The Department of Natural Resources took nearly 600 soil and water samples across a four-county area around St Joseph. None of the samples for hexavalent chromium exceeded the health-based screening level of 86ppm, a benchmark set by the state and US Environmental Protection Agency. Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen. The highest level found in fields where the sludge was spread was 5 ppm, well below the limit.
The tannery which, is now owned and is currently being completely refurbished by National Beef Leathers, have now been vindicated as no public health risk was found.
Tannery sludge was used as fertilizer between 1983 and 2008 but is now taken to a local landfill site as a precaution.
Residents in the area had claimed that a high incidence of brain tumors had occurred and they even had the support of celebrity environment campaigner, Erin Brockovich. However, investigators from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services could not find any compelling evidence to support their allegations.
