Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented results of a finding for the Carter Carburetor Superfund site located in St. Louis, Missouri.  The findings came from a report prepared by a prior owner of the Carter Carburetor Plant and another potentially responsible party.  The report was to evaluate cleanup options and to guide the EPA in choosing preferred method of clean up, particularly in regards to removing asbestos and PCBs.              

The Carter Carburetor Plant manufactured gasoline and diesel powered carburetors from the 1930s until the plant was closed in 1984.  Levels of contaminants such as PCBs and asbestos were known to be over acceptable safety levels at the time of closure.  Initial steps were taken to address the most toxic areas on the site, yet much still remains to be completed.

Exposure to asbestos can cause serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.  The Carter site is adjacent to a youth center, The Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club of America.  Air quality tests confirm that there are dangerous levels of asbestos that could create risk of exposure to all in the vicinity.  The recommendation is to demolish the buildings that are contaminated with asbestos containing materials and dispose of the toxic waste in an approved off-site facility.  It is also recommended to replace any asbestos containing products in existing structures with non-toxic substitutes. 

The EPA has recommended preferred clean-up methods, however is accepting public comment until October 27.  The owner of the site is hoping clean up and disposal can start next year and that then the property will be available to sell for further development.