Times Beach evacuation

Missouri. In 1971, a used oil transporter sprayed oil contaminated with TCDD on riding arenas and roads In Missouri for dust control. The death of about 60 horses and Illnesses In children led to an Investigation by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Health effects were attributed to TCDD In the oil In 1974 (4). However, governmental agencies responsible for action were under the mistaken Impression that TCDD had a half-life In the environment of one year and, therefore, carried out only minimal cleanup. In 1982, this problem resurfaced when Times Beach, a community near St. Louis, was evacuated after TCDD concentrations above 1,000 ppb were detected In soil samples. Decisions on this evacuation were carried out under an atmosphere of scientific uncertainty, public emotion, and political pressures within U.S. EPA. At present, there are 43 contaminated sites In Missouri, some of which are being excavated and restored. 

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