☢️ Coldwater Creek’s Toxic Legacy: What St. Louis Residents Need to Know About the Radiation Alert

In October 2025, the St. Louis County Department of Public Health issued a sweeping public health alert that sent shockwaves through North County and beyond. The alert warned residents of increased cancer risks linked to radiation exposure from Coldwater Creek—a 19-mile tributary of the Missouri River that winds through neighborhoods, parks, and schools. For many, this announcement wasn’t just news—it was confirmation of long-held fears.

The alert coincides with the expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), a federal program that now offers financial compensation to residents who lived, worked, or spent time in affected ZIP codes and later developed radiation-linked illnesses. With new data showing elevated cancer rates and a growing body of evidence connecting Coldwater Creek to nuclear waste from the Manhattan Project, the urgency to act has never been greater.

This blog explores the origins of the contamination, the science behind the health risks, the communities most affected, and what residents can do now to protect themselves and seek justice.

A Brief History of Coldwater Creek Contamination

The Manhattan Project’s Hidden Fallout

During World War II, St. Louis played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project—the secret U.S. government initiative to develop nuclear weapons. Mallinckrodt Chemical Works, located near downtown St. Louis, processed uranium for atomic bombs. The radioactive waste generated from this work was stored at sites like the St. Louis Airport Storage Area (SLAPS) and later dumped into Coldwater Creek.

For decades, the waste sat in open fields, leached into soil, and was carried downstream by rainwater. Children played in the creek. Families picnicked nearby. Schools and homes were built along its banks. Few knew the danger lurking beneath the surface.

Decades of Denial

Despite community concerns dating back to the 1980s, federal agencies were slow to acknowledge the risks. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began cleanup efforts in the early 2000s, but progress has been slow and incomplete. Meanwhile, cancer clusters emerged in neighborhoods like Florissant, Hazelwood, and Berkeley.

In recent years, independent studies and investigative journalism have revealed that Coldwater Creek’s contamination was more widespread than previously admitted. Residents who grew up near the creek reported rare cancers, autoimmune diseases, and reproductive issues at alarming rates.

The 2025 Public Health Alert: What It Says

On October 2, 2025, the St. Louis County Department of Public Health issued a formal alert highlighting the increased risk of cancer for residents exposed to Coldwater Creek’s radiation. The alert was based on new data and expanded eligibility under RECA.

Key Findings

• Residents in affected ZIP codes are:

  • 44% more likely to develop lung cancer

  • 40% more likely to develop kidney cancer

  • 35% more likely to develop colon cancer

  • 18% more likely to develop cancer overall

• Cancer is the second leading cause of death in St. Louis County, with over 5,000 new diagnoses annually.

• The alert urges residents to get screened, report symptoms, and check their eligibility for compensation.

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Affected ZIP Codes

The alert applies to 21 ZIP codes, primarily in North St. Louis County, but also includes parts of St. Louis City and St. Charles County:

• North County: 63031, 63033, 63034, 63042, 63043, 63044, 63045, 63074

• St. Louis City: 63102, 63114, 63121, 63134, 63135, 63138, 63140, 63145, 63147

• St. Charles County: 63304, 63341, 63368, 63367

  
  

The Science Behind Radiation Exposure

Radiation from uranium and thorium decay can persist in soil and water for thousands of years. When ingested or inhaled, radioactive particles can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer.

Common Radiation-Linked Illnesses

Under RECA, the following conditions may qualify for compensation:

• Leukemia

• Lymphomas

• Multiple myeloma

• Lung, breast, colon, and kidney cancers

• Thyroid disorders

• Autoimmune diseases

Pathways of Exposure

Residents may have been exposed through:

• Drinking contaminated water

• Playing in or near Coldwater Creek

• Gardening or farming in contaminated soil

• Breathing airborne particles during dry seasons

Community Voices: Living with the Fallout

For many residents, the alert validates years of suffering and advocacy.

“We’ve been screaming into the void for decades. Now the government finally admits what we’ve known all along.” — Karen Nickel, co-founder of Just Moms STL

Just Moms STL is a grassroots organization that has fought tirelessly for cleanup, transparency, and justice. Their work helped push Congress to expand RECA and recognize Coldwater Creek as a radiation exposure site.

Families have shared heartbreaking stories of losing loved ones to rare cancers, watching children battle illness, and struggling to get answers from officials.

What Residents Can Do Now

1. Check Your Eligibility

If you lived, worked, or spent time in the affected ZIP codes between the 1950s and early 2000s, you may qualify for compensation under RECA. This includes:

• Former residents

• Schoolchildren

• Workers in nearby facilities

• People who frequently visited parks or recreational areas near the creek

Visit RECA Missouri Resources for eligibility details.

2. Get Screened

Early detection saves lives. The Department of Public Health recommends:

• Mammograms

• Colonoscopies

• Low-dose CT scans for lung cancer

• Blood tests for kidney and thyroid function

Talk to your primary care physician about your risk factors and screening options.

3. Report Symptoms

Persistent or unexplained symptoms should be reported immediately:

• Chronic cough

• Blood in urine or stool

• Unexplained weight loss

• New lumps or swelling

These could be early signs of radiation-linked illness.

4. Seek Support

Resources include:

• Just Moms STL: westlakemoms@gmail.com

• Senator Josh Hawley’s RECA Hotline: (202) 228-4388

• St. Louis County RECA Support: recasupport@stlouiscountymo.gov

• U.S. Department of Justice RECA Portal: justice.gov

The Fight for Justice: What’s Next?

Legislative Action

Senator Josh Hawley and Representative Cori Bush have both pushed for expanded compensation and faster cleanup. The RECA expansion passed as part of a reconciliation bill in July 2025, and payouts began in August.

Advocates are now calling for:

• Full cleanup of Coldwater Creek and surrounding areas

• Long-term health monitoring for affected residents

• Federal recognition of additional contaminated sites

Environmental Monitoring

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to test soil and water near Coldwater Creek. Recent findings show elevated radiation levels in Fort Belle Fontaine Park and other public spaces.

Residents are demanding more transparency and faster remediation.

Conclusion: A Community Reckons with Its Past

The Coldwater Creek radiation alert is more than a public health notice—it’s a reckoning with decades of environmental injustice. For generations, families lived in the shadow of nuclear waste, unaware of the risks. Now, with federal recognition and compensation on the table, the community has a chance to heal, rebuild, and hold those responsible accountable.

But the fight isn’t over. Cleanup is slow. Cancer rates remain high. And many residents still don’t know they’re eligible for help.

If you or someone you love lived near Coldwater Creek, now is the time to act. Get screened. Seek support. Share your story. Because beneath the surface of this quiet creek lies a history that demands to be heard—and a future that must be protected.