Urban Waters and the Meramec and Big Rivers (Missouri)

The Meramec and Big River project is located southwest of St. Louis, Missouri. The Meramec River is one of the longest waterways flowing through Missouri before emptying into the Mississippi River and is well known for its recreational uses.

Formerly a booming lead-producing region, the towns in the Meramec and Big River watersheds hold over 200 years of lead mining pollution. As a result, high levels of heavy metals and lead sediment have entered the Meramec and Big Rivers. Lead contamination has affected wildlife, especially mussel and fish populations. Public consumption warnings still exist on the tributaries of the Meramec and Big River.

Seeking to address the lead contamination, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) serve as members of the Big River Task Force. This is a group of various governmental organizations, from federal to local levels. Their work aims to facilitate the cleanup, restoration, and remediation efforts on the Meramec and Big Rivers.

Additionally, the Urban Waters Federal Partnership and an Urban Waters Ambassador intend to break down federal and state silos and facilitate collaborative practices.  Together, these efforts can improve the public’s and the rivers’ health.

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Local Partnership Workplan

Big River Clean-up and Restoration Effort

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List of Partners