The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality has been overseeing remediation of contamination at the industrial park, groundwater, and soil throughout parts of the city since 1992.Fact Sheet: Blackwell Zinc Smelter Site In Blackwell Oklahoma , Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, June 2007 Phelps Dodge Corporation, a subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc, has owned the site since 1999."Lawsuit claims Blackwell polluted from old zinc smelter" April 14, 2008 On October 15, 2009 the City of Blackwell filed suit against Freeport-McMoRan calling the contamination a nuisance, and alleging that 58 million pounds of toxic waste remained in the city, causing illness within its 7,200 residents.CJ200915 City of Blackwell vs. Freeport Following several changes of venue between Federal court and Kay County courts, the City of Blackwell and Freeport settled for 54-million dollars on February 4, 2010.Rowen, Sharon, "Public Hearing Held On Blackwell Lawsuit ", The Ponca City News, February 19, 2010Settlement Agreement
