Craig Kreman, of the Quapaw Environmental Office, gives a presentation on the history of lead and zinc mining, processing, and reclamation/remediation in the lands of the Quapaw Nation.  His talk provided an introduction to the next part of the field trip.

Map of the Tar Creek Superfund projects in the Picher Field. These projects are mostly concerned with the many chat (solid waste/tailings) piles located throughout the mining district. They contribute to contamination of Tar Creek.

There is not much left of the once bustling mining towns of Picher and Cardin. Located on the middle of the Picher Field. EPA conducted a buyout of most local residents.  Then a tornado destroyed most of everything that was left of Picher except the town high school, fire department, and water tower.|

The MHAers at the Picher-Cardin Memorial hear the story of the towns from Craig Kreman.

(Above) The memorial park contains several interpretive signs that tell the story of Picher.

Back on the bus, where there was a brief stop on a bridge west of Picher. Tar Creek was eroding a chat pile that was a source of water pollution.  An EPA removal action eliminated the pile and the problem.

Continuing along the road, one of the few remaining large chat piles was seen.

Another chat pile was being screened and sold as aggregate material.

At another bridge crossing, the creek water appears clean.