Concerns over Tar Creek in Ottawa County voiced Monday

Ottawa County residents want $300,000 from the state for a study on the Tar Creek Superfund Site. The residents met Monday night to voice their concerns about Tar Creek. <br><br>The 40-mile area has been

Tuesday, January 15th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Ottawa County residents want $300,000 from the state for a study on the Tar Creek Superfund Site. The residents met Monday night to voice their concerns about Tar Creek.

The 40-mile area has been contaminated by years of lead mining. Recent health studies have shown high blood lead levels in young children in the area making them more susceptible to learning and growth disabilities. People who live here are searching for swift solutions to clean up the lead waste, or move out.

One option addressed at the meeting would do just that, by replacing the wasteland for a wetland. Member of the Tar Creek Basin Steering Committee, John Sparkman, "This is one study that actually is looking at solving all the problems and giving these people some relief up here." Resident Patsy Huffman, "I've lived here all my life and I see what's happened to our homes. That would be a welcome thing for me."

The Wetlands Project comes with a $600-million price tag. Half the money has already been approved for federal funding.