EPA Region 7 Supports Fredericktown Fire Department and MoDNR in Response to Critical Mineral Recovery Fire

Fredericktown, Mo. (KFMO) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 7 team continues to work with the Fredericktown Fire Department and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) to manage the aftermath of the Critical Mineral Recovery (CMR) fire, which occurred on Wednesday, October 30. EPA and its Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) contractors are on-site, monitoring air quality for chemical compounds and particulate matter, and collecting samples for laboratory analysis.

An official list of contaminants EPA is monitoring was shared with the community in Operational Update #3. With numerous questions from residents, EPA, in partnership with the Fredericktown Fire Department and MoDNR, has created a “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) guide to address concerns. This guide is now available on the EPA’s website at EPA Response Site.

EPA’s On-Scene Coordinator is providing air monitoring data to the Fredericktown School Superintendent, who will use this information to determine school openings and closures. Community members are encouraged to follow the Superintendent's guidance regarding school status for the safety and well-being of students and staff.