The sources of contamination at Joplin were primarily the plume from 17 smelter sites. The contamination at Tar Creek is primarily from people hauling contaminated chat to backfill their yards. Consequently, the depth of contamination was deeper at Tar Creek than at Joplin. Tar Creek contamination was widespread and deeper. On the average, we have excavated 40 percent more soil per property at Tar Creek than at Joplin.
Tar Creek is a rural area and sizes of property are generally larger.
Lead blood levels. Incidences of high lead blood levels of children at Tar Creek were far more prevalent that at Joplin. Tar Creek communities are in a flat floodplain and were more severely impacted by the spring deluge, while Joplin is predominantly rolling hills which accommodated the rainfall. Conditions of roads and storm drainage system. Rural roads and the storm drainage system at Tar Creek are markedly inferior to that of Joplin.