Dive Brief:

• A class action lawsuit against the owners of the West Lake landfill was dismissed by the attorneys representing a local resident in Bridgeton, MO. 
• The lawsuit against Republic Services alleged that radiation from the site contaminated soil in the nearby neighborhood, including homes and businesses. 
• The suit was based on preliminary radiation findings -- but follow-up results concluded that the contamination levels were not high enough to reach the federal standard for damages. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced radioactive materials deposited at the site are contained to the landfill. 

Dive Insight:

Republic Services' West Lake landfill has been the subject of an ongoing battle between the company, local residents, and officials. In April 2014, Republic agreed to a settlement with the EPA that included the construction of a barrier at the West Lake site.  

In August, 2014 a federal judge approved a $6.8 million settlement against Republic Services for damages allegedly caused by smoldering fires at the company’s Bridgeton landfill site, which is adjacent to the West Lake landfill. 

Also in August 2014, residents filed 14 additional lawsuits against Republic for damages, citing the Bridgeton landfill as the source of foul odors in the area.