In partnership with ProPublica
It started as an American dream. The Meredith family of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, spent 12 years saving for the perfect home only to have it destroyed overnight when oily black water surged up through the foundation. In Arcadia, Oklahoma, the Boarmans watched the plants in their yard wither and die as toxic pollutants commonly found in oilfield waste seeped into their drinking water well.
These two families would soon discover they were part of a rapidly escalating environmental crisis unfolding beneath their feet. In a new documentary from The Frontier and ProPublica, reporter Nick Bowlin investigates the scope of this massive problem now threatening the drinking water and environment of oil-producing states across the country.
About half of Oklahomans live within a mile of an oil and gas operation. Across the state, wastewater from oil and gas operations is spreading uncontrollably belowground, blasting out of old wells, polluting the environment and contaminating drinking water.
As Bowlin peels back what happened to the Merediths and the Boarmans, he uncovers internal records and speaks to a former state employee trying to sound the alarm. This urgent documentary reveals how Oklahoma’s regulatory agency knew about the imminent danger for years but failed to stop the pollution or hold companies accountable — a problem compounded by more than a century of oil and gas extraction in the state. (The Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates oil and gas, previously told The Frontier and ProPublica that the state is committed to “doing the right thing, holding operators accountable, protecting Oklahoma and its resources, and providing fair and balanced regulation.”)
We invite the community to join us for a screening, panel discussion and Q&A with the filmmaker, reporter and affected families.
Options for people with disabilities are available, including two designated accessible parking spaces and a limited number of assisted listening and captioning devices. Please email us at events@propublica.org so we can plan accordingly.
Parking
Parking is available at Kendall Whittier Square, just east of Circle Cinema, and in the west lot directly behind the theater. The theater’s ADA-accessible entrance with automatic doors is next to the west lot.
Space is limited, so preregistration below is mandatory for all guests.
5:30 PM | Savor & Socialize
Kick things off with a reception featuring delicious bites from a local favorite.
7:00 PM | Lights, Camera, Action
Grab your seat for the main event—our featured film screening begins.
Events supported by the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Foundation. Learn more about sponsorships.
The Frontier launched in 2015 as Oklahoma’s premier investigative outlet.
Reach Frontier staff by email at info@readfrontier.com
