SierraScape October 2018 - April 2019
Back to Table of Contents

by Caroline Pufalt
Conservation Committee Chair

Contamination of the Big River area began with lead mining in 1742, although it increased in the late 1800s and did not cease in the "Old Lead Belt" until 1970. By then much damage was done. Old lead tailings waste piles were left to spread contaminants via air, soil and water. Communities had dangerous soils, and fish in the Big River were (and still are) unsafe to eat.

A 2000 settlement agreement reached with Doe Run Resources Corporation provided funds for clean-up of the Big River. Additional funds are targeted for residential clean up and "stabilization" of the waste piles.

The EPA recently released a proposed plan for next steps in clean-up of the river and riparian area. Their plans include diversion and removal of contaminated river sediment, stabilizing floodplain soil, removal of contaminated gravel and other actions. This phase of the clean-up is projected to last 12 years! While we appreciate EPA's past efforts and its long term goals for clean-up, the Missouri Chapter Sierra Club and other conservation groups criticized the limits of the 12 year project.

Missourians deserve a faster and more thorough clean-up. For additional details check the Missouri Sierra Club, Eastern Missouri Group website for our comments. Also, the EPA offers a mechanism for a local citizens group to be more closely involved in the on-going implementation of this plan. If you live in the Big River area and are interested in this, please contact Caroline Pufalt at emg.missouri.sierraclub@gmail.com.