ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, will begin the demolition of six homes in the Cades Cove neighborhood of Florissant, starting Feb. 9, 2026. This demolition is a critical step in ongoing efforts to remediate legacy contamination from the early atomic energy program and to protect the health and safety of the community.
The homes, located along Coldwater Creek, were identified as being within areas affected by historical contamination. The USACE Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program is responsible for the cleanup of the contamination within the St. Louis Airport Sites Vicinity Properties. Demolition of these structures is necessary to safely reach and remove contaminated soils beneath the foundations.
"Remediating this contamination is a difficult and complex process, but it is one we undertake with the utmost care and commitment to the residents of this community," said Col. Andy Pannier, commander of the St. Louis District. "We understand the disruption this work causes for the homeowners and community, and we deeply empathize with the challenges they face. We are dedicated to completing this work as safely and efficiently as possible, so that the community can move forward and thrive in a clean and safe environment."
Key Details on Demolition and Remediation Efforts:
- Scope of Work: The six homes will be demolished one at a time, with demolition expected to take approximately one month. Following demolition, full remediation of the site, including the excavation and removal of contaminated soil, will take less than one year to complete.
- Health and Safety Measures: During demolition and remediation, strict controls will be in place to prevent the spread of contamination. Air monitoring will occur continuously, and dust will be controlled with water misting. The site will be fenced off to limit access, ensuring the safety of both workers and the public.
- Traffic: No road closures are anticipated. Some temporary traffic control measures may be implemented, but no delays for traffic are expected.
- Return of Land to Homeowners: Once remediation is complete, the land will be restored to a condition that meets the highest safety standards and returned to the homeowners.
- Ongoing Communication: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will continue to provide updates to the public through social media, community meetings, and the project website. Residents and local officials will be kept informed of progress and any potential impacts to the neighborhood.
"We are fully committed to this mission, and we will remain transparent with the community as we move forward. We thank the residents for their patience and understanding throughout this process. Our goal is to ensure the long-term health and safety of everyone in the community, and we will continue working diligently to meet that goal,” emphasized Col. Pannier.
Additional information on the SLAPS VPs and SLDS are available at: https://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Missions/FUSRAP/What-is-FUSRAP/
About the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, plays a critical role in improving infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and supporting the region’s environmental health. With a focus on water resources, civil works, and environmental stewardship, the St. Louis District partners with federal and state agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders to ensure the long-term well-being of residents. The district is committed to delivering safe, sustainable solutions for the St. Louis region and beyond. Find out more at https://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/.