BRIDGETON, MO (KTVI)– People who live and work near the Bridgeton landfill thought their concerns were falling on deaf ears.
But they recently learned Republic Services must have heard something they said.
The fear has been that the underground smoldering event could reach radioactive waste buried nearby. They’ve learned that a barrier wall will be built to avoid a potential disaster.
The isolation barrier should prevent any contact between the very dangerous radioactive waste at West Lake Landfill and the sanitary waste smoldering underground in the south quarry of the Bridgeton Landfill.
Until last week, owners of the Bridgeton Landfill had not planned to do much beyond the north quarry. But it’s become clear, public concern may have lead to this decision. For first responders with the Pattonville Fire Protection District, this is a proactive move that was absolutely necessary.
The Environmental Protection Agency will be the primary agency overseeing the building of the isolation barrier. The Missouri attorney general and the state dept of natural resources will continue to be involved.
