Quapaws say their input not being sought on Tar Creek

(Tulsa-AP) -- Quapaw tribal members say they aren't being included in the discussions about the cleanup of the Tar Creek Superfund site. <br><br>Heirs of the Quapaw tribe own about 70 percent of the

Thursday, March 22nd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- Quapaw tribal members say they aren't being included in the discussions about the cleanup of the Tar Creek Superfund site.

Heirs of the Quapaw tribe own about 70 percent of the land around Picher and Cardin. Most of them no longer live in the area, but say they still have a vested interest in it.

The landowners say they were ignored last year by Governor Keating's Tar Creek Task Force.

The task force is considering several options, including turning the site into a wetlands area. Supporters say that proposal would be cheaper and quicker than a cleanup.

A task force official says every effort was made to include all interests involved in Tar Creek. J-D Strong says a Quapaw landowner served on a subcommittee of the task force.

Strong says the landowners can call state environmental officials anytime to talk about the issue.