A new report by environmental investigation consultants state that there’s a huge amount of radioactive contamination at an elementary school in a suburb of St. Louis. It’s where they made nuclear weapons during World War II.
A previous Army Corps of Engineers study raised concerns about contamination at Jana Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District in Florissant. The report by Boston Chemical Data Corp. confirmed those concerns.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch claims that the latest assessment is based on the data collected from the school in August. However, Boston Chemical didn’t disclose the report’s requester or its funding source.
“I was heartbroken,”
“It sounds so cliche, but it takes your breath from you.”
— Ashley Bernaugh, president of the Jana parent-teacher association.
For your information, the school is in the area where Coldwater Creek floods. During World War II, nuclear waste from making weapons polluted Coldwater Creek.
The waste is dumped at sites near the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, next to the creek that flows to the Missouri River. The Corps has spent more than two decades cleaning up the stream.
In the Corps’ report, contamination was also found in the area, but at much lower levels, and no samples were taken within 300 feet of the school. Besides that, the latest assessment included samples from Jana’s library, kitchen, classrooms, fields, and playgrounds.
Report from Boston Chemical
The levels of the radioactive, polonium, radium, and other toxins were “far in excess” than what Boston Chemical had expected. Inside the school, samples of the dust were found to be contaminated as well.
The report said that these radioactive materials can cause serious harm if an individual inhales or eat them.
Boston Chemical reported that,
“A significant remedial program will be required to bring conditions at the school in line with expectations,”
On Tuesday, the Hazelwood school board will meet to discuss the new findings. In a statement, the district said it will discuss future actions with its lawyers and consultants.
Source: Global News