Film Description

Times Beach, Missouri, was a peaceful small town in the Midwest until residents learned their community had been extensively contaminated with dioxin, one of the most toxic chemicals known. Soon after, the town became the first ever purchased and condemned by the federal government as a result of toxic waste contamination. Through archival footage, interviews with former residents, government officials and others, TIMES BEACH recounts the community's tragic story. Residents were not notified about the contamination until 10 years after the incident, the evacuation and clean up were poorly handled, and there have been years of legal battles seeking just compensation. The film raises significant questions about the close ties between government officials and the chemical industry, as well as the complicity of major newspapers in minimizing the dangers of dioxin. The environmental disaster in Times Beach is an important cautionary tale with wide relevance, especially for the thousands of communities potentially at risk from toxic pollution.