The Environmental Protection Agency announced the funding Wednesday, estimating that about 800 residential properties will require remediation.

Sampling has found widespread lead contamination in the flood plain of the Big River, which begins at Leadwood and runs to the Meramec River confluence near Eureka.

Excavated soil will be taken in covered trucks to a landfill in nearby Washington County.

Officials believe the soil was contaminated by old mine workings.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)