ST. LOUIS — Some residents in south St. Louis said fumes and odors are surrounding their neighborhoods.
Just this week, Congresswoman Cori Bush demanded that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency investigate.
The Democratic leader sent a letter to EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister requesting the agency conduct an investigation into what she claims are toxic fumes and odors impacting neighborhoods.
Congresswoman Bush said the letter comes from constituents in Mt. Pleasant, McKinley Heights, Gravois Park, Marine Villa, Benton Park, Lafayette Square, and Soulard neighborhoods.
She said they've expressed the impact of inhaling these fumes on their health and safety.
Benjamin Shannan lives in one of the seven neighborhoods.
"It's just this awful thing we have to live with here. It was a combination of sewer and gunpowder," Shannan added.
He worries for his little boy.
He said, "It's a huge a concern and frankly I worry every day about him. It’s certainly very concerning and I'm not sure about the specific health impacts."
Just three years ago, 5 On Your Side's I-Team looked into residents' concerns about these smells.
Our team investigated the Veolia incinerator across the river in Sauget in 2020.
Since then, more developments have come from the EPA.
In January of this year, the EPA reported that it's working with Veolia to resolve several violations, such as equipment not properly destroying hazardous waste and storage tanks leaking vapors.
Data shows nothing would have short or long-term health effects for people living nearby.
A spokesperson with Veolia shared this statement:
"We have not yet received the letter, and we look forward to meeting with the EPA Region 7 and Congresswoman Bush to understand and respond to any concerns to the extent those concerns relate to any of our operations."
Bush gave the EPA Region 7 Administrator McCollister until Wednesday, May 3 to respond.
This statement was sent from Bush:
“These fumes have persisted in [our neighborhoods] for years and residents often feel they cannot venture outside of their homes as the fumes are so debilitating. I am concerned that these odors could be causing grave physical harm, as numerous constituents have expressed concerns that they believe the air is leading to adverse health outcomes for them and their families.”
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