Urgent Cleanup Demanded for St. Louis’ Toxic Sites

In St. Louis, Missouri, both lawmakers and residents are increasingly demanding a faster cleanup of dangerous locations such as the West Lake Landfill and Coldwater Creek. The slow progress in cleaning these sites is causing frustration, with growing concerns about the health and safety to local communities.

Community Voices Raise Concerns

Residents living near these toxic spots have often felt ignored by the government’s efforts, says Dawn Chapman, cofounder of Just Moms STL a group pushing for quicker cleanup measures. “We always felt like we’re being gaslit by these federal agencies,” Chapman told to the reporter. She and others are upset about the ongoing neglect of pollution issues which have affected their areas for years.

Karen Nickel, another leader in Just Moms STL, described how she accidentally bought a house near one of the compromised sites without knowing about its toxic history. This has only deepened her commitment to advocating for thorough cleanups so that future generations do not suffer similar experiences.

West Lake Landfill, a recognized Superfund site. “It was surprising, I had no idea about this when I bought my house,” she expressed. This reveals a clear communication problem between government bodies and the people living nearby.

Federal Efforts and Delays

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers are leading the cleanup activities. Bob Jurgens, Director of EPA Region 7’s Superfund and Emergency Management Division, spoke about working harder to connect better with the community and being open about how the cleanup is going. “We really tried to strengthen our bonds with key community figures, and it seems to be effective,” Jurgens said.

However, these initiatives have faced repeated delays. The EPA placed West Lake Landfill on its list of top priorities in 1990, but significant action has been slow. After listening to what the community had to say, the plan for cleaning up was updated in 2018. The project is still unfinished with no clear end date.

The Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for cleaning up Coldwater Creek, estimates that their work could extend until 2038. This prolonged timetable has drawn criticism from local State Representative Chantelle Nickson Clark, who pointed out, “If you do the, we’re already 80 years into it.” Nickson Clark, who has battled cancer twice and is from the region, finds this timeline unacceptable.

Legislative Pressure and Public Health Concerns

Senator Josh Hawley has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the cleanup efforts. He calls them “outrageous,” a classic case of bureaucracy delaying actions. He and other regional leaders are advocating for a more forceful cleanup plan that puts the health and safety of Missouri residents first.

Furthermore, recent discoveries of radioactive contamination near Coldwater Creek highlight the real risks to public health. These findings add urgency to calls for quicker action in addressing the pollution.

Community Impact and Ongoing Advocacy

The revelation of thorium at Jana Elementary School in 2022, which resulted in its shutdown, has intensified concerns among local residents. Ashley Bernaugh, a member of Just Moms STL and former PTA president at the school, voiced her disappointment with how federal agencies have handled her inquiries. “Since 2018, the Army Corps of Engineers has effectively ignored my questions,” she said, indicating a significant lack of trust in the cleanup efforts.

Despite government claims that the school and nearby areas are secure, locals still have doubts. Independent tests by Boston Chemical Company detected thorium 230 in dust samples from the school. This finding contradicts previous reports and has sparked demands for more thorough testing and cleanup measures.

The Path Forward

The case in St. Louis highlights the difficulties of cleaning up old toxic waste sites. As federal agencies tackle this tough job, local residents and groups such as Just Moms STL demand quick and thorough action. They stress that their health and community’s future depend on effective cleanup efforts.