Take Care, Tar Creek

Located in far northeast Oklahoma, the area generally known as Tar Creek is considered one of the most toxic places in the US.

In the early 1900s and for decades thereafter, the region known as the Tri-State Mining District, encompassing Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri was heavily mined. Lead mined here was used for ammunition in both WWI and WWII. When the mines were abandoned in the 60s and 70s, some of them caved in, some filled with water which became extremely toxic over time. Mountainous piles of spent mine tailings called "chat" were left littering the landscape. These mountains of waste, though they look like sand dunes, are concentrated with heavy metals. High concentrations of metals including lead, cadmium, zinc, and others, can be found in the land and water. Since the 1980s the region has been designated an EPA Superfund site. Over time, towns have been abandoned, and infrastructure left to wither away.

Take Care, Tar Creek is a message; a letter, a poem, as told from Tar Creek to all humans. This short film, authentically photographed in Super 8, encapsulates the perspective of the region from the water, from Tar Creek. The film asks us to consider the implications of human behavior, the intrinsic value of water, and the impact our decisions, have on the future.

The voice of Tar Creek, spoken by Rebecca Jim, Executive Director of L.E.A.D. Agency and Tar Creekkeeper, traces a line through the past, present, and into the future. All vocals were recorded during an interview session with Rebecca Jim on-location at the L.E.A.D. Agency office in Miami, Oklahoma.