blood lead levels of 10 micrograms per deciliter
ATSDR is committed to addressing public health
(g/dL) or greater. Investigation results indicated
concerns of the communities affected by the
elevated levels of lead in paint and dust or soil in
Tar Creek site. ATSDR will evaluate available
two homes, but no
environmental data,
other substantial
health effects data,
sources of lead were
and community
found.
health concerns
and will develop
In 1995, ATSDR
recommendations to
provided techni-
address concerns about
cal assistance and
exposure to hazardous
resources to the
substances and other
Oklahoma State
potential hazards.
Department of
Health (OSDH) to
Imperial
Chat piles at the Tar Creek NPL site.
Refining--The
conduct blood lead
Imperial Refining Company in Ardmore was
level screening in all children who live in Ottawa
County and are impacted by the Tar Creek site.
a crude oil refinery from 1917 to 1934, when
ATSDR also has worked with U.S. Environmental
it declared bankruptcy. All tanks and storage
Protection Agency (EPA) to provide health recom-
equipment were dismantled by 1948. Tank-bottom
mendations for clean-up plans under consideration
materials apparently were dumped out onto site
for the site.
soils during the dismantling. Although the property
has changed ownership several times since the
Since 1998, through an interagency agreement
tanks and storage equipment were dismantled, no
with EPA, ATSDR has funded additional blood
clear evidence shows further operations occurring
lead screening and health education activities
on the site.
by the Ottawa County Health Department.
Several areas of the site are covered with asphalt or
In 2003, ATSDR began to compile and review
tarlike wastes. At least one waste area also contains
environmental and human biologic sampling
several abandoned, partially crushed 55-gallon
data. Analysis of these data will provide a better
drums. The drums are rusty and appear to be
understanding of potential sources contributing to
empty. An intermittent stream and several wetlands
the elevated blood lead levels in children and will
areas are on the site. Ponds on the site could have
identify areas for further inquiry.
been highway fill "borrow pits" or reservoirs
To determine potential sources contributing to
during operation of the refinery. Access to the site
increased blood lead levels and assess possible
is unrestricted.
public health hazards at the Tar Creek site, ATSDR
In a public health assessment released in December
is compiling and reviewing all available blood lead
2001, ATSDR concluded that past or current
data from 1995 through 2002 for children aged
exposures are not likely to lead to adverse health
6 years and younger in Ottawa County; comparing
effects, and categorized the site as no apparent
data on lead levels in residential soil and OSDH
public health hazard. Rusted drums and broken
blood lead data to evaluate potential exposure
glass on the site may pose physical hazards,
especially for children who play on the site. Off-
about tribal health concerns; continuing to provide
site contaminant migration has not been determined
for the site; however, any off-site contaminant
County Health Department for blood lead screening
levels would not likely lead to adverse health
and health education activities; providing public
effects.
health input to the Army Corps of Engineers on
its watershed management project; and reviewing
ATSDR recommended that EPA complete its
available data and providing recommendations to
EPA Region 6 on aspects of its work at the site.
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