A hidden legacy of the Manhattan Project continues to threaten the health and safety of suburban St. Louis.
Story Highlights
- Radioactive waste from the Manhattan Project found beneath homes in St. Louis.
- Coldwater Creek contamination raises health concerns and fears among residents.
- Decades of government denial and inadequate containment have exacerbated the issue.
- Advocacy groups demand transparency and comprehensive cleanup efforts.
Decades of Neglect and Secrecy
From 1942 to 1957, uranium was processed at the Mallinckrodt Chemical Works for the Manhattan Project. This left behind radioactive waste that was initially stored at the St. Louis Airport Storage Site (SLAPS) before being moved to other locations like Latty Avenue and the HISS/FUTURA sites. For decades, these sites have been a source of contamination, with government agencies downplaying the risks and failing to adequately inform the public.
The contamination has spread through Coldwater Creek, affecting residential neighborhoods as the waste barrels rusted and leaked. Despite ongoing cleanup efforts under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, new discoveries of waste beneath homes and public spaces continue to surface, causing widespread fear and health concerns among the local population.
During the Cold War, the Army secretly sprayed a chemical that contains cadmium, a carcinogen, over St. Louis. Decades later, residents say they’re getting sick and wonder if something radioactive was in the mix. Catch NewsNation's investigation with @NatashaNZouves on Wednesday… pic.twitter.com/O9PGYx8HLw
— NewsNation (@NewsNation) August 25, 2025
Health and Environmental Impacts
Residents have reported higher rates of cancer and autoimmune diseases, which experts link to radioactive contamination. Coldwater Creek, now a conduit for this waste, has become a focal point for these health concerns. Advocacy groups such as Just Moms STL and the Missouri Coalition for the Environment have been vocal in demanding more comprehensive testing and faster remediation efforts, contending that government agencies have not done enough to protect public health.
Federal agencies maintain that the risks are “minimal” or “low-level,” but this has been met with skepticism by independent researchers and affected residents who continue to experience significant health impacts. The disparity between official statements and community experiences has fueled distrust and calls for more transparent and accountable government action.
Watch: Residents say radioactive waste from Manhattan Project is causing cancer diagnoses
Ongoing Challenges and Community Response
The cleanup process has removed over 1,000,000 cubic yards of radioactive contamination, yet significant areas remain under investigation. This persistent contamination has led to decreased property values and increased healthcare costs for affected communities. Socially, the issue has united residents in activism, with legal actions and demands for policy reform gaining momentum.
Efforts to address these challenges underscore the broader issues of nuclear waste management and environmental justice in the U.S. The St. Louis case serves as a cautionary tale about the need for transparency and accountability in government dealings, especially concerning public health and safety.
Sources:
Just Moms STL – Our Story
Missouri Coalition for the Environment – Brief History of Radioactivity in St. Louis
Popular Mechanics – St. Louis Nuclear Fallout
Missouri Department of Natural Resources – FUSRAP
MuckRock – Mapping Radioactive Waste
