Homes Demolished in Florissant: A First-of-its-Kind Cleanup
Demolition began Monday in the Cades Cove neighborhood of Florissant, Missouri, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) initiated the removal of six homes contaminated with radioactive waste. This marks the first time residential properties are being removed under the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP), a program dedicated to cleaning up contamination from the nation’s early atomic energy program.
The Legacy of Coldwater Creek
The contamination stems from decades-old radioactive waste improperly stored near Coldwater Creek, a waterway that once supported uranium processing for the atomic bomb. This waste has seeped into the soil, impacting the Cades Cove subdivision, built on a meander of the creek. The USACE determined the contamination was too close to home foundations, necessitating demolition for safe removal.
A Difficult Goodbye
Homeowners have already been relocated, but the emotional toll is significant. As one home was demolished, a resident stood alongside the advocacy group Just Moms STL. Karen Nickel, a cofounder of Just Moms STL, recounted a poignant moment: when asked what she left behind, the homeowner simply said, “My heart.”
What Happens Now?
The demolition process is expected to take approximately one month, with full site remediation – including excavation and removal of contaminated soil – anticipated to be completed within a year. Air monitoring will be continuous during the process, with dust control measures in place. The excavated radioactive waste will be shipped to a disposal site in Utah.
Safety Measures and Community Assurance
The USACE emphasizes that strict health and safety measures are in place. Officials state that protective gear isn’t required during demolition itself, as the contamination is subsurface. However, crews will wear protective clothing during the remediation phase, and at times, full protective suits while digging. No road closures are anticipated, though temporary traffic control measures may be implemented.
A Long-Term Commitment
While the Cades Cove demolition is a significant step, it’s part of a larger, ongoing effort to clean up Coldwater Creek. The USACE estimates the complete cleanup of the creek will continue until 2038.
FAQ
- What is FUSRAP? The Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) is a USACE program responsible for cleaning up contamination from the nation’s early atomic energy program.
- Will homeowners get their land back? Yes, once remediation is complete, the land will be restored to meet safety standards and returned to the homeowners.
- Is the entire area affected? According to the USACE, no other data suggests We find other neighborhoods impacted in a similar way.
- What is being done to prevent further contamination? Strict controls are in place during demolition and remediation, including continuous air monitoring and dust control.
Homeowners will remain owners of their property throughout the process, and will be compensated for their home value.