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Demolition Begins in Cades Cove Amid Radioactive Waste Concerns
Families forced to evacuate as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers removes contaminated homes
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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Demolition has begun in the Cades Cove neighborhood of Florissant, Missouri, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) initiates the removal of six homes contaminated with radioactive waste. The contamination stems from decades-old radioactive waste improperly stored near Coldwater Creek, which has seeped into the soil and impacted the nearby residential area.
Why it matters
This marks the first time residential properties are being removed under the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP), a program dedicated to cleaning up contamination from the nation's early atomic energy program. The demolition and remediation process highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing historic environmental issues and the emotional toll on affected homeowners.
The details
The USACE determined the contamination was too close to home foundations, necessitating demolition for safe removal. Homeowners have already been relocated, but the emotional impact is significant. The demolition process is expected to take approximately one month, with full site remediation, including excavation and removal of contaminated soil, anticipated to be completed within a year. The excavated radioactive waste will be shipped to a disposal site in Utah.
- Demolition began on Monday, February 10, 2026.
- The full site remediation is expected to be completed within a year.
The players
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
The USACE is the agency responsible for the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) and is overseeing the demolition and remediation process in Cades Cove.
Just Moms STL
A local advocacy group that is supporting the affected homeowners during this difficult process.
What they’re saying
“When asked what she left behind, the homeowner simply said, 'My heart.'”
— Karen Nickel, Cofounder of Just Moms STL
What’s next
The USACE estimates the complete cleanup of Coldwater Creek will continue until 2038, as this is part of a larger, ongoing effort to address the historic contamination in the area.
The takeaway
The Cades Cove demolition and remediation process highlights the significant challenges and emotional toll of addressing legacy environmental issues, particularly when they impact residential communities. This case underscores the importance of robust safety measures and ongoing community engagement as the USACE works to restore the affected area.
