INDEPENDENT LENS | The Creek Runs Red | PBS

The EPA calls the mining town of Picher, Oklahoma the most toxic place in America, but a dwindling population still call it home. Today the town is divided by fears of serious health risks, environmental politics, civic pride and old racial tensions between Indian and white society. THE CREEK RUNS RED explores the human response to an environmental disaster and the complex connection between people and place.

THE CREEK RUNS RED premieres Tuesday, November 20 on Independent Lens, a weekly series airing on PBS. Hosted by Terrence Howard, the acclaimed series showcases powerful and innovative independent films. Presented by ITVS, Independent Lens is broadcast on PBS stations nationwide.

Visit the Web site for more:
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/creekrunsred/

PBS Independent Lens documentaries TV The Creek Runs Red Picher Oklahoma environmental disaster hazards toxic lead zinc mining EPA Quapaw tribe

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[PicherPerfect]

To the brilliant individual who wants to ride his ATV on the chat piles, by all means go right ahead. Of course, you might die from exposure to the dust containing cadmium and lead, but go right ahead and ride our chat piles!

I got involved with Picher's story through Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts. This is a fantastic documentary about the town, though it really makes me miss Orval Ray (the fellow narrating the clip), he was Picher's champion right up to the end.

Chat Rats to the end!

[mytheropy]

Thank you for posting this Ad for The Creek Runs Red. I will definately watch.

Our news media and other outlets would think this story is important because the powers that control the media wants to shift all attention The War in Iraq and Pakastan. It is important so keep track but Everybody do have to report the exact same footage which is reported anyway. Don't get me wrong I

[lion3p0]

Yep they stole our land again and took such good care of it didnt they? HA nothing came of it

[ctyyoung]

@redbyrd1016 Yes, that is correct. I've been studying Picher, OK and Eagle Picher for years. EP was THE main player in Picher.

[tbaarr1]

@mrsmeow61 as long as its done safely and follows fed guidlines to not destroy the area of the mine or the health of the miners..i agree. but I bet you trace this mining company backwards and you will find the koch brothers nasty hand

[mrsmeow61]

In an unrelated story, average life expectancies for American men and women rose again...Women now live an average of over 80 years. Picher is an example of antiquated mining techniques used in the early 1900's. Modern techniques are much less invasive. Who cares if mining creates jobs? Your children, your fellow countrymen, just to name a few. Unless you want to live in a grass hut mining is a part of modern life.

[riccomojo]

@8lugz I like the idea, they did it in Park Hills Missouri its called St Joe State Park also the army corp of engineers has done it in other places, Will i knew how to get them involved.

[wheelori814]

im so sick and tired of mining! who cares if it creates jobs, it kills us all in the long run! everywhere u look, peoples water is contaminated because of mining! It gets into well water which is where a lot of people get their water from! 

[biscuitasylum]

I used to ride those Chat Piles and Swim in all the mine shafts.

[turdfucker1]

Joplin, Missouri

[redbyrd1016]

where is Eagle Picher The company that

made millons then left .

[oldhouses]

We drove through Picher Labor day weekend right after it closed down for good. We were going to Kansas and just came upon it by accident. (had never been there) I saw the red creek and the piles of waste and then we came into the ghost town. I knew that something was up and researched it. Thanks for posting this video.