Weldon Spring Disposal Cell, Missouri

A 45-acre disposal cell has been erected in the middle of this former WWII ordnance plant outside St. Louis, to contain the uranium-related contamination from federal weapons work at the site. From 1956 to 1967, the Atomic Energy Commission operated a chemical works on part of the grounds of the plant, working with, and disposing of, uranium materials. In 1984, the Army asked the DOE to clean up the contamination, which was also present at a former quarry used as a waste dump nearby. 1.5 million cubic yards of material was collected and mounded on the former chemical works site, including the buildings from the plant, and capped with a riprap rock layer in 2001. The public is now encouraged to climb stairs up the side of the 75-foot tall mound, for views of the area.