The environmental crisis at West Lake Landfill in Missouri began with a strange smell, leading to the discovery of a landfill fire and the presence of nuclear waste buried nearby. The situation raised concerns among residents, including Dawn Chapman and Karen Nickel, who formed an advocacy group called Just Moms STL to raise awareness and push for action.
The landfill fire measures six football fields across and is in the floodplain of the Missouri River, less than two miles from the water. Additionally, nearly fifty thousand tons of nuclear waste left over from the Manhattan Project were illegally dumped in the landfill in 1973.
Efforts to address the situation have faced obstacles, with the EPA citing the need for scientific evidence and legal processes before taking action. The community’s frustration and health concerns have added to the complexity of the issue, involving federal agencies, public officials, and environmental activists.
As the residents of Missouri continue to fight for accountability and environmental safety at West Lake Landfill, the impact of the crisis on health and the environment underscores the urgent need for solutions and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Attribution:
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