Tar Creek wetlands proposal

(Tulsa-AP) -- A final report on turning the Tar Creek Superfund Site into a wetlands stopped short of endorsing the proposal and gave only qualified support of buyouts. <br><br>The long-awaited federal

Thursday, May 8th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- A final report on turning the Tar Creek Superfund Site into a wetlands stopped short of endorsing the proposal and gave only qualified support of buyouts.

The long-awaited federal study found the wetlands plan could potentially improve the site, but said more information is needed before the plan's feasibility can be assessed.

The report's technical team favored the voluntary relocation of Picher and Cardin residents ``if the goal is to create a resource area'' at the site. A draft version of the report leaked to the media didn't include that qualifier.

Republican Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma says the study doesn't endorse any part of the original proposal, although some of the ideas could be used in the future.

Representative Brad Carson says the change in the report should outrage Oklahomans. Carson is proposing legislation to enable voluntary buyouts.