The portion of Big River about an hour south of St. Louis is testing positive for high levels of E. Coli.
The water contamination is due to failing equipment at the Leadwood Wastewater Treatment Facility, which is failing due to it's age. Because of that, the machinery is dumping only partially-treated water into the Big River.
"The E Coli levels that we have obtained do show an exceedance of the city's permitted limits," said Bradley Ledbetter, Southeast Regional Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Ledbetter said the department first started investigating the area after receiving several citizen concerns in May.
When the department tested the River on Aug. 4th, water located downstream from the facility tested for the highest levels of E. Coli that can be measured. And the water upstream tested three times the limit the DNR has deemed unsafe for swimming.
"So we are working with or partners to make adept public notices along the River," Ledbetter said. "And we are providing our sample data information, our E. Coli results to those partners to help them to make determinations regarding public notices."
He said the department has been working with the City of Leadwood to provide a framework to address longstanding issues with the failing treatment equipment at the facility.
Find out more at the podcast above.
It comes after equipment failures at the Leadwood Wastewater Treatment Facility.
It comes after equipment failures at the Leadwood Wastewater Treatment Facility.
