EPA releases Henry County soil test results amid claims Evergy, others contaminated environment
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EPA releases Henry County soil test results amid claims Evergy, others contaminated environment
The class action lawsuit claims that these companies are responsible for letting fly ash seep into the surrounding community. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, like the now-defunct power plant near Montrose, Missouri. The results from one sample of drinking water showed that the amount of Radium 226 and total radium exceeded the Missouri Department of Natural Resources default testing limit. The highest level of hexavalent chromium detected was 70 times below the action level.
The class action lawsuit claims that these companies are responsible for letting fly ash seep into the surrounding community. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, like the now-defunct power plant near Montrose, Missouri.
Testing was conducted around the Montrose plant in late 2024. The results from one sample of drinking water showed that the amount of Radium 226 and total radium exceeded the Missouri Department of Natural Resources default testing limit.
More than a dozen soil samples from around the community also exceeded the default testing limit for hexavalent chromium and lead, both toxic carcinogens. Some samples exceeded limits for arsenic, boron, cobalt and one exceeded the limit for selenium.
EPA results indicate no current risks to students or residents
On June 23, 2025, EPA sampling took place at the Davis R-12 school in Henry County.
The results indicate that levels of hexavalent chromium are well below the agency’s action levels, which are used to determine when soil removal would be appropriate for a residential yard. The highest level of hexavalent chromium detected was 70 times below the action level, according to the EPA.
“I am happy to report that these results do not exceed our action levels,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy. “We follow a rigorous scientific process at EPA, and Henry County residents should have a high level of confidence in these results showing that they are not at risk from hexavalent chromium.”
Similarly, levels of arsenic, cobalt and lead did not exceed EPA’s action levels. The levels of these contaminants detected in soil samples fall within a naturally occurring range for these constituents in this area of Missouri, the agency said.
Overall, EPA results indicate that there are no current risks to students or residents.
This data has been shared with Davis R-12 leadership and Henry County officials, according to the agency.
A full report of these results is also available on the EPA webpage for Henry County.
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