Labadie, MO AmerenUE Power Plant

“AmerenUE, the region’s electric utility, has applied for permission to put a 440 acre flyash disposal pit near its Labadie, MO power plant. This pit would be on the flood plain of the Missouri river.

This power plant is the 14th largest in the United States and by far the largest in Missouri.

Flyash is the residue left from burning coal. Flyash contains numerious metals that while not harmful in small amounts on a short term basis, can be a serious problem on a long term basis. These metals include mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and others.

The St. Louis Confluence Riverkeeper (SLCR) is opposed to putting this disposal pit on the flood plain of the Missouri River. While AmerenUE claims they will install a strong pit with high sides, liner, and other protective measures, the SLCR does not feel these measures are safe enough. The failure of the Taum Sauk Water containment pond has been pointed out.

In fact, putting this pit on the flood plain is a very poorchoice of location and is strongly opposed by SLCR. It is likely that a 500 year or greater flood event will occur during the life of this pit. Not just once, but perhaps more often. SLCR has serious concerns about the ground water in the area. Many homes use wells located nearby.

SLCR is aware of the need to dispose of this flyash, but feels strongly that the proposed location is the wrong place to put the pit.

Further, the now existing 130 acre pit is leaking up to 50,000 gallons of water a day. This leaking water helped carry the water into the existing pit and therefore contains flyash. This problem appears to have been going on for at least 20 years.

Note: 50,000 gallons X 365 days a year X 20 years = 365,000,000 total gallons.

This leak must be sealed.

Last, there is concern that water presently discharged into the Missouri River is above allowed temperature limits. If so, this too must be corrected.

SLCR has testified before the Franklin County (where Labadie is located) Zoning and Planning Board and also before the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the area governing body.

Last, SLCR is working with the Missouri Sierra Club on these issues. Both SLCR and the Sierra Club are being represented by the Washington University in St. Louis Interdisciplinary Environmental Law Clinic.

SLCR update this information as changes occur.