Oklahoma

Summary

Through NGGDPP, Earth MRI, and STATEMAP, the Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS) is digitizing critical datasets, advancing mineral assessments, and providing modern geologic maps that protect communities and inform regulatory decisions. These programs enable collaboration across agencies, industry, and tribal nations while safeguarding Oklahoma’s resources and environment.

STATEMAP

  • Regulatory Decision Example:
    • The Oklahoma DEQ used updated STATEMAP geologic maps to review a proposed hazardous waste site.
    • The permit applicant relied on an outdated map suggesting suitability.
    • STATEMAP data revealed the site would have been built on loose alluvium, violating federal environmental rules and threatening downstream communities.
    • Updated mapping prevented improper siting and protected public health and the environment.

Earth MRI

  • Five current focus areas:
    • Mine Waste Database.
    • Tar Creek Superfund Site.
    • Wichita Mountains.
    • Phosphatic Shales.
    • Tri-State Mining District.
  • Tar Creek Superfund Site (Northeast Oklahoma):
    • Collaborative project with USGS, EPA, Oklahoma DEQ, Quapaw Nation, Missouri S&T, and University of Kansas.
    • Built collaboration with Quapaw Nation from the proposal stage, ensuring broad participation and fewer access issues.
    • Sparked new conversations with the Miami and Peoria Nations for potential future projects.
  • Impact: Strengthened tribal and agency partnerships while producing essential data for mine waste characterization and environmental stewardship:

NGGDPP (Data Preservation)

  • Oklahoma Petroleum Information Center (OPIC):
    • Digitized extensive analog datasets including well logs, aerial photos, core photos, and analysis reports.
    • Data powers the online Well Viewer tool (link), which is publicly accessible.
  • Critical Minerals Assessment Plan:
    • NGGDPP support is funding a new statewide plan to harmonize OGS’s core and data collection with national critical minerals and REE assessments.
  • Impact: Preserves irreplaceable geoscience data and makes it available to industry, regulators, and researchers for resource evaluation and planning.

Impact for Oklahoma:

  • Provides modernized data access through the OPIC Well Viewer.
  • Builds collaborative projects that include federal, state, tribal, and academic partners.
  • Identifies and manages critical mineral resources across the state.
  • Ensures environmental protection through up-to-date geologic mapping used in regulatory processes.