Expressions of Place Attachment and Environmental Justice Near the Tar Creek Superfund Site

Abstract

Tar Creek is a United States EPA Superfund Site located in northeastern Oklahoma. Known as the Tri-State Mining District, lead and zinc operations supplied ammunition for both World Wars. During the mining operations, enormous piles of hazardous waste, known as “chat,” were left behind and local waters were contaminated. Over the years, lead poisoning caused neurological damage and unusual rates of kidney and cardiovascular disease to local residents. The mining operations carved out much of the subsurface, leading to sinkholes. Ultimately, buyouts were offered to local residents to leave the area. Despite knowledge of the risks, some people resisted leaving because they were attached to their home place. In-depth interviews with individuals were conducted to capture past and present lived experiences of the area. This research draws on those interviews to explore themes of place attachment and memory, distrust of state and federal actors that led to feelings of community erasure, and community agency in pursuing environmental justice in relation to hazards in and around the site. We ask the question: How do place attachment and memory influence community ‘survivance’ and pursuits of environmental justice near the Tar Creek Superfund Site?