Weldon Spring Site:Past, Present, and Future
Patrick Anderson, Environmental EngineerMissouri Department of Natural Resources
Hazardous Waste ProgramFederal Facilities Section
November 18, 2010
2010 Long-Term Surveillance and Monitoring ConferenceGrand Junction, Colorado
Site Map
Site Map
Brief History of the Weldon Spring Site
• 1940-1941 – U.S. Army acquires 17,000+ acres in St. Charles County, Missouri
• 1941-1945 – Explosives produced at the Weldon Spring Ordnance Works
• 1956 – 217 acres transferred to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC); Quarry transferred in 1958
• 1956-1967 – Weldon Spring Uranium Feed Materials Plant processed uranium ore concentrates
Weldon Spring Uranium Feed Materials Plant (a.k.a. Chemical Plant) 1956-1967
• 1968-1985 – Chemical Plant returned to the Army for defoliant production. Weldon Spring Site held in caretaker status.
• 1985 – Chemical Plant transferred to DOE
• 1987 – 30 July - Quarry placed on NPL list
• 1989 – 30 March - Chemical Plant placed on NPL List
Brief History of the Weldon Spring Site
Weldon Spring Quarry
Condition of Site Prior to Cleanup
Condition of Site Prior to Cleanup
Condition of Site Prior to Cleanup
Condition of Site Prior to Cleanup
Public Reaction
Cleanup and Final Disposition
Cleanup and Final Disposition
Cleanup and Final Disposition
Cleanup and Final Disposition
Cleanup and Final Disposition
Present Conditions
• Monitored Natural Attenuation
• Institutional Controls
• Long-Term Surveillance and Monitoring Plan
• Annual Inspections
• Interpretive Center
– Hike and Bike Trails
– Prairie
– Outreach
Present Conditions
• Unresolved Issues
• The State does not agree with some of DOE's statements about the site
• Federal Facilities Agreement between DOE, EPA, and MDNR
Future• Continuation of Liability and Due Diligence
• Interpretive Center and Outreach
– Training and Teaching the Next Generations
– Hosting Events
• Maintain a Site Presence
– Institutional Knowledge (People forget)
• Is the Groundwater Safe?
• Is the Fish and Game Safe to Eat?
• Development Pressure
– Encroachment
– Right Price, Meet Budget Shortfalls
Thank You
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