Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has called on Boeing to address a recent chemical spill at its north St. Louis facility. In a letter sent to Boeing President and CEO Robert Ortberg, Hawley urged the company to take further action after reports that up to a thousand gallons of toxic nitric acid leaked into Coldwater Creek.

“I write concerning new reports that a Boeing facility in north St. Louis leaked up to a thousand gallons of toxic nitric acid into Coldwater Creek. As you know, nitric acid is a caustic industrial agent that can cause burns and respiratory problems, and in high enough concentrations, death. You must continue to work to remedy this latest spill and ensure it never happens again,” Senator Hawley said.

The senator referenced previous incidents involving contamination of Coldwater Creek by Boeing facilities. In June 2023, an industrial wastewater treatment plant operated by the company released high levels of hexavalent chromium—a known carcinogen—into the creek.

Hawley also noted that residents near Coldwater Creek have dealt with nuclear contamination stemming from Manhattan Project-era activities, for which remediation efforts are still ongoing. He highlighted his work securing financial compensation for affected residents through the passage of his RECA Act.

In his letter, Hawley requested answers from Boeing by August 15, 2025 regarding whether Missourians have been harmed by the July 25 spill, what steps the company has taken or will take to address any harm caused, and what measures are being implemented to prevent future chemical leaks.

“Your company has stated that, ‘the situation was safely resolved.’ Missourians deserve to know more. Since this is the second time your company has possibly endangered residents, you must take remedial actions,” Hawley wrote.

He concluded by thanking Ortberg for his attention to these concerns.