On July 24, 2024, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) notified the EPA Region 7 Spill Line of approximately 30 abandoned drums at a vacant property in Hillsboro, Missouri. The drums were identified after a neighbor noted suspicious activity on the property. A reconnaissance of the site by MoDNR determined many of the drums were damaged and had leaked their contents to the ground and to a nearby subsurface concrete vault. Initial assessment and field screening conducted by MoDNR indicated the drums contained corrosive, flammable, and toxic materials. Based on these findings, MoDNR submitted a Request for Federal Action to EPA Region 7.
EPA conducted emergency response activities at the site from July 25 through October 9, 2024. EPA's initial assessment identified 37 55-gallon drums that were abandoned at the site. EPA response activities included stabilizing and securing the drums; containment and recovery of released chemical materials; sampling for field and disposal characterization purposes; and proper disposal of the drums, recovered materials, and response-generated waste.
Additionally, EPA collected environmental media (soil, groundwater, and drinking water) samples from the site and surrounding properties to determine and evaluate impacts associated with the site.
Based on the activities completed, no additional EPA response activities are planned. The site was referred to the MoDNR and EPA Region 7 site assessment programs for appropriate follow up.
