Monsanto Phosphate Plant, Idaho

Monsanto’s Phosphate Plant has been operating since the 1950s, and is a functioning superfund site, producing elemental phosphates used for foods, chemicals, fertilizers, and the company’s signature herbicide, Roundup. Monsanto, based in St. Louis, is one of the largest and longest-lasting agrochemical companies in the USA, notorious in more recent times for genetically engineering crops controlled by its branded herbicides. In June, 2018, the company was officially sold to Bayer, the German life sciences corporation, which announced that it would be discontinuing the use of the Monsanto name. Despite the end of “Monsanto” it is expected that the plant will continue to operate, with around 400 employees, as its capacities are unique. It will certainly have to be maintained as an environmental management site for a while to come. Over the years its gypstack has been a local attraction, as cauldrons of glowing molten slag can sometimes be seen being dumped over the edge of the continuously growing mound, flowing down like lava.