EPA to Build Barrier at West Lake Landfill

EPA Region 7 Administrator Mark Hague announced the decision Thursday, calling it “the first step in moving forward with the installation of a physical barrier and other engineering controls to address this issue.”

“Finding a solution to mitigate the potential impacts of a subsurface smoldering event is a top priority for the community, and a top priority for EPA,” Hague said in a statement.

The project will also include the installation of additional engineering controls, such as cooling loops, according to the press release.

Environmental groups have questioned the agency’s performance at the site, calling for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take over cleanup duties. Public backlash over the pace of cleanup increased last year when residents raised concerns about the waste’s proximity to the smoldering fire at the adjacent Bridgeton Landfill.

“We are now working through the highly complex details of implementing our decision and the associated legal steps. Once the plan is finalized, we are committed to providing this information to the public,” Hague stated. “EPA will use all available enforcement authorities to ensure implementation of this work.”

According to the statement, the agency is working with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Army Corps of Engineers, and other stakeholders. Construction will be carried out under EPA direction and oversight, with support from the Corps of Engineers, the press release states. The agency said it will disclose the location of the barrier when plans are finalized.