Nov 21, 2024 Local News
Fredericktown, Mo. (KFMO) - Critical Mineral Recovery (CMR) continues its cooperative efforts with local, state, and federal officials following a fire at its Fredericktown, Missouri facility on October 30, 2024. The fire was contained the same day, and emergency response teams have been actively managing the situation. The Fredericktown Fire Department issued an evacuation order impacting approximately 25 homes north of the facility, and the order remains in effect.
As of November 2, the fire is under control. An expert fire suppression team is on-site to address remaining hotspots within the structure, and occasional smoke is expected during this process. Air monitoring began immediately after the incident and is ongoing, led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and environmental response contractors. Monitoring is taking place along the CMR facility’s fence line and in nearby communities, with results shared with local, state, and federal responders. Elevated levels of smoke particulate matter were recorded early on, but smoke has since decreased significantly. Community members are advised to avoid any visible smoke plumes. All other monitored chemicals are currently within safe limits. CMR’s contractor is providing daily updates to the EPA, Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), and the Fredericktown Fire Department.
In addition, water containment efforts are in place to manage fire-related runoff. A fishkill was observed two miles downstream of the facility, and CMR is collaborating with MDNR, Missouri Department of Conservation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to investigate. Water samples are being collected downstream, and results will be released as soon as available. As a precaution, CMR recommends avoiding the use of water from Village Creek and the Little St. Francis River until further notice. There are no indications of impacts to county drinking water supplies, and a plan to verify this is in progress.
“Our focus is on eliminating all sources of potential harm and returning displaced residents to their homes as quickly as possible,” a CMR representative stated.
Community members are encouraged to contact the community hotline at 314-576-9134 for updates. Routine updates will continue to be provided as more information becomes available.
