Lead

In the heart of Missouri's historic Lead Belt, residents are concerned about contamination from a new industry moving into town.

The celebrated Mexican cafe closed in 2023 after alleging the space was contaminated with lead dust.

A new law required local school districts to test drinking water for lead. After many did find lead above the state threshold, St. Louis environmental justice advocates are asking for more accountability for remediation.

The city’s water department is working to comply with a new U.S. EPA rule requiring the replacement of lines on residential properties.

Letters, which should arrive in early November, are the first steps the city is taking to comply with new federal requirements to replace all lead service lines in 10 years.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced drinking water providers will have 10 years to identify and remove lead pipes across the country.

The statewide effort to clean up drinking water was prompted by a 2022 Missouri law, and more than $27 million has been set aside to fix the problems.

The parent company for Doe Run cut at $50,000 check to a PAC supporting Andrew Bailey three months after he filed a brief in support of the lead smelter in federal court.

A districtwide effort to remove fences with lead paint on them is underway in the St. Louis Public Schools district.

The state will get $106.4 million for water infrastructure upgrades through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.