Greta Jimenez
Oklahoma faces a variety of environmental pollution problems, including air and water quality issues, chronic drought, and threats posed by fracking. The state's air pollution, particularly in Oklahoma City, is among the worst in the US, with high levels of ozone and particle pollution. The primary sources of particle pollution include construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, chimneys, fires, power stations, industries, and automobiles. Water pollution in Oklahoma is also a significant concern, with nutrient pollution in the Illinois River and toxic waste sites like the Tar Creek Superfund site, which has led to contaminated water and adverse health effects on the local population.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pollution | Air and water pollution |
| Air pollution causes | Ozone, fine particulate matter, vehicle emissions, industrial sources |
| Water pollution causes | Nutrient pollution, coal ash, scrubber wastewater, fracking wastewater |
| Locations with high air pollution | Oklahoma City, Tulsa |
| Water bodies with pollution | Illinois River, Tenkiller Ferry Lake, Tar Creek |
| Health risks | Neurological problems, cancer, respiratory issues, environmental damage |
| Regulatory agencies | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City, the state's largest and capital city, is facing significant challenges due to air pollution, which poses risks to the health of its residents and the environment. The city's air quality has deteriorated, with a recent report ranking it as one of the worst cities in the United States for air pollution. This issue is largely driven by two key pollutants: ground-level ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
Ozone, a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms, is a primary concern in Oklahoma City's air pollution crisis. It is formed through chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxide gases, hydrocarbons, and ozone itself, requiring sunlight for completion. Ozone levels tend to be higher on hot, sunny days in urban areas, but they can also reach unhealthy levels during colder months. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set stricter limits on ground-level ozone to protect public health. However, Oklahoma City has struggled to meet these standards, with monitoring sites indicating high levels of ozone pollution.
Fine particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10, also contributes significantly to Oklahoma City's air pollution. These particles are released directly from sources such as construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, chimneys, fires, power stations, industries, and automobiles. PM2.5 particles are of particular concern as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to various health issues. Oklahoma City has recorded an upward trend in annual PM2.5 levels since 2016, with the number of days deemed "unhealthy for sensitive groups" rising sharply.
The sources of air pollution in Oklahoma City are diverse and interconnected. Vehicle emissions from the city's substantial road network play a significant role, releasing pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter into the atmosphere. Additionally, industrial activity and mobile sources contribute to both ozone and particulate pollution. The city's economic reliance on industries such as aviation, energy, and biotechnology further complicates the challenge of reducing air pollution.
The impact of air pollution in Oklahoma City extends beyond the physical health of its residents. The increased levels of ozone and particulate pollution have placed the health of approximately 650,000 residents at risk, including vulnerable populations such as senior citizens and children. Moreover, people of colour and individuals experiencing poverty are disproportionately affected by the polluted air, exacerbating existing social inequalities.
Addressing Oklahoma City's air pollution problem requires a multifaceted approach. While the EPA has implemented stricter standards for ground-level ozone, more comprehensive measures are needed to regulate precursor pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to ozone formation. Additionally, reducing vehicle emissions, promoting cleaner industrial practices, and mitigating the effects of neighbouring states' pollution on Oklahoma's air quality are crucial steps toward improving the city's air quality and safeguarding the health and well-being of its residents.
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Toxic waste in Tar Creek
The Tar Creek Superfund site in northeastern Oklahoma has a long history of environmental and health issues stemming from toxic waste generated by mining companies. The area, encompassing the cities of Picher, Douthat, and Cardin in Ottawa County, was once one of the world's largest lead and zinc mining districts. Mining activity in the region began in 1891 and continued until the 1970s, with an estimated 1.7 million tons of lead and 8.8 million tons of zinc produced during this period.
The immediate aftermath of mining activity left the region scarred. Mining companies employed dry and wet methods to extract pure lead from ore. The dry method resulted in the creation of chat piles, large mounds of mining waste containing lead, zinc, cadmium, and other toxic metals. These piles, resembling dunes, were left uncovered, allowing metals to leach into the surrounding soil and eventually seep into groundwater, ponds, and lakes. The wet method, meanwhile, required tailing ponds to process ore, and while it is unclear how much tailing was produced, it contributed to the contamination of water bodies.
The toxic waste and contaminated water posed severe health risks to residents, particularly children. Studies have found elevated levels of lead, zinc, and manganese in Picher children, leading to learning disabilities and various health issues. A study conducted between 2002 and 2011 on new mothers and their infants in the Tar Creek area found an inverse correlation between maternal blood manganese concentrations and their infants' neurodevelopment scores. The Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, who originally owned the land and leased it to mining companies, faced additional challenges due to governmental practices exhibiting racism.
In 1983, the Tar Creek site was designated as a Superfund site, with the US Geological Survey, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), and the Quapaw Nation taking on the role of cleanup oversight agencies. The following year, work commenced on the first Operable Unit. It wasn't until 2004 that the state of Oklahoma implemented the "Oklahoma Plan For Tar Creek," which included a buyout and relocation program for residents due to the urgent health hazards.
The Tar Creek Superfund site has gained widespread attention, with a documentary film by Matt Myers in 2009 exploring the various issues surrounding the site. Universities, organizations, churches, and schools have used the story of Tar Creek to raise awareness and discuss similar potential issues in their communities.
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Water pollution from fracking
While air pollution is a significant issue in Oklahoma, with Oklahoma City ranked as one of the worst cities in the US for air quality, water pollution from fracking is also a pressing environmental concern.
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, involves injecting fluids into wells to extract oil and gas. This process can lead to water pollution when the fracking fluids and naturally occurring water from oil and gas formations are discharged into surface waters. Oklahoma is part of the Caney and Woodford Shales, which are sites of extensive drilling and fracking activity. The state had over 32,000 oil wells in 2009, with an estimated 2,694 wells fracked in 2012.
The Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of pollutants into surface waters, requiring oil and gas operators to obtain permits for discharging produced water. However, fracking operations have been exempt from certain regulations. The Energy Policy Act of 2005, for instance, excluded fracking-related underground injections from the EPA's underground injection control program, leaving regulation to state governments. Despite this, the Clean Water Act still applies to fracking operations, and companies are increasingly disclosing the chemicals used in their fracking fluids.
The use of diesel fuel in hydraulic fracturing has raised concerns about its potential impact on drinking water sources and human health. Diesel contains chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, which have been linked to cancer and other health issues. While the total volume of water used in fracking a well can range from 2 million to 4 million gallons, the chemicals used make up only a small portion, typically less than 1% of the fluid volume. However, even at low concentrations, some of these chemicals can pose health risks, and more research is needed to understand their cumulative effects on the environment and human health.
In addition to water pollution, fracking has also been linked to earthquakes in Oklahoma. Hydraulic fracturing-induced earthquakes have been recorded in the state, highlighting the complex environmental impacts of fracking beyond just water pollution.
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Nutrient pollution in the Illinois River
Oklahoma, like many other US states, struggles with air pollution. Ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) are the main pollutants in the state, with vehicle emissions and industrial sources being the primary contributors. However, the state also experiences pollution from neighbouring states, such as Texas.
While air pollution is a significant issue in Oklahoma, the state also faces other environmental challenges, particularly in its water bodies. One of the most notable water pollution problems is nutrient pollution in the Illinois River.
The Illinois River is a tributary of the Arkansas River and is an important source of water for the state. However, it has been facing the issue of nutrient pollution, primarily from nonpoint sources. This type of pollution occurs when excess nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, are washed into the river from a variety of sources, including fertiliser runoff from agricultural land, sewage, and stormwater runoff. High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water can lead to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants, a process known as eutrophication. As the algae die and decompose, they deplete the water of oxygen, creating "dead zones" where fish and other aquatic life cannot survive.
To address nutrient pollution in the Illinois River, Oklahoma has implemented the Illinois River Watershed Program under the Environmental Protection Agency. This program focuses on reducing nonpoint source pollution by working with farmers to improve fertiliser management practices and implementing best management practices for land application of nutrients. Additionally, the program promotes the use of buffer strips and riparian buffers to help filter out excess nutrients before they reach the river. These efforts aim to improve the water quality in the Illinois River and mitigate the negative consequences of nutrient pollution for the environment and local communities.
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Coal ash in rivers
Oklahoma has 54 lakes that are officially polluted and contaminated with mercury—a direct result of burning coal. Citizens of Bokoshe, Oklahoma, have also attested to their waters being polluted by coal ash. Coal ash is a byproduct of burning coal, and polluters often dispose of it irresponsibly, such as by dumping it in unlined ponds or landfills.
In 2018, Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice revealed that all coal ash waste generated by Oklahoma's coal-fired power plants that tested nearby groundwater found toxic contamination. The chemicals detected included toxic heavy metals and other substances linked to cancer, neurological damage, and environmental damage. Arsenic, boron, lithium, molybdenum, and radium were among the contaminants found. The groundwater failed to meet the levels deemed safe for drinking water by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at every coal ash dump in the state that performed the required testing.
In 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals heard arguments on the legality of Oklahoma's Coal Ash Program. Organizations representing concerned Oklahomans challenged the EPA's approval of the state's coal ash program, arguing that the EPA unlawfully failed to provide adequate public participation and allowed Oklahoma to issue dangerous "permits for life" to coal ash facilities. These permits deprive the public and regulators of predictable reviews of legal requirements and onsite conditions at coal ash facilities.
Oklahoma's rules now allow coal ash landfills and impoundments (ponds) to have permits that last "for life," meaning they will not be revisited periodically to ensure they are not endangering nearby communities or the environment. In contrast, permits for hazardous waste landfills, air pollution, and wastewater discharges must be renewed at regular intervals. Many key decisions about how coal ash dumps are operated would be made behind closed doors, depriving the public of the opportunity to weigh in on whether operators are doing enough to protect Oklahoma communities and waters.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution is a major issue in Oklahoma, with Oklahoma City ranked as one of the worst cities in the US for air pollution. The main pollutants are ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution in Oklahoma, releasing pollutants such as carbon monoxide, ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and dust.
Yes, particle pollution can also come from construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, chimneys, fires, power stations, industries, and automobiles.
Air pollution can be harmful to health, particularly for sensitive groups such as senior citizens, children, and people with existing health conditions. It can also disproportionately impact people of color and those experiencing poverty.
Oklahoma also faces issues with water quality, chronic drought, and the potential risks of fracking, including contamination and induced earthquakes. Additionally, the Tar Creek Superfund site in northeastern Oklahoma is one of the country's worst toxic waste areas due to lead and zinc mining.
