missouri ghost town poisoned by toxic waste

Dioxin is highly toxic and can cause cancer, reproductive and developmental problems, damage to the immune system, and hormone interference. The production of 2,4,5-T and hexachlorophene generates the hazardous by-product of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin), which is stored at the facility in tanks. In 1969, Hoffman-Taff leases portions of the plant to Northeastern Pharmaceutical & Chemical Company (NEPACCO) for hexachlorophene production, and sells the facility to the Syntex companies.

Army, as part of the production of the defoliant commonly referred to as Agent Orange. (Photo credit: National Archives)Īt a facility in Verona, Missouri, the chemical company Hoffman-Taff produces 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) for the U.S. 1960s: Verona, Missouri, facility produces Agent Orange components and hexachloropheneĪ UH-1D helicopter sprays a defoliation agent on a dense jungle area in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, 1969. Here is the story about that Times Beach tragedy. The Times Beach tragedy was one of several like it at the time and helped spur the creation of the Superfund law, paving the way for countless cleanup and remediation actions at sites across the country. Over its 50-year history, EPA’s enforcement and compliance work has played an integral and crucial role in protecting human health and the environment.

When the town was inundated by a terrible flood in December 1982, that toxic mix spread beyond the roads and covered the town.Īs part of EPA’s 50th anniversary commemoration, we look back on the events surrounding the Times Beach disaster.

What the town didn’t know was that he was spraying those roads with a mixture of the highly toxic chemical compound, dioxin, and waste oil. Nearly 40 years ago, an individual was paid to spray material on the roads to suppress the dust in this small Midwest town.

This town, Times Beach, Missouri, was the site of one of the worst environmental disasters in our nation’s history. On the right, 19 years later, trees have begun to cover the street lanes in the empty community. On the left, abandoned homes dot the gridded street plan. The striking images above show one town, but two entirely different landscapes. Geological Survey) – EPA Region 7 Feature –

Missouri ghost town poisoned by toxic waste