Building a Safer Tomorrow: FUSRAP’s Cleanup Efforts in St. Louis

BY JEREMY IDLEMAN

The Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, or FUSRAP, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) St. Louis District, is at the forefront of efforts to remediate and restore sites contaminated by early atomic energy and weapons programs. Since USACE took over the program in 1997, FUSRAP has made significant progress in addressing radiological contamination, protecting public health, and revitalizing communities.

FUSRAP’s mission in the St. Louis District has been marked by numerous significant successes. The program’s removal of more than 850,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil at the north St. Louis County sites alone has significantly reduced the risk to residents and the environment. A notable achievement is the successful remediation of the St. Louis downtown site, involving the meticulous removal and safe disposal of hazardous materials in industrial and commercial zones. This effort has not only safeguarded community health, but also restored the area for beneficial use, a testament to the program’s dedication and effectiveness.

A loader skillfully transfers potentially contaminated soil into the bed of a dump truck, being careful not to spill dirt over the sides, Sept. 5, 2023, as part of ongoing remediation efforts along Coldwater Creek under the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. The soil is then taken to a St. Louis Airport site to be loaded onto railcars and shipped to an approved disposal facility outside Missouri.

USACE PHOTO BY JEREMY IDLEMAN

Other recent successes include the completion of the final remediation phase of the “former ballfields” in Hazelwood, Missouri, marking a significant milestone in the cleanup of the 60-acre site. Additionally, the complete remediation and restoration of a Coldwater Creek bank behind a former elementary school showcases FUSRAP’s engineering prowess through its meticulous planning, innovative techniques, and precise execution. This complex project required a deep understanding of environmental engineering, soil science, and hydrology to safely remove contaminants and restore the natural landscape, demonstrating the program’s technical expertise and commitment to excellence.

“Our work under FUSRAP is not just about removing contaminants; it’s about restoring communities and ensuring these areas are safe for future generations. The technical challenges are immense, but our commitment to the mission is unwavering,” said Col. Andy Pannier, St. Louis District commander and district engineer.

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Does not imply USACE or DOD endorsement

Despite its successes, FUSRAP continues to face challenges. The complex nature of radiological contamination often involves deep and widespread pollutants, often in very small amounts. The Pre-Design Investigation Report process, which guides the cleanup, requires extensive sampling and analysis to map out contamination. This meticulous process ensures that all contaminated areas are identified and addressed, but it is time-consuming and resource-intensive.

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Looking ahead, FUSRAP is poised to tackle its planned projects and continue its vital work in the St. Louis District. The team is currently focusing on cleaning up Coldwater Creek, a site with historical contamination. The current remediation under and around McDonnell Douglas Boulevard in Hazelwood involves complex logistical challenges, including coordinating with local authorities and securing necessary rights of entry. The replacement of the McDonnell Douglas bridge by St. Louis County, which provided an opportunity for remediation beneath it, exemplifies the integrated approach FUSRAP takes to address contamination comprehensively and work with multiple partner agencies to complete projects.

As FUSRAP moves forward, its commitment to the community remains steadfast. The program is dedicated to meeting its technical goals and fostering trust and collaboration with the communities it serves. AE

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