EPA surveys Oklahoma residents near polluted site

PICHER, Okla. (AP) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is asking residents near a polluted site in northeast Oklahoma how much fish they eat and how often they wade in the local waters.

The Tulsa World reports that two surveys were administered by the EPA’s Technical Assistance for Communities to residents of areas near the Tar Creek Superfund site. It asks residents to gauge the accuracy of certain statements and offer comments for improvements.

The 40-square-mile (64-kilometer) site encompasses a portion of the Tar Creek, Elk Creek, Spring River, Neosho River and Grand Lake watersheds.

The EPA is still in the planning phase to deal with sediment concentrations and possible cleanup methods for the site.

An EPA spokesman says the public comments will help the agency develop clean-up goals for the site.