Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has reached out to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) concerning reports of planned residential buyouts in the St. Louis area due to radioactive contamination. The letter, addressed to Lieutenant General William H. Graham, Jr., follows recent disclosures that city officials were informed about proposed buyouts of six properties in the Cades Cove subdivision near Coldwater Creek.

Senator Hawley emphasized the need for transparency from USACE regarding their plans for testing, remediation, and potential health risks associated with the contamination. He criticized USACE for previously minimizing concerns about contamination and assuring residents there was no immediate risk.

“It should come as no surprise that the community is extremely concerned about proposals for residential buyouts after USACE previously downplayed the potential risks,” Senator Hawley stated.

The Senator requested information on whether contamination affects other properties along Coldwater Creek outside its historic floodplain and asked USACE to respond to several questions in writing by June 27, 2025.

Florissant Mayor Timothy Lowery confirmed that city officials were recently made aware of these proposed buyouts. The properties in question had been identified by USACE as requiring detailed sampling.

In a previous correspondence dated March 15, 2024, USACE indicated that while contamination was present at Cades Cove, it did not pose an immediate health hazard to residents. However, Senator Hawley highlighted ongoing community concerns given past assurances from USACE.

He also sought clarification on why USACE advised some residents against repairing storm damage to their homes and questioned if new findings had emerged since then.

The letter concludes with a call for comprehensive communication with local government officials regarding any additional sampling activities or buyouts affecting residents.