Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will update signage around Coldwater Creek, a site in Missouri affected by toxic waste disposal dating back to World War II. The Army Corps plans to install new signs in November.
Bailey emphasized the significance of this development for local residents who have been exposed to hazardous materials. He stated, "This is a huge step forward for Missourians who have been poisoned by their own government." He also urged Congress to support Senator Josh Hawley's RECA legislation, which aims to compensate victims of radiation poisoning.
The Army Corps confirmed their coordination with elected officials and community members in North St. Louis County to refine the proposed signage. They aim for transparency and protection while adhering to regulations.
The historical context involves uranium waste from atomic bomb production being dumped near Coldwater Creek during World War II. This has led to prolonged exposure of residents to dangerous chemicals due to inadequate warning signs.
Attorney General Bailey's office had previously demanded immediate corrective action from the federal government, citing insufficient legal compliance and warning effectiveness of existing signage. Alongside supporting Senator Hawley's legislation, Bailey has requested documentation from the Department of Energy under the Biden-Harris Administration.
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