The landfills’ owner, Republic Services, will pay for the barrier. A spokesman has said the company is committed to rapid construction once the regulatory agencies agree on a plan.

The EPA hosted a community meeting Monday to address lawmakers’ and residents’ concerns about the barrier. But the meeting began with a formal letter calling for another agency to take over testing from the EPA at the Bridgeton Municipal Athletic Complex. And later, the grass-roots Westlake/Bridgeton Landfill Community Advisory Group passed a resolution calling for the resignation of Brooks and an investigation into the agency’s handling of the situation.

The already unfriendly audience was further incensed when EPA representatives sent to update them on the athletic field testing told them one of two reference sites was Koch Park in North County. Many said it was an unfair comparison because of other radioactive waste sites north of Lambert St. Louis airport that could make the readings higher. It would have "boosted the confidence" of residents to use another site as a reference, said local resident Dawn Chapman.

Though its final analysis is not expected to be complete until the end of the month, the agency defended its testing of the Ballfields near the landfill and said early indications are it is safe.