"It is important to understand that just because a company was contracted to clean up a former atomic weapons site does not mean that all concerns about contamination and exposure are remedied. You MUST remember that the Weldon facility began operations in 1957 – 1966 and then sat vacant from 1966-2001. For 44 years, this facility processed or stored a host of radiological materials on its campus. For 44 years these materials were mishandled, were processed using questionable methods, and disposed of in unconventional ways. For 44 years those radiological materials radiated and poisoned the workers, the water, the vicinity properties, residents, flora and fauna. For 44 years, every time it rained, radiologic and chemical toxins were washed into the groundwater, the sewers, and adjoining rivers. Every time the wind blew these materials were carried great distances only to land on an uninformed population. Flora and fauna were directly impacted and thus harmed the food cycle. My research confirms that the government, atomic scientists, and weapons industry were well aware of the risks that atomic weapons employees and the public at large were exposed throughout the atomic weapons program."
The Human Health and Environmental Legacies of the Weldon Spring Feeds Material Plant
Denise DeGarmo, PhD
Professor Emerita, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Independent Researcher, Atomic Weapons Facilities and Their Workers
The Arthur V. DeGarmo Jr. Archive for the Study and Preservation of the Manhattan Project
The Uranium Plant that operated less than one mile from Francis Howell High School was designated and recognized by the Federal Government as one of the most deadly places in the United States. The former employees (alive or deceased) are legislatively being compensated with large amounts of tax free funds and FREE LIFETIME MEDICAL CARE. We are grateful to the thousands of union workers that sacrificed their own personal radiation exposure to protect the future generations of St. Charles County.