Coldwater Creek Radiation Exposure Victims and Family Can Apply for Compensation, Medical Reimbursement and Survivor Benefits through RECA.
RECA RESOURCES
What is RECA?
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is a law that provides financial compensation to survivors of government-caused nuclear contamination. This compensation enables claimants to offset medical expenses related to cancers and other radiation-linked illnesses they have developed through exposure to Manhattan Project-era toxins and atmospheric nuclear testing. On July 4, 2025, Senator Hawley’s legislation to expand RECA to areas of Missouri was signed into law by President Trump.
Under Senator Josh Hawley’s bill, claimants in Missouri are now eligible to apply for compensation from the federal government. This includes current and former St. Louis and St. Charles residents who were affected by nuclear waste near Coldwater Creek and Weldon Spring. Survivors are entitled to either $50,000 or reimbursement for radiation-linked medical expenses (whichever is greater). Beneficiaries of deceased victims may be entitled to $25,000. Find updated application information below.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Missourians are eligible to submit a claim for compensation under RECA if you:
Lived in an area of Missouri covered by the ZIP Codes 63031, 63033, 63034, 63042, 63045, 63074, 63114, 63135, 63138, 63044, 63121, 63140, 63145, 63147, 63102, 63304, 63134, 63043, 63341, 63368, or 63367 for at least two years after January 1, 1949; and
After 2 years of residency, contracted leukemia, multiple myeloma, lymphoma (other than Hodgkin’s disease), or cancer of the thyroid, breast, esophagus, stomach, pharynx, small intestine, pancreas, bile duct, gall bladder, salivary gland, urinary bladder, brain, colon, ovary, bone, renal system, liver, or lung.
If you worked or attended school in one of these ZIP codes, but did not reside there, you may also be eligible.
HOW-TO VIDEO
RECA Application
State Rep candidate Jeff Jacks leads constituent and friend Dee McNabb through her RECA application live.
The video is complete with practical tips and common questions that arise when completing the federal application for the Radioactive Exposure Compensation Act. fund.
RECA hotline: (202) 228-4388
Cold Water Creek
St. Louis, MO
This is an aerial view of Cold Water Creek winding its way through north St. Louis, MO. Also included is a closeup of the creek and an aerial view of storage sites for radioactive waste. Source. CDC Archive
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Checks Payable To: Citizens for Jeffrey Jacks