Environmental Health in Joplin (Jasper: crime rate, hotel, casino)

[kdb05f]

Is there any truth to the posts about Joplin being environmentally unsafe because of all the mines that used to be there? Were the mines actually inside the city? Thanks

[Someone1515]

All that I have heard is that there is a lot of lead in the ground and in the water. I don't know whether its true or not, though I wouldn't doubt it. As far as actual mines inside city limits I'm sure there were. I have also heard, which once again may or may not be true, that more than 70% of Jasper County is undermined. You can see big chat piles all over the area including inside of Joplin, but not much else that I'm aware of.

[kdb05f]

Originally Posted by Someone1515

All that I have heard is that there is a lot of lead in the ground and in the water. I don't know whether its true or not, though I wouldn't doubt it. As far as actual mines inside city limits I'm sure there were. I have also heard, which once again may or may not be true, that more than 70% of Jasper County is undermined. You can see big chat piles all over the area including inside of Joplin, but not much else that I'm aware of.

Thanks for that info, Someone. Are there any of the small towns nearby where lead poisoning isn't an issue?

[Someone1515]

^^
You're welcome

As far as lead poisoning goes I'm pretty sure many if not all towns in the tri state area have some sort of problem with it. I've heard that the water has quite a bit of lead in it, though I drink a lot of water and have never had any problems.

[GraniteStater]

I would also avoid Cherokee County KS which is west of Joplin. Most of this area is extremely undermined, and towns like Trece are being abandoned. However, they are trying to prop up the local economy with a proposed casino. I haven't heard anything in detail regarding that project.

[OA 5599]

Municipal water supplies have pretty tight restrictions on water quality, and have to report data on the water quality to government agencies monthly. I wouldn't worry too much about lead in the municipal drinking water, but it could be a problem with a private well. Municipal water supplies have far, far tighter government quality restrictions than bottled water.

[Someone1515]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

I would also avoid Cherokee County KS which is west of Joplin. Most of this area is extremely undermined, and towns like Trece are being abandoned. However, they are trying to prop up the local economy with a proposed casino. I haven't heard anything in detail regarding that project.

I don't know if you heard or not but the only company that submitted a proposal for a casino in SEK backed out a few months ago. They said that because of Downstream not too far from the location it would be a bad financial idea. I believe they have started the process over again, but no plans as of right now unfortunatly.

[thefrisk]

I have lived in Joplin since 1982. Yes, Joplin would not be here if it were not for the mining. The drinking water here is no worse than some of the larger municipalities in Missouri. It does have a taste to it, sometimes you can smell the chlorine in it, like when running water for a bath. We drink the tap as well as the Wal-mart water that comes in gallon jugs. I have never heard of any lead poisoning in regards to the the city water supply. I know a large percentage of the city water comes from Shoal Creek if not most? Speaking of Cherokee county. I live about five miles from the state of Kansas or Cherokee county proper. The Downstream Casino is opening a limited section of its hotel this weekend. I am not a gambler, so I really do not keep up on the news concerning it. My wife and her best friend went by there last week. She told me when they were inside (get past all the cigarette smoke) all you see are primarily old people blowing their money.

[kdb05f]

[quote=thefrisk;5952535]I have lived in Joplin since 1982. Yes, Joplin would not be here if it were not for the mining. The drinking water here is no worse than some of the larger municipalities in Missouri. It does have a taste to it, sometimes you can smell the chlorine in it, like when running water for a bath. We drink the tap as well as the Wal-mart water that comes in gallon jugs. I have never heard of any lead poisoning in regards to the the city water supply. I know a large percentage of the city water comes from Shoal Creek if not most?

I asked this question because I am looking at a potential job in Joplin, still not sure if I will apply or if I would get it if I do apply. Joplin seems like a nice area to live in despite what seems to be a high crime rate. Heck, I already live in a place with a high crime rate and I like it fine.
But Joplin to me seems like a nice place, not too small and I like its proximity to the NW Arkansas metro area.
My big concern about Joplin though was worry that the environment might be abnormally unhealthy because of lead in the area. Thanks to everybody who posted a reply.

[Someone1515]

^^
As I posted early, I've never heard of anyone having any problems with the environment.
Also, most of the things I have posted about have just been with word of mouth, so I definetly wouldn't let that stop you from moving. Yes the crime rates are high, and even higher than some big cities, but using common sense you should be just fine. I would say to just come down and stay for a few days to get some sort of a feel before actually moving as its certainly not a place for everyone.

With that being said good luck on whatever your decision is!