Governor Bob Holden is asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take immediate action to protect the health of residents of the Herculaneum area from lead contamination. Holden, who outlined his request in a letter sent Friday to EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman, said the cleanup is a priority for the state. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, EPA and the Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry have been working cooperatively on the cleanup in Herculaneum. The lead contamination has been linked to lead smelting operations in Herculaneum. The Doe Run Company owns and operates the smelter in Herculaneum.