New post on Route 66 News
Meramec Caverns may be closed until mid-summer
by Ron Warnick
Toxic fumes have forced the closing of Meramec Caverns near Stanton, Missouri.
until at least mid-summer.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the historic roadside attraction off Route
66 closed March 10 after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found
trichloroethylene vapors above the acceptable limit in the caverns.
<blockquote>
TCE is a solvent used mainly to remove grease from metal parts but also is an
ingredient in adhesives, paint removers and other products. The agency
classifies it as a carcinogen, or potential cause of cancer.
The EPA says the vapors probably come from more than 4 miles away at the former
TRW/Ramsey facility in Sullivan, where auto parts were made, and the Sullivan
landfill. Both are associated with a Superfund site on the EPA’s national
priorities list since 2002. TRW is now charged with reducing the levels of TCE
in the caverns. The work is expected to involve improvements to air ventilation
systems at an unknown cost.
The caves are expected to remain closed until at least midsummer. That means
nearly 100 people could be out of jobs at the caverns. The motels, restaurants,
Jesse James Wax Museum and other nearby attractions in Stanton that are
supported by cave tourists are also expected to take a hit.
Meramec Caverns' website has posted a message -- "We are temporarily closed. We
apologize for any inconvenience. Check back soon for updates" -- with no
explanation.
The newspaper said TCE has been detected in the caves since at least 2003.
Owner Lester Turilli increased the air circulation in Meramec Caverns to knock
down the toxin's levels.
It also is possible the heightened TCE levels might have been exacerbated by
recent historic flooding by the nearby Meramec River, which damaged the
cavern's gift shop and restaurant.
More from a report by the U.S. EPA :
<blockquote>
Since December 2014, EPA has overseen the implementation of a number of actions
intended to address the TCE levels in the cave. While these actions have shown
some merit, they have not demonstrated the ability to achieve and sustain TCE
levels below a level of concern. EPA continued to conduct air sampling in the
cave throughout 2015.
In February 2016, based on new data from late 2015, the federal Agency for
Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) recommended to EPA that TCE
exposures to employees in Meramec Caverns be stopped until they are brought
below levels of health concern.
</blockquote>
EPA listed what action will be taken:
<blockquote>
TRW will soon begin the installation of upgraded airlock doors inside the cave,
evaluate options for separating air in the cave’s adjoining gift shop from
contaminated air in the cave itself, evaluate the effectiveness of air cleaning
systems, drill one or more ventilation airshafts into back portions of the
cave, and implement a comprehensive air sampling and air flow monitoring plan
to better characterize human health risks and measure the work’s effectiveness.
</blockquote>
At least TRW is paying the ticket on these potential remedies.
A report by a division Centers for Disease Control indicates TCE is nasty
stuff:
* Main targets of trichloroethylene toxicity include the central nervous
system, kidney, liver, immune system, male reproductive system, and developing
fetus
* Available human data provide strong support for trichloroethylene-induced
kidney cancer and lesser support for liver cancer and malignant lymphoma in
humans.
The EPA also stated TCE is “carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure."
Lester Dill opened Meramec Caverns to the public in 1935. who also is known for
inventing the bumper sticker to help promote his attraction to travelers along
nearby U.S. 66 and other highways. The caverns supposedly served as a hideout
for 19th-century outlaw Jesse James, although it has never been proven. Dozens
of billboards (and a few barns ) along Interstate 44 and other highways promote
Meramec Caverns, and 100,000 people reportedly visit each year.
I admit I'm pessimistic about a summer reopening of Meramec Caverns. Once a
toxin gets into an ancient cavern system such as the ones sprinkled throughout
Missouri, it's very difficult to get it out.
I hope I'm wrong.
(Image inside Meramec Caverns by el-toro via Flickr)
Ron Warnick | April 3, 2016 at 7:05 am | Tags: Meramec Caverns , Stanton |
Categories: Attractions , History | URL: http://wp.me/p26LFX-7cB
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