Cape News

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has sent a letter to Boeing President and CEO Robert Ortberg, urging the company to address a recent chemical spill at its north St. Louis facility. The incident involved the leakage of up to a thousand gallons of nitric acid into Coldwater Creek.

“I write concerning new reports that a Boeing facility in north St. Louis leaked up to a thousand gallons of toxic nitric acid into Coldwater Creek. As you know, nitric acid is a caustic industrial agent that can cause burns and respiratory problems, and in high enough concentrations, death. You must continue to work to remedy this latest spill and ensure it never happens again,” Senator Hawley said.

This is not the first time Boeing operations have impacted Coldwater Creek. In June 2023, an industrial wastewater treatment plant operated by Boeing released elevated levels of hexavalent chromium—a known carcinogen—into the same creek.

The region around Coldwater Creek has also experienced nuclear contamination from past Manhattan Project activities, which continues to be addressed through ongoing remediation efforts. Senator Hawley has previously advocated for financial compensation for those affected by radiation exposure via his RECA Act.

In his letter, Hawley called on Boeing to answer several questions by August 15, 2025: whether Missourians were harmed by the July 25 spill; what actions have been or will be taken to address any harm; and what steps are being implemented to prevent future chemical leaks.

“The spill threatens the lives and health of residents in my state. And this is not the first time. In June 2023, a Boeing industrial wastewater treatment plant released high levels of hexavalent chromium—a carcinogen—into Coldwater Creek. As you may know, residents of this region have also suffered for years from the presence of nuclear contamination in the creek bed due to Manhattan Project-related activities. That remediation is still ongoing. It is disappointing that corporate neglect is following government neglect when it comes to the safety of my constituents who live near Coldwater Creek.”

“Your company has stated that, ‘the situation was safely resolved.’ Missourians deserve to know more. Since this is the second time your company has possibly endangered residents, you must take remedial actions,” wrote Hawley.

Boeing has stated that “the situation was safely resolved.” However, Senator Hawley insists further information and action are necessary for community safety.

The full text of Senator Hawley's letter can be found on his official website.