The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the completion of pre-excavation confirmation sampling at the West Lake Landfill Superfund site in Bridgeton, Missouri, continuing efforts to protect human health and the environment.
This development follows last year’s update that moved up the excavation start date from May 2029 to 2027, expediting the cleanup process. The agency said completing this sampling is an important step because it decreases the time excavated areas remain open, reducing health and safety risks for workers and environmental risks. The completion also allows potentially responsible parties to finalize excavation plans for the Remedial Design that meet remedy requirements for the landfill.
"I am happy to announce that we are one step closer to meeting the goal set by Administrator Zeldin within the first three months of his term – accelerating the cleanup of the West Lake Landfill," EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy said. "The West Lake Landfill is a complex Superfund site. While we are encouraged by this progress, challenges may remain – and if they appear, we will tackle them head-on."
According to a May 2025 Statement of Work, remaining parts of the final Remedial Design package that incorporate results from this sampling are due to EPA 150 days after data validation. The final design must be reviewed and accepted by EPA before certification by a professional engineer and receipt of a state-required seal from Missouri. Once complete, this will mark completion of Remedial Design for Operable Unit 1 at West Lake Landfill.
Pre-excavation confirmation sampling was performed by potentially responsible parties under EPA oversight in accordance with requirements outlined in both a 2018 Record of Decision Amendment and a 2025 Explanation of Significant Differences. The amended remedy requires excavation of radiologically impacted material above specified concentrations, off-site disposal at permitted facilities, and construction of an engineered cover over remaining material above certain thresholds.
Individuals seeking more information about activities at West Lake Landfill are encouraged to contact EPA’s community liaison or visit additional resources as listed on the official roster page.
