Abstract |
During late 1967 or early 1968, a small, 'head of hollow' landfill operation was initiated on the northwest side of Teligman Creek, an intermittent stream in the Meramec Heights area of Jefferson County, Missouri. In this operation, solid waste of domestic and possible industrial origin was placed in tributary 'hollows' of Teligman Creek, compacted, and covered with soil. Because of the great volume of solid waste generated by our society, the operation grew rapidly with increasing amounts of solid waste placed in the site. During the latter part of 1968, reports were received that a spring, known as 'Kohl Spring' had turned black and the discharge had killed fish living in a small pond receiving the spring flow. Other springs, notably Averback Spring, also had showed signs of deterioration. The U.S. Attorney, on Nov. 23, 1971, requested the EPA to furnish information on the relationship of the landfill to the observed degradation, for possible legal action. This report provides information on the subsequent investigation. |