Federal efforts to assess nuclear contamination under St. Louis County homes have sparked concerns among activists demanding broader testing.
Jim Salter reports for the Associated Press.
In short:
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is testing soil for nuclear contamination near Coldwater Creek, following findings of radioactive materials in some backyards.
- Preliminary results are expected soon, with remediation plans to follow if contamination is confirmed, amid debates on the extent of necessary testing.
- Activists, including Just Moms STL, criticize the limited scope of testing and question the trustworthiness of the Army Corps' assurances.
Key quote:
“There’s so many homes on the banks of this creek, for miles. What about the rest of those homes? I don’t think we can say that we trust the Army Corps anymore.”
— Karen Nickel, co-founder of Just Moms STL
Why this matters:
The lasting impacts of America's nuclear past emerges from its watery grave in Coldwater Creek and bubbles to the surface in the picturesque hamlet of Florissant, Missouri. Once again, it's a determined group of citizen activists leading the fight for environmental justice and accountability.
