Missouri is among the top 20 states by number of active Superfund sites. The EPA’s National Priorities List currently includes 33 active NPL sites in Missouri, with 39 total entries when proposed and deleted sites are included. The most hazardous site has an HRS score of 84.91 out of a maximum of 100. 6 sites have been cleaned up and removed from the list. The interactive map below shows all NPL sites in Missouri – click any marker for site details, HRS score, and a link to the EPA’s site profile.
Superfund Statistics for Missouri
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Active NPL Sites | 33 |
| Deleted (cleaned up) | 6 |
| Total NPL Entries | 39 |
| Highest HRS Score | 84.91 |
| Average HRS Score (active) | 58.4 |
| EPA Region | Region 7 |
Highest-Risk Superfund Sites in Missouri
The table below lists the active NPL sites in Missouri sorted by Hazard Ranking System (HRS) score. The HRS is a 0-100 scale used by the EPA to assess the potential threat to human health and the environment. Sites scoring 28.50 or above qualify for NPL listing.
| Site Name | City / County | HRS Score | EPA ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big River Mine Tailings/St. Joe Minerals Corp. | Desloge, St. Francois | 84.91 | MOD981126899 |
| Washington County Lead District – Richwoods | Richwoods, Washington | 76.81 | MON000705032 |
| Washington County Lead District – Old Mines | Old Mines, Washington | 76.81 | MON000705027 |
| Southwest Jefferson County Mining | Jefferson County, Jefferson | 70.71 | MON000705443 |
| Weldon Spring Quarry/Plant/Pits (USDOE/Army) | St. Charles County, St. Charles | 58.60 | MO3210090004 |
| Madison County Mines | Fredericktown, Madison | 58.41 | MOD098633415 |
| Washington County Lead District – Potosi | Potosi, Washington | 50.00 | MON000705023 |
| Riverfront | New Haven, Franklin | 50.00 | MOD981720246 |
| Oak Grove Village Well | Oak Grove Village, Franklin | 50.00 | MOD981717036 |
| Armour Road | North Kansas City, Clay | 50.00 | MOD046750253 |
| Newton County Wells | Joplin, Newton | 50.00 | MOD985798339 |
| Pools Prairie | Neosho, Newton | 50.00 | MO0000958835 |
| Compass Plaza Well TCE | Rogersville, Greene | 50.00 | MON000706143 |
| Washington County Lead District – Furnace Creek | Caledonia, Washington | 50.00 | MON000705842 |
| Newton County Mine Tailings | Granby, Newton | 50.00 | MOD981507585 |
Superfund Cleanup Progress in Missouri
Missouri has made measurable progress on Superfund cleanup: 6 sites have been fully remediated and removed from the National Priorities List. The remaining 33 active sites are at various stages of investigation and cleanup. EPA cleanup timelines vary widely depending on contamination type, site complexity, and the availability of responsible parties to fund remediation.
About the Superfund Program in EPA Region 7
The Superfund program, formally known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), gives the EPA authority to clean up contaminated sites that pose risks to public health or the environment. Sites are assessed using the Hazard Ranking System (HRS) – a score of 28.50 or above triggers NPL listing and formal cleanup proceedings. Missouri falls under EPA Region 7, which coordinates Superfund investigations, cleanups, and community engagement for the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Superfund sites are in Missouri?
Missouri has 33 active sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Including sites that have been cleaned up and removed, the total NPL count for Missouri is 39.
What is the most contaminated Superfund site in Missouri?
Based on HRS score, the highest-risk active Superfund site in Missouri is Big River Mine Tailings/St. Joe Minerals Corp. near Desloge, with an HRS score of 84.91. The HRS score reflects the site’s potential to harm human health or the environment through groundwater, surface water, soil, or air pathways.
How does the EPA decide which sites go on the Superfund list?
The EPA uses the Hazard Ranking System to score sites based on the likelihood of a release, the characteristics of the waste, and the people or environments that could be affected. Sites scoring 28.50 or higher are eligible for the National Priorities List. Once listed, sites become eligible for federally funded cleanup or enforcement against responsible parties under CERCLA.
Superfund Sites in Nearby States
Explore Superfund data for states bordering Missouri: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee. For a national overview, see the US Superfund Sites map.
