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Tar Creek Update

An abandon house in Picher, Oklahoma
KWGS News Photo
An abandon house in Picher, Oklahoma

By Associated Press

Picher, OK – Oklahoma mining waste headed for Kansas highways

PICHER, Okla. (AP) Mining waste from the Tar Creek Superfund site in northeastern Oklahoma is to be used on highways in Kansas.

Sen. Jim Inhofe says the chat will be mixed with asphalt for use on highways in Kansas because that state is less restrictive on lead and zinc levels in the material than is Oklahoma.

Chat contains high levels of cadmium, zinc and lead. Studies by Harvard University show lead is especially dangerous in children because it can reduce intelligence.

Kansas Bureau of Environmental Remediation director Gary Blackburn says he's comfortable use of the chat is safe.

The Tar Creek area is contaminated from years of lead and zinc mining. The government is buying out residents because of the danger.

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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.