EPA Issues Explanation of Significant Differences for West Lake Landfill Superfund Site
Changes outlined by EPA Region 7 are necessary for cleanup of the site
LENEXA, KAN. (JAN. 17, 2025) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 has issued an Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for the West Lake Landfill Superfund Site, Operable Units (OUs) 1 and 2, in Bridgeton, Missouri.
While the ESD outlines adjustments to the 2018 OU-1 Record of Decision Amendment (RODA), and the 2008 OU-2 ROD, the cleanup remedy described by the RODA remains fundamentally unchanged. A partial excavation of the radiologically-impacted material with off-site disposal; an engineered cover over the contamination that remains on-site; and the excavation of Lot 2A2 to background levels are still planned.
As outlined in the ESD, adjustments to the 2018 RODA include:
- An expansion of OU-1 and a decrease in the extent of OU-2.
- An increase in the estimated cost to clean up OU-1.
- A decrease in the estimated cost to clean up OU-2.
- A waiver for Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements related to the slope of the landfill.
- A change to allow for the direct loading of radiologically-impacted material to expedite the off-site shipment and disposal of material from the site.
- The requirement for confirmation sampling is being changed to pre-excavation sampling to minimize delays during excavation.
- Eliminating the requirement for an on-site lab. Samples will be analyzed by a certified commercial lab off-site instead.
EPA Region 7 presented this information to the community during an Open House in Bridgeton on Aug. 29, 2024.
The technical presentation, which outlines the adjustments to the 2018 RODA, is available on EPA’s website. A video of the presentation, giving during the Open House, is also available to watch online.
The ESD will be available to read on EPA’s Site Profile page (under Featured Documents).
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