Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources is a monthly newsletter that informs readers about environmental issues.
MARCH 2002
MISSOURI CELEBRATES EARTH DAY
It's that time of year again and Earth Day is right around the corner. Missouri's official Earth Day celebration will take place on the Capitol grounds April 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Earth Day is a day dedicated to helping people realize the need to preserve our planet.
The Capitol celebration will include many special attractions and environmentally themed activities and entertainment for children and adults. Once again, the World Bird Sanctuary will be on hand to show live birds. John "Two Bears" Hernandez will perform American Indian songs in front of a full-size teepee. Patrick Lee will portray famous explorer William Clark and tell tales of the great Lewis and Clark expedition as it passed through Missouri. These events are free and open to the public.
"Clean Water Makes the World Go 'Round" is the winning slogan of the 2002 Earth Day slogan contest. Eleven-year old Matt Allen, son of Mark and Debbie Allen of Hamilton, submitted the winning slogan. Matt is a fifth-grade student in Judy Fairchild's class at Hamilton Middle School. Matt will receive a certificate of appreciation and a $100 savings bond donated by Union Planters Bank in Jefferson City. He will also be recognized during Earth Day ceremonies. The slogan was chosen from hundreds of slogans sent in by fifth-grade students across Missouri.
"Since this year's Earth Day theme is water, Matt's slogan is particularly relevant," said Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Steve Mahfood. "It's wonderful to see so many young people who grasp the importance of taking care of the environment."
"Earth Day 2002" recycled cotton t-shirts will be on sale during the celebration at the Capitol. The design of the shirt includes a water activity picture to observe the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act.
The Department of Natural Resources is also participating in other celebrations throughout Missouri to help educate students about protecting and preserving the environment. The department's Northeast Regional Office is inviting fourth grade students from various schools in Macon, Shelby, Linn, and Randolph counties to visit Long Branch State Park to learn about different environmental topics. Other agencies that are participating in this event include the Natural Resources Conservation Services, Pike County Soil and Water Conservation, Corps of Engineers and Missouri Department of Conservation.
Jackson Bostic of the department's Southeast Regional Office will be helping to educate students by giving presentations to 600 students in the North Pemiscot County school system, 800 eighth grade students near Lake Wappapello and Poplar Bluff Girl Scout Troop #202.
The St. Louis Urban Outreach Office, St. Louis Regional Office and Division of State Parks will be participating at the St. Louis Earth Day Festival in Forest Park. The festival is on Sunday, April 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the World's Fair Pavilion in Forest Park. The Department of Natural Resources is sponsoring the World Bird Sanctuary raptor awareness show, Native American storytelling by John Hernandez and a Park Ranger Rodeo. Visitors can also check out a Gateway Clean Air Program RapidScreen van.
The first Earth Day took place April 22, 1970, and was organized by Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. senator from Wisconsin. Sen. Nelson had been frustrated throughout the 1960s that not enough of his congressional colleagues had any interest in environmental issues. On the other hand, during his travels across the United States, he had been greatly impressed by the dedication and the expertise of the many student and citizen volunteers who were trying to solve pollution problems in their communities. The public environmental awareness raised by the first Earth Day led to the creation of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts. Though it is not a national holiday, Earth Day is now observed around the world.
For more information on Missouri Earth Day Celebrations, call Van Beydler of the Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-6892.
GOV. HOLDEN TO DECLARE MAY 5-11 DRINKING WATER WEEK
Gov. Bob Holden is scheduled to declare May 5-11, 2002 Drinking Water Week at a proclamation signing set for April 23. Drinking Water Week recognizes Missouri's public drinking water industry for the work it does in providing Missourians with safe drinking water.
"Public water systems in Missouri face ever-increasing and complex challenges to meet stringent standards that the public has come to expect of them," said Stephen Mahfood, Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "We're urging all Missourians to join in paying tribute to the tireless dedicated men and women who run our public drinking water system."
During Drinking Water week, many public water systems will offer the public guided tours of their drinking water facilities. Some will also travel to local schools to inform students of the importance and different uses of good, clean, reliable drinking water.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Public Drinking Water Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.
OLD LANDFILL REPAIR TO IMPROVE SPRING RIVER
Several state and federal agencies are coordinating efforts to reduce environmental impacts from the former Valley Sanitation Service Inc. sanitary landfill near Lamar, in Barton County. Leachate and sediment from the old landfill, that operated from 1975 to 1980, has impacted the water quality of the North Fork Spring River. The landfill was developed before financial assurance was required for landfill remediation, so no funds were set aside by the owners to care for the site after it no longer accepted wastes.
The old landfill, located about seven miles southwest of Lamar, was never properly closed. Therefore, vegetation cover is sparse on about 40 percent of the site. The lack of vegetation and supporting soil cover has resulted in water ponding on the surface and seepage into the landfill. As a result, leachate and sediment has gradually discharged into a stream that feeds into the North Fork Spring River.
To correct these problems, the landfill surface will be graded and contoured to shed surface water without excessive erosion and to eliminate ponding. The Arner family will provide soil to create a thicker cap over the 14.5 acres of the landfill where both soil and vegetative cover are inadequate. The family of the late Lloyd Arner, owner of the landfill site, has pledged labor, equipment, seed, fertilizer and maintenance support to remediate 14.5 acres of the 30-acre landfill site.
Spearheaded by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the three-year project will use money from a $336,371 federal grant. This project was one of several competing for the federal funds. Other assistance will be provided by the University of Missouri-Rolla, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Barton County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Total project costs are projected to be $563,746.
The Spring River Basin is listed as the number one priority watershed for restoration in the Missouri Unified Watershed Assessment. The North Fork Spring River is listed as the number two priority river for restoration in the Missouri Watershed Restoration Schedule 1999. Improperly closed or abandoned landfills are listed as significant nonpoint sources of water pollution under Missouri's Nonpoint Source Pollution Plan.
The department is considering, at some point in the future, the introduction of legislation that would create a solid waste remedial fund that could be used to close and maintain environmental oversight on old landfills that still exist in many parts of Missouri. Until such a fund is established, innovative teamwork approaches may be used to accomplish the necessary protections for the public health and environment.
For more information on the project, contact Craig Abbott in the Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.
MISSOURI COMPANY TO PAY OVER $1.5 MILLION IN FINES, COSTS, RESTITUTION
Cargill Pork Inc., which operates a 17,000 pig farming operation in Martinsburg, pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Water Act and will pay out a total of $1,551,000. This includes a fine of $1 million, $51,000 in restitution to the State of Missouri for natural resources damages and the costs of investigation and $500,000 in already spent remediation costs. The defendant admitted illegally discharging hog waste from holding ponds at its facility into the Loutre River, which is a tributary of the Missouri River. The discharge occurred due to a failure to properly operate waste management equipment. In addition, no report of the release was made to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The release killed 53,000 fish along a five-mile stretch of the Loutre River. The case was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Attorney General's Office with the assistance of EPA's National Enforcement Investigations Center. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in St. Louis.
MISSOURI WASTE CONTROL COALITION TO SPONSOR GREETING CARD COMPETITION FOR KIDS
The Missouri Waste Control Coalition is sponsoring the annual greeting card competition for 2002. The purpose of the competition is to get kids interested in waste control issues. The organization's goals are to promote safe, effective and economically sound waste management practices in the state.
This year the coalition is offering $100 to the first place winner plus $100 to the first place classroom. The first place winner will also receive a supply of his or her card specially printed by Hallmark Cards. The second place winner will receive $50 and the third place winner will receive $25. Additionally, the winning cards will be on display at the Missouri Waste Control Coalition conference held in Columbia in July. Winners, teacher and parents will be invited as guests at the conference luncheon where the winners will receive their awards.
Card submittals should be mailed by May 1. The cards will be judged by selected members of Hallmark Cards Inc. and the Missouri Waste Control Coalition. Winners will be announced mid May, prior to the end of the school year.
For more information on competition guidelines, call Janese Neher at 573-634-8347.
MISSOURI AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION REGULATES ODORS FROM CAFOS
Many residents who live near concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) know firsthand that odor can be a problem. In order to combat these odors, the Missouri Air Conservation Commission adopted an amendment to the odor rules in March 1999 due to the large number of complaints created by the odors. This amendment requires the Department of Natural Resources' Air Pollution Control Program to regulate the odor emissions from the very largest CAFOs.
This regulation required Class IA CAFOs to submit an odor control plan to the Air Pollution Control Program. In this plan, the facility must describe the measures it would implement to control odors. Each CAFO was required to submit this plan by July 1, 2000 and have implemented the approved strategies by Jan. 1, 2002. At the end of 2001, the department had approved an odor plan for one facility and was working with the other facilities to resolve their issues. After Jan. 1, 2002, the Air Pollution Control Program is to enforce the odor standard stated in the amended rule.
At the Dec. 6, 2001, Missouri Air Conservation Commission meeting concerns were presented regarding the enforcement of the olfactometry standard of the odor rules and its sensitivity to background odors. In light of these concerns, the commission advised the Air Pollution Control Program not to issue violations using this standard of the rules until it was both reasonable and enforceable. The program expects the revised rules to be effective early next year.
The department is also continuously monitoring ambient air near large CAFOs. The sulfur dioxide and ammonia concentrations are being monitored near CAFOs in Mercer and Sullivan counties. The Mercer County site began monitoring in 1999, and the Sullivan County site began monitoring in summer 2001.
As a result of the data collected from the Mercer County monitoring site, Premium Standard Farms and Continental Grain are installing permeable covers on many of their lagoons. High levels of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia have been recorded at this site over the past two years. These covers are expected to reduce hydrogen sulfide values.
In addition to the two monitoring sites, the Air Pollution Control Program is collecting and analyzing air samples to further understand how to implement an olfactometry standard for CAFOs. This data should help the department amend the odor rules to make it enforceable and effective.
In November, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized a consent agreement with Premium Standard Farms to reduce odors at its Missouri CAFOs. The consent agreement requires the reduction of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia emissions from CAFOs, specifically through wastewater treatment and land application systems. It also requires monitoring of the various compounds emitted from each facility. The company must also investigate ways to reduce air emissions from the barns.
For more information, call the department's Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.
DEPARTMENT OFFERS LOW-INTEREST LOANS FOR DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announces the availability of low-interest loans to public drinking water supplies. The loans will be provided through the State Revolving Fund Leveraged Loan Program. The program provides subsidized loans to community water systems and nonprofit non-community water systems to construct and improve drinking water facilities. Amounts are based on ability to repay debt. The interest rate for State Revolving Fund Loans is half that of a conventional loan. The amount of savings would depend on the market interest rate at the time of the loan. For example, if a utility borrowed $1 million from the state revolving fund at 2.5 percent for 20 years (maximum term) when the market rate is five percent, they would save $200,585. The deadline for applications is May 1.
The department also proposes to make special financing available for source water protection. These loans could be used to purchase land and install security measures at water sources.
To request a loan application for water system improvements, security measures, or source water protection activities, call the department's Public Drinking Water Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331, or e-mail keenan.patterson@dnr.mo.gov.
NEW COMMUTER CHOICE WEB SITE LAUNCHED
A new Web site has been launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation to support the Commuter Choice Leadership Initiative. This initiative is the agencies' first business/government partnership to reduce air pollution and global warming associated with vehicle use. The goal of this initiative is to reduce the traffic and air pollution of 15 million cars. U.S. employers can make important contributions to improving energy resources, reducing air pollution and improving public health through this voluntary program.
The new Web site provides information on: 1) what employers need to become a Commuter Choice Employer and meet the National Standard of Excellence for commuter benefits; 2) how U.S. employers can save hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes, parking facility expenses and employee turnover costs and 3) how employers can save their employees hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes and transportation costs. The new Web site has a list of more than 200 employers that have committed to meeting the National Standard of Excellence for employer-provided commuter benefits, qualifying them as Commuter Choice Employers. More information on this initiative can be found at www.commuterchoice.gov.
ENFORCEMENT ACTION TAKEN AGAINST DRY CLEANER HAZARDOUS WASTE VIOLATIONS
On Nov. 15, 2001, Bradford Anderson, former owner and operator of Anderson Dry Cleaners and Laundry, 514 North Main, Maryville, pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful storage of hazardous waste. On Count I, Anderson was sentenced to ninety days in the county jail, suspended execution of sentence, placed on two years probation and was fined $2,500. The court suspended $2,000 of this fine on the condition that Anderson complies with the terms and conditions of his probation. On Count II, Anderson was sentenced to a suspended imposition of sentence and was placed on two years probation. These charges were brought by the Missouri Attorney General's Office. The Missouri Department of Natural Resource's Environmental Investigative Unit performed the investigation.
On Dec. 27, 2001, Anderson, the Department of Natural Resources and the Attorney General's Office entered into a Settlement Agreement. The Settlement Agreement resolved civil enforcement action against Anderson that began when violations were documented by the department's Kansas City Regional Office during a hazardous waste compliance inspection on Oct. 12, 2000. Violations included the illegal transport, burning and storing of toxic solvent-saturated filters from the dry cleaner. Enforcement action included the department's testing and confirmation that the filters were hazardous waste, compelling Anderson to hire a licensed transporter to remove and properly dispose of 1,800 pounds of illegally disposed filters and to pay past due hazardous waste generator fees. In addition, by the terms of the Settlement Agreement, he agreed to pay a civil penalty of $5,000 to the Nodaway County School Fund and to comply with the Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Law and Regulations in the future.
For more information, call the Missouri Attorney General's office at 573-751-0774.
EPA PROMOTES WATER EFFICIENCY IN THE HOME
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is promoting water efficiency in the home by offering online information on saving water and reducing utility costs. Water efficiency is an important part of protecting human health and the environment. Using water efficiently can help improve water quality, protect valuable sources of drinking water, reduce the cost of drinking water and wastewater treatment, maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems and lessen drought impacts.
Water efficiencies in the home can be improved by detecting and fixing leaky faucets, installing high efficiency clothes washers and toilets and watering the lawn and garden with the minimum amount of water needed. Fixing a silent toilet leak may save as much as 500 gallons per day. Installing high efficiency plumbing fixtures and appliances can help a typical family of four reduce indoor water use by one-third, save about $95 per year on its water and sewer bill and cut energy use by as much as six percent. Watering the landscape with an automatic irrigation system may likely be the single largest use of water in the home and can be dramatically improved by using proper irrigation and scheduling techniques such as cycling the sprinklers. Using all of these techniques will also reduce impacts on rivers, lakes and streams.
Water efficiency continues to play an important role not only in protecting water sources and improving water quality, but also in reducing the amount of energy used to treat, pump and heat water - currently about eight percent of U.S. energy demand. Water heating accounts for 19 percent of home energy use. If 20 percent of U.S. homes used high efficiency clothes washers, national energy savings could be 285 billion BTUs per day - enough to supply the needs of over one million homes. Additional information can be found on the Water Saver home page at www.h2ouse.net - Learn what you can do to reduce water use in your home. Take a virtual tour of this Water Saver Home developed by the California Urban Water Conservation Council in partnership with EPA.
DEPARTMENT APPROVES CLEANUP PLANS FOR PETROLEUM-CONTAMINATED SOIL IN BOONE AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has approved a plan to clean up petroleum-contaminated soil at Market Basket Mini-Mart, 309 First St., Jonesburg, and at Stucky's Dairy Queen, 3054 State Road J, Columbia.
The plan for Market Basket Mini-Mart calls for the cleanup of approximately 500 cubic yards of petroleum-contaminated soil, which will be transported to Deborah Fullerton's property located in a rural area near Jonesburg. The plan for Stucky's calls for the cleanup of approximately 2,000 cubic yards of petroleum-contaminated soil, which will be transported to Jim Cook's property at 1295 Environmental Drive in Millersburg.
The soil will be applied 18 to 24 inches thick to a specific area designated as a treatment cell. Naturally occurring microbes in the soil consume the petroleum contaminants. Turning the soil regularly provides the necessary oxygen to the microbes and speeds up the contaminant consumption.
Permits have been obtained that contain design conditions to protect water resources. Some of these conditions include a liner covering the entire floor of the cell and a two-foot berm that surrounds the cell. The cell must be a located at least 250 feet from any surface water, 500 feet from any caves, sinkholes, private water supply wells, lakes or intakes on streams and 1,000 feet from any public drinking water supply wells, lakes or intakes on streams.
Citizens can obtain a copy of the general permit by writing to the Department of Natural Resources, Water Pollution Control Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0176.
For more information, call the department's Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-6822.
PRIMACY FEE LEGISLATION UNDER CONSIDERATION
Two bills to extend the drinking water primacy fee to Sept. 1, 2007 are under consideration in the state legislature this year. Senate Bill 984 was voted "do pass" out of the Senate Commerce and Environment Committee on Feb. 14. On the same day, House bill 1748, was referred to the House Environment and Energy Committee.
The primacy fee was established by the state legislature in 1992. The amount of the fee is based on water system size and ranges from 66 cents to $2 per water system customer per year. The primacy fee funds testing for drinking water contaminants, inspections, compliance activities, complaint investigations and technical assistance. Approximately 34 percent of the Public Drinking Water Program's funding is generated by the primacy fee. The fee will expire this year if it is not extended by law.
Funding provided by the primacy fee enables Missouri to perform functions required for maintaining delegation of the federal drinking water program. Without this fee, the Public Drinking Water Program would lack the funding to implement critical regulations necessary for protecting public health and maintaining primacy, and regulation of Missouri's public water systems would revert to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information, call the department's Public Drinking Water Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.
PRESIDENT BUSH TO COMMIT MORE THAN $20 MILLION FOR WATERSHED PROTECTION
President Bush will include $21 million in his 2003 budget for a new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiative to protect, preserve and restore waterways across the country. This effort was announced by EPA Administrator Christie Whitman during a visit to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
The Administrator announced as part of this community-based initiative, EPA will target up to 20 of this country's most highly-valued watersheds for grants. EPA will be working cooperatively with state governors, tribes and other interested parties on this initiative. This program will also support local communities in their efforts to expand and improve existing protection measures with tools, training and technical assistance.
"As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act this year, we have much to celebrate and many challenges left to face with regard to our nation's water resources," Whitman said. "I have heard a watershed defined as 'communities connected by water,' a good reminder that we all live downstream from someone. I am proud to say that the Bush Administration needs no reminding of that fact."
"President Bush understands the importance of watershed protection and he is taking action to make America's waterways cleaner and healthier for the families that enjoy them," Whitman continued. "In his 2003 budget, President Bush has included $21 million for a new EPA initiative to copy successful approaches and techniques to protect highly valued watershed resources throughout the country. With the President's commitment to watershed protection, I am confident that we can preserve and protect our precious waterways for future generations."
Whitman noted that the program "recognizes the important role that states and local communities have in helping to achieve our common goals, by giving them the power to do what works."
Water quality problems including habitat loss and alteration, nutrient enrichment, pathogens, and invasive species continue to harm watersheds nationwide. These problems prevent our resources from meeting water quality goals and deprive the public of economic, recreation, and drinking water opportunities. The problems are complex and require local assessment, involvement and commitment. This investment will capitalize on the lessons learned from existing community-based protection efforts. Information on the watershed program is available at www.epa.gov/owow/watershed.
PUBLIC DRINKING WATER PROGRAM HOLDS STAKEHOLDER MEETING ON PUBLIC NOTICE RULE
On Jan. 29, staff from the Department of Natural Resources' Public Drinking Water Program met with interested stakeholders to discuss possible changes to the public notice rule. This was the fifth in a series of meetings the program has held for the general public on this regulation. The public notice rule sets requirements for public water systems to notify their customers when the water system fails to meet drinking water standards or monitoring requirements. Requirements under consideration include public notice for acute maximum contaminant level violations within 24 hours; notice within 30 days for non-acute maximum contaminant level violations; and annual notice for monitoring violations. The program anticipates discussing the draft rule at the next Safe Drinking Water Commission Meeting scheduled for March 28.
For more information, call Patty Ritchie of the department's Public Drinking Water Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.
CHANGES PROPOSED TO DRINKING WATER RADIONUCLIDE RULE
Proposed changes to the drinking water radionuclide rule were published in the Feb. 15, 2002 Missouri Register. The proposed rule sets a maximum contaminant level and monitoring requirements for uranium in the drinking water for the first time and revises existing monitoring requirements for radium-226, radium-228, and gross alpha. The rule will require monitoring at each entry point, rather than at a representative point in the distribution system. A public hearing is scheduled for May 23, 2002 and the deadline for written comments is June 14, 2002.
In order to ensure that affected water systems are aware of the potential impact of these proposed changes to the rule well in advance of the effective date, the Department of Natural Resources contacted each system that may be adversely affected when the rule goes into effect.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allows states to phase in the new monitoring requirements, and expects that states will determine compliance upon completion of each system's initial monitoring schedule. EPA requires that systems with monitoring data showing levels above the maximum contaminant levels be deemed in noncompliance beginning Dec. 8, 2003 (three years after promulgation of the EPA rule).
For more information, call the department's Pubic Drinking Water Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.
LEAD AND COPPER
In December 2001, the Missouri Safe Drinking Water Commission approved revisions to the lead and copper rules that will benefit public water systems by streamlining, monitoring and reporting requirements. These rules will be published in the March 30, 2002 Code of State Regulations and will become effective April 30, 2002. In the early 1990s, the Department of Natural Resources' Public Drinking Water Program had already recognized the need for streamlined lead and copper monitoring and reporting requirements and negotiated flexibility with EPA to implement some of these simplifications.
For more information on these new requirements, call the department's Public Drinking Water Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.
REGIONAL OFFICE TO GET NEW OFFICE
Construction recently started on a new office for the Department of Natural Resources' Southeast Regional Office (SERO) at Poplar Bluff. The new office will be just off Highway 67 North, near K-Mart and the Drury Inn. The existing SERO office is crowded and staff have been needing additional office space for years. The new office is scheduled for completion around mid-year. It will provide much more space than the existing office and will include a garage to house SERO's emergency response vehicle. At present SERO has a staff of 35 and the southeast region covers 24 counties in southeast Missouri.
For more information, call the department's Southeast Regional Office at 573-840-9750.
EPA, 13 FACILITIES TALK ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT THAT GOES BEYOND COMPLIANCE
Companies with facilities in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska and one federal department met recently with officials of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to talk about how they can achieve environmental improvement beyond compliance.
The 13 Midwest facilities are involved in EPA's National Environmental Performance Track Program, which recognizes and encourages top environmental performers who go beyond compliance with regulatory requirements. The group met at EPA Region 7 headquarters in Kansas City, Kan., where Regional Administrator Jim Gulliford said, "These facilities have passed a thorough review, and we consider them to be among the best of environmental performers in Region 7.
"We believe these facilities demonstrate effective environmental management systems as well as successful completion of pollution prevention projects and long-term commitment to compliance. These facilities are committed to going beyond compliance objectives, and we're here to help them."
Performance Track's goals are to achieve measurable improvements in performance; build voluntary partnerships with EPA and the states that get results; and encourage better use of environmental management systems as a path to continuous improvement. The group agreed at the Jan. 16 meeting to hold future meetings, establish an Internet Listserv to communicate regularly and establish open periods when other members can join.
Program participants within Missouri include Kerr McGee Chemical of Springfield, the U.S. Department of Energy's Kansas City Plant, and Spicer of Cape Girardeau. Participants within Iowa include ConAgra Frozen Foods of Council Bluffs, the Monsanto Co. plant in Muscatine, Rockwell Collins operations in Decorah, Bellevue, Coralville and Manchester, Firestone Agricultural Tire Co. of Des Moines, and Celestica, of Mount Pleasant. Nebraska participants include ConAgra Beef Company of Grand Island, and Thurston Manufacturing Co. in Thurston.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SAFE DRINKING WATER COMMISSION TO MEET MARCH 28
The Missouri Safe Drinking Water Commission will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., March 28, at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Conference Center, 1738, E. Elm St., Jefferson City. At this meeting, the commission will vote on the Intended Use Plan.
For more information, call the department's Public Drinking Water Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.
MISSOURI AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION HOSTS PUBLIC HEARING MARCH 28
The Missouri Air Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on rule actions at 9 a.m., March 28, at the Drury Inn and Suites, Ballroom, 11980 Olive St., Creve Coeur.
The commission will hear testimony related to the Missouri State Implementation Plan-Inspection and Maintenance Plan. Federal rulemaking requires states to submit plan revisions for implementing on-board diagnostic testing in vehicle inspection and maintenance programs. The department has proposed to phase in on-board diagnostic testing starting Jan. 1, 2003, with final implementation on Jan. 1, 2005.
The commission will also hear testimony related to the Submission of Emission Data, Emission Fees and Process Information. This proposed amendment will establish emission fees for Missouri facilities. The air emission fee will increase from $25.70 per ton of regulated air pollutant emitted to $31 per ton of regulated air pollutant emitted for calendar year 2002.
The above documents will be available for review at the following Missouri Department of Natural Resources locations:
- Air Pollution Control Program, 205 Jefferson St., Jefferson City, 573-751-4817;
- Jefferson City Regional Office, 210 Hoover Road, Jefferson City, 573-751-2729;
- Kansas City Regional Office, 500 NE Colbern Road, Lee's Summit, 816-622-7000;
- Northeast Regional Office, 1709 Prospect Drive, Macon, 660-385-2129;
- Southeast Regional Office, 948 Lester Street, Poplar Bluff, 573-840-9750;
- St. Louis Regional Office, 9200 Watson Road, St. Louis, 314-301-7600;
- Southwest Regional Office, 2040 W. Woodland, Springfield, 417-891-4300.
People requiring special services or wishing to speak at the meeting can make arrangements by calling 800-361-4827 or 573-751-7840 or by writing two weeks in advance of the meeting to Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Air Conservation Commission Secretary, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Hearing impaired persons may contact the program through Relay Missouri, (800) 735-2966.
The department requests people intending to give verbal presentations also provide a written copy of their testimony to the commission secretary at the time of the public hearing. The department also will accept written comments for the record until 5 p.m. on April 4, 2002. Please send two copies of written comments to Chief, Planning Section, Department of Natural Resources, Air Pollution Control Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or by faxing to 573-751-2706.
Rule proposals considered at this hearing may be adopted by the Missouri Air Conservation Commission as provided for under authority of 643.050, RSMo.
For more information or a complete meeting agenda, including rules being presented for adoption, contact the department's Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION TO MEET APRIL 2
The Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., April 2 at the Holiday Inn Southwest, 10709 Watson Road, St. Louis. Items on the agenda include the election of Chairman and Vice Chairman, a legislative and budget update, and a discussion of the West Star Environmental Inc. appeal.
For more information, call the department's Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176.
WATER QUALITY SHORT COURSE OFFERED AT UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
A Water Quality Short Course will be held from 8-5 April 16-17, and 8-2:50 on April 18, at the Richard Adams Conference Center, Room E125, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia. University Outreach and Extension, UMC, is coordinating this training on behalf of several natural resource partners in the state. A nominal registration fee will be charged to cover daily parking fees, and the cost of course materials and supplies. The training builds on the "Introduction to Water Quality" self-paced course offered through the NRCS National Employee Development Center.
For more information, or to register, contact Chris Bromley at the University Outreach and Extension at 573-882-0085 or by e-mail at Bromley@missouri.edu.
MISSOURI AWWA TO HOLD CONFERENCE AT LAKE
The Missouri section of the American Water Works Association will be holding an annual conference April 2-5 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons, Horseshoe Bend Parkway, Lake Ozark. Registration costs range from $45 to $65.
For more information, call Gailla Rogers of Missouri AWWA at 816-668-8561.
WATER SYSTEM SECURITY TRAINING OFFERED
The Department of Natural Resources' Public Drinking Water Program is offering several training opportunities throughout the state on Counterterrorism and Security in the Water Industry all community water systems and water system trainers. The first training is scheduled for March 5, 2002 and there is no cost to attend. The American Water Works Association and its instructors, under grant contract with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, developed and are providing the training to Missouri's water systems. Future training opportunities will be offered to water systems between April and July 2002 and possibly continue throughout the rest of the year.
For more information, call Deana Cash of the department's Public Drinking Water Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.
DEPARTMENT WORKSHOPS HELP ENFORCE ILLEGAL DUMPING REGULATIONS
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will host five free workshops throughout the state to help local governments address illegal dumping problems. The purpose of the workshops is to help local law enforcement authorities establish and operate environmental enforcement programs.
To conduct the workshops, the department has retained the services of Reed, Stowe and Yanke, LLC., an environmental and economic consulting firm. Reed, Stowe and Yanke previously developed a manual for the department titled, How to Establish and Operate an Environmental Enforcement Program, which will be used during the workshops.
Through this project, the department expects to provide local governments with a user-friendly resource guide that will help local law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges develop effective programs to combat illegal dumping in their communities. The manual includes successful case studies from Missouri and other programs across the country.
Workshop 2002 will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the following locations
- Columbia: March 25 and 26, at the Department of Conservation Research Office
- Osage Beach: March 27 and 28, at the Osage Beach City Hall
- St. Joseph: April 15 and 16, at the Department of Conservation Office
- Nevada: April 17 and 18, at the Community Center
- West Plains: May 6 and 7, location to be determined
To request further information about the workshops, contact Richard Swartz of the department's Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.
EPA TO CONDUCT WORKSHOPS ON TOXIC RELEASE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 7 will conduct four Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) workshops during April-May 2002. Reservations are necessary to assure space at the workshops, held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at each location. Walk-ins are acceptable on a space available basis only.
These workshops, conducted annually, are intended to assist facilities in preparing annual reports on toxic releases and other waste management activities as required by environmental laws. These reports must be submitted to EPA and designated state officials on or before July 1, 2002.
Dates and locations of the workshops are
- April 17, 2002, Wednesday,Holiday Inn, 1616 West Crawford, Salina, Kansas
- April 18, 2002, Thursday, Holiday Inn, 3321 South 72nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska
- April 30, 2002, Tuesday, DoubleTree Hotel, 16625 Swingley Ridge Road, Chesterfield, Missouri
- May 1, 2002, Wednesday, Sheraton Four Points Hotel, 525 33rd Avenue, SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
EPA, Region 7 is also sponsoring a two-day EPCRA/TRI training session on May 14-15, 2002 to be held at the Adam's Mark Hotel, 9103 East 39th Street, Kansas City, Mo.
The workshops are targeted to manufacturing facilities in the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes 2000-3999 that meet all the following criteria under Section 313 of EPCRA:
- Ten employees or the equivalent of 20,000 employee hours, and
- Exceed the reporting thresholds of 10,000 pounds per year for listed toxic chemicals otherwise used by the facility, or exceed 25,000 pounds per year for toxic chemicals processed or manufactured by the facility.
Reporting requirements have been expanded to include the following industry sectors or SIC codes: Electric Services (4911, 4931, and 4939); Refuse Systems/Hazardous Waste Treatment (4953); Chemical and Allied Products (5169); Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals (5171); Business Services/Solvent Recovery (7389); Metal Mining (10 except 1011,1081, and 1094) ; and Coal Mining (12, except 1241).
To pre-register or receive more information call (913) 551-7680, (866) 844-4460, or www.mckinzieconstruction.com Reservations are necessary to assure space at the workshops.
If you have questions about the TRI workshops, call Steve Wurtz, EPA, Region 7 at (913) 551-7315.
RULE UPDATE
For more information, contact the Department of Natural Resources' Air and Land Protection Division at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-6892.
Air Pollution Control |
Submission of Emission Data, Emission Fees and Process Information |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-06.110 - This rule establishes emission fees for Missouri facilities as required annually by state statute. | |
| Public comment ends:
April 4, 2002 |
Public hearing: March 28, 2002 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact:
573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
New Source Performance Regulations |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-06.070 - Adopts by reference new 40 CFR Part 60 subparts finalized between Jan. 1, 2000 and Dec. 31, 2000. Additionally, this amendment updates previously adopted subparts. | |
| Public comment ends:
May 2, 2002 |
Public hearing: April 25, 2002 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact:
573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Maximum Achievable Control Technology Regulations |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-06.075 - Adopts by reference new 40 CFR Part 63 subparts finalized between Jan. 1, 2000 and Dec. 31, 2000. Additionally, this amendment updates previously adopted subparts. | |
| Public comment ends:
May 2, 2002 |
Public hearing: April 25, 2002 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact:
573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-06.080 - Adopts by reference new 40 CFR Part 61 subparts finalized between Jan. 1, 2000 and Dec. 31, 2000. Additionally, this amendment updates previously adopted subparts. | |
| Public comment ends:
May 2, 2002 |
Public hearing: April 25, 2002 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact:
573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Emission of Visible Air Contaminants From Internal Combustion Engines |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-02.080 - Removes an obsolete rule | |
| Public comment ends:
May 30, 2002 |
Public hearing: June 6, 2002 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact:
573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Emission of Visible Air Contaminants From Internal Combustion Engines |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-05.180 - Removes an obsolete rule | |
| Public comment ends:
May 30, 2002 |
Public hearing: June 6, 2002 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact:
573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Emission of Visible Air Contaminants |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-006.220 - Removes references to obsolete rules | |
| Public comment ends:
May 30, 2002 |
Public hearing: June 6, 2002 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact:
573-751-4817 |
Public Drinking Water |
Maximum Turbidity Contaminant Levels and Monitoring Requirements and Filter Back |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 060-04.050 - This amendment adopts the EPA Filter Backwash Recycling Rule. | |
| Public comment ends:
June 14, 2002 |
Public hearing: May 23, 2002 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact:
573-751-5331 |
Public Drinking Water |
Maximum Radionuclide Contaminant Levels and Monitoring Requirements |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 060-04.060 - This rule is being rescinded and readopted in order to adopt new EPA requirements. | |
| Public comment ends:
June 14, 2002 |
Public hearing: May 23, 2002 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact:
573-751-5331 |
Public Drinking Water |
Maximum Radionuclide Contaminant Levels and Monitoring |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 060-04.060 - This rule is being rescinded and readopted in order to adopt new EPA monitoring requirements and uranium maximum contaminant levels. | |
| Public comment ends:
June 14, 2002 |
Public hearing: May 23, 2002 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact:
573-751-5331 |
Water Pollution Control |
Comprehensive Risk-Based Groundwater Remediation Rule |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 020-07.040 - The purpose of this rule is to codify the allowances and limitations for risk-based groundwater cleanup projects, as authorized in section644.143. | |
| Public comment ends:
April 2, 2002 |
Public hearing: March 19, 2002 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact:
573-751-6721 |
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Public service announcements may be downloaded for use by any newspaper, magazine, newsletter, radio stations, etc. The department will continue to add new announcements to the Web each month. If you would like to receive new announcements by e-mail as they are made available, please contact kathy.deters@dnr.mo.gov and provide your publication name and e-mail address.
REGIONAL OFFICE MAP
Department of Natural Resources' Regional Offices provide field inspections, complaint investigation and front-line troubleshooting, problem solving and technical assistance on environmental and emergencies for the following programs:
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INTERNET ADDRESSES
Missouri Department of Natural Resources at www.dnr.mo.gov
Division of Environmental Quality at www.dnr.mo.gov/env
Air Pollution Control Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp
Division of Geology and Land Survey at www.dnr.mo.gov/geology/
Energy Center at www.dnr.mo.gov/energy
Environmental Services Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/esp
Gateway Clean Air Program at www.gatewaycleanair.com
Hazardous Waste Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp
Historic Preservation at www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/index.html
Land Reclamation Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/lrp
Soil and Water Conservation Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swcp
Solid Waste Management Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp
State Parks, Division of at www.mostateparks.com
Water Protection Program - Drinking Water Branch at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp
Water Protection Program - Water Pollution Branch at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp
SUBSCRIBE ON THE WEB TO READ PROTECTING MISSOURI'S NATURAL RESOURCES NEWSLETTER ONLINE
Sign up now to receive a monthly e-mail reminder and link to the online version of Protecting Missouri’s Natural Resources newsletter. A subscription form is now available on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/pmnr/subscribe_pmnr.htm. People who subscribe will receive an e-mail containing a link to the latest issue of the newsletter.
If you subscribe to receive the online newsletter, please let us know to cancel your current hard copy subscription to save printing and mailing costs associated with the newsletter.
Contact us at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-6892 or send an e-mail to cancel your hard copy subscription to elisha.bonnot@dnr.mo.gov.
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