Lead, zinc and coal mining industries that flourished from the late 1800’s to the mid 1970’s in southeast Kansas, northeastern Oklahoma and southwest Missouri have left behind a plethora of health, environmental and economic problems. Today, the area is covered with piles of waste rock containing high levels of lead, zinc and cadmium contaminants, sinkholes and contaminated groundwater. Use the points below to view images and information about the issues facing the area.