West Lake Landfill's Superfund Site in Bridgeton, Missouri

West Lake Landfill's Superfund Site in Bridgeton, Missouri - a June 2017 Fact Sheet

The West Lake Landfill Superfund Site in Bridgeton, Missouri, has been the subject of concern for the local community. However, recent data suggests that there are no off-site health risks associated with the site.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the subsurface smoldering event (SSE) in the south quarry of the Bridgeton Landfill is at least 700 feet away from Temporary Monitors (TMPs) located in the neck area of the landfill. EPA's current air monitoring efforts conducted by the Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) also show no off-site health risk.

Air monitoring data from 2014-2015 by EPA at five off-site locations showed consistent air quality with no health risks. The Health Consultation published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in late 2015 also concluded that there was no off-site health risk. In December 2016, EPA sampled two homes in the Spanish Village subdivision of Bridgeton, Missouri, and found no Manhattan Project waste.

PRPs currently operate 13 air monitors along the perimeter of the landfill, and EPA reviews the data from this monitoring effort. The collective body of off-site air and soil sampling data has consistently demonstrated no current off-site health risk for the community surrounding the landfill.

The isolation barrier system, designed to prevent the SSE from potentially impacting the radiologically-impacted material (RIM) in the West Lake Landfill, is making progress. In 2016, PRPs agreed to install components of this system under EPA oversight, including the Heat Extraction System (HES), additional temperature monitoring probes (TMPs), additional sulfur dioxide (SO2) monitors, and the expansion of the ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) cover over the North Quarry. The HES, TMPs, and SO2 monitors have been installed and are operational. The expansion of the EVOH cover is currently being installed and is expected to be completed this summer.

EPA is nearing completion of its remedy review process and is reviewing complex technical documents for the final remedy decision. The combined federal and state team, which includes the EPA, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Geological Survey, CDC's ATSDR, Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, is committed to using sound science, providing trusted data, and ensuring public protection.

For any questions, contact Ben Washburn at washburn.ben@our website. Additional information regarding the West Lake Landfill Superfund Site and MDNR's work at the Bridgeton Landfill is available online. The team is working towards a long-term solution for the West Lake Landfill Superfund Site.