Times Beach, Missouri

This was the first time I have ever heard of Dioxin or its harmful effects on plants, animals and humans. After learning a little bit about this in class, I wanted to look it up and learn more about it. It was the largest civilian exposure to the chemical in the United States. Russell Bliss was ordered to oil the roads around town, and assured everyone that it was just waste engine oil(lies!). In 1982, the levels were 100 times higher than the 1 part per billion that is considered hazardous. He also used the waste to spray down stables to get rid of the dust, which resulted in the deaths of 62 horses. After the soil was tested in 1982, humans were still living in the town. They lived there until it flooded; 10 feet of water covered 95% of the city. Since everyone was already evacuated, the town was quarantined and demolished. The rest of the debris and contamination were not incinerated until 1996. People still question as to weather or not the evacuation was necessary. I think that if the dioxin could kill 62 horses (much bigger than humans), then it could easily kill a person.

The city now is a 419-acre national park along Route 66. There is a large grass mound, and beneath it is debris from the old buildings of the city.

Reference: http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-timesbeach.html