History of Coldwater Creek
Coldwater Creek is a tributary of the Missouri River located in the states of Missouri and Illinois in the United States. It begins in the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri and flows through suburban areas of the St. Louis metropolitan area before joining the Missouri River.
The creek played a significant role in the early settlement of the region, as it provided a water source for settlers and powered early grist mills and other industries. It also served as a transportation route for early settlers and was an important source of fish and wildlife.
Over time, industrialization and urban development in the St. Louis area had a negative impact on the creek's water quality. Industrial discharges, stormwater runoff, and other sources of pollution caused contamination, including radioactive materials and heavy metals, to enter the creek and surrounding areas.
In the early 1990s, concerns about the contamination were raised, and subsequent investigations confirmed the presence of radioactive waste and other hazardous materials. This led to the identification of the Coldwater Creek Contaminated Site as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Superfund cleanup program.
Since then, a cleanup effort has been underway to remediate the contamination in the affected areas. The cleanup is carried out by the EPA with the involvement of various agencies, community groups, and stakeholders. The process involves removing and treating contaminated soils, sediment, and groundwater to reduce the risk to human health and the environment.
The Coldwater Creek contamination and cleanup have raised awareness about the long-term effects of industrial pollution and the importance of environmental stewardship. The impacted communities continue to advocate for further studies, monitoring, and public health resources to mitigate the effects of contamination and address any continued risks.
Effects on Children & Residents
Cold Water Creek, a neighborhood in St. Louis County, Missouri, has faced health concerns due to radioactive contamination from the nearby Mallinckrodt Chemical Works. Residents and children may have been exposed to radioactive materials, such as uranium and thorium, through soil, water, and air. According to Josh Harley residents were exposed and/or passed away from exposure. This exposure can increase the risk of health problems, including cancer, thyroid problems, and other health issues. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry have conducted studies and testing to assess the risk and provide guidance for residents. If you have specific questions or concerns, please let me know and I'll do my best to provide more information or resources.
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