.indianz.com/News/archives/002968.asp

Friday, December 12, 2003

The Tulsa World web site has posted a critique of a proposal by Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) to clean up the Tar Creek Superfund site in northeastern Oklahoma.

The posting says the Oklahoma Plan is flawed for two major reasons. One is that Inhofe failed to consult with individual Indians and non-Indians on the removal of mine waste known as chat. Instead, the critique says he is working with the leadership of the Quapaw Tribe, including John Berrey, the chairman of the business committee. "The Tribe itself does not own any chat piles," according to the critique.

The second reason cited is a list of several "specific issues." Most center around how the plan will be carried out and the money allocated for it.

The Tulsa World is a subscribers-only web site. The critique was posted in a non-members area of the site. It was authored by a group of people who oppose the Oklahoma Plan and held a press conference on Thursday to discuss their objections. Their comments are reported in Ottawa County residents criticize Inhofe�s proposal [PDF].

The paper also has a front page story, Cleanup reminders haunting [PDF], the first in a five-part series, about the Tar Creek mess.

Get the Critique:
CRITIQUE OF THE OKLAHOMA PLAN FOR TAR CREEK (The Tulsa World 12/10)

Relevant Links:
Tar Creek Information Site - http://www.tarcreek.org
Tar Creek, State of Oklahoma - http://www.deq.state.ok.us/LPDnew/Tarcreek

Related Stories:
Consent decree aimed at cleaning Tar Creek (12/11)
Plan outlined to clean up Tar Creek waste site (11/21)
Quapaw Tribe to sue mining companies for cleanup (08/18)
Costs for cleaning Tar Creek waste increase (08/04)
Okla. governor supports Tar Creek cleanup plan (07/02)
Editorial: Keep options on Tar Creek open (06/19)
Inhofe wants $45M for Tar Creek cleanup (05/15)
Funds sought for study of Tar Creek site (5/14)
Relocation option removed from Tar Creek report (05/08)
Carson promises Tar Creek proposal will be his last (5/5)
Legislation would buy out Tar Creek residents (5/2)
Congressman says Tar Creek report being held up (4/28)
Battle to clean up Tar Creek turns partisan (03/20)
Study confirms health dangers of Tar Creek (3/19)
Okla. governor threatens suit over waste cleanup (02/26)
White House to release Tar Creek study (09/13)
Okla. adds waste clean up official (8/27)
EPA removing Tar Creek employee (8/15)
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)

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