|
Environmental St. Louis Area Air and Land Water Protection |
Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources is a monthly newsletter that informs readers about environmental issues.
FEBRUARY 2003
DEPARTMENT OFFERS HELP TO PROPERTY OWNERS TO CLEAN UP SMALL WASTE TIRE SITES
This spring, when you hear the first buzzing mosquito, remember there is a good chance it was born in a waste tire. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources estimates more than 3 million illegal waste tires are scattered across the state, and 250,000 additional tires are dumped illegally every year as breeding grounds for harmful pests and insects and posing a fire hazard to those living nearby. The department is offering assistance to property owners in cleaning up and recycling these tires. Missouri citizens also can help by reporting illegal waste tire dumps.
Owners who are not responsible for the creation of the illegal waste tire site on their property may not be required to pay for the cleanup costs. The following criteria must be met before property owners can be eligible for the program:
Property owners must notify the department before April 30.
The waste tire dumps must contain more than 500 passenger tire equivalents and less than 20,000 passenger tire equivalents. A passenger tire is 16 inches or less in bead diameter. Large truck tires, like those on semi tractors and trailers, count as five passenger tire equivalents.
Companies that generate waste tires in the normal course of business activities are eligible for this program. However, they may be required to pay an additional monetary penalty. The owners responsible for the illegal waste tires must pay approximately 20 cents per passenger tire equivalent for the cleanup. This cost is only about 10 percent of the current costs for removal.
Illegal waste tire dumps pose serious environmental and health threats. Insects that grow and breed in these dumps can transmit several human diseases including the West Nile Virus. Should a tire dump catch on fire numerous health hazards are created, including hazardous substances that can be released into the air, soil and potentially into water sources.
The cleanup is funded by the state's 50-cent-per-tire waste tire fee that is paid when new tires are purchased. The waste tire fee is set to expire Jan. 1, 2004, unless it is renewed. The department is seeking an extension to this fee bill.
For more information on this program, call Dan Fester or Byron Murray of the department's Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-7635.
WASTE TIRE ADVISORY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS WEST NILE VIRUS ISSUE
The Missouri Waste Tire Advisory Council met at 10 a.m., Feb. 27 at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Conference Center at 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City to discuss the West Nile Virus.
The council assists the department's Solid Waste Management Program in planning a strategy for statewide cleanups of illegal waste tire dumps and related waste tire issues. Waste tires and other outdoor trash is known to provide breeding sites for mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus and other diseases.
Beth Marsala, chief of the program's Enforcement Section, provided an update on the ongoing effort to encourage the clean up of illegal waste tire dumps holding between 500 and 20,000 waste tires. Reports were made on bids awarded for proposed site clean ups, progress of a new initiative to involve non-profit groups in cleaning up waste tires in St. Louis and an update on proposed legislation affecting waste tire management.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401 or visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO HELP BUTTERFIELD PROTECT AREA GROUNDWATER
With help from a grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the village of Butterfield soon will be able to eliminate 180 septic tanks.
Using a $252,000 grant, Butterfield will install approximately 24,000 linear feet of collection sewers and a re-circulating sand filter treatment system. This will eliminate 180 septic tanks in the upper reaches of the Pogue Creek and the Gunter Creek drainage basins. Construction of the facility will eliminate the potential for groundwater contamination.
Funding for the grant comes from a bond issue approved by Missouri voters in 1998 for improvements to storm water, wastewater treatment and public drinking water systems. The grant represents up to half the total cost of the project.
"Partnerships like these between the Department of Natural Resources and local communities enable us to protect and improve our environment, while also encouraging economic development," said Stephen Mahfood, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "We're pleased to be part of an effort that helps these communities grow."
The grant is administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Water Pollution Control Program. For more information, contact Ann Crawford, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Pollution Control Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or call 573-751-1302.
DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently announced a new voluntary program designed to benefit businesses, organizations, communities and Missouri's natural resources. The Missouri Environmental Management Partnership has been developed to encourage businesses, local governments, state agencies, educational institutions and other organizations to improve their environmental performance by developing and implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS).
"Organizations that have implemented an EMS have a broader, more accurate view of the effects they have on the environment," said Stephen Mahfood, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. These organizations will benefit from greater environmental awareness, improved cost control, well-defined internal procedures and responsibilities that lead to increased corporate morale, better communication and improved public and community relations.
"Organizations with an EMS move beyond traditional environmental compliance and proactively seek the root causes of problems to prevent future recurrence, reducing their environmental liability and moving their operations toward sustainability," Mahfood said.
Entry into the program is voluntary, and an organization may withdraw at any time. Applicants have a variety of participation options to fit their specific needs. Generally recognized EMS criteria will be required of all applicants to include regulatory compliance and broader environmental goals. Applicants will commit to continual improvement through performance-based objectives and targets, periodic reviews and evaluation of their environmental performances.
The department recognizes the commitment, resources and vision needed to successfully implement and maintain an EMS. To encourage participation, the partnership offers a range of possible incentives to its members, according to their level of participation in the program. Benefits include various forms of recognition or acknowledgement, a single point of contact within the department, permitting incentives, and enforcement considerations. As part of the application for membership, organizations are asked to identify or to propose particular incentives in which they have a special interest.
The department is seeking commentary about the program and plans to make modifications to incorporate suggestions received before actively promoting applications for membership. Department staff can provide more detailed information and training about EMS and the requirements for participation in the Missouri Environmental Management Partnership.
For more information, contact the department's Environmental Assistance Office at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-6627.
NEWTON COUNTY MINE TAILINGS SITE PUBLIC MEETING
A public meeting, hosted by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, was held Jan. 15 in Granby, Missouri, to gather input from the community regarding the possibility of placing the Newton County Mine Tailings site on the National Priorities List (NPL). Sites listed on the NPL are eligible for long-term cleanup actions under Superfund. This means if a responsible party is not found, the site can still be addressed using Superfund money. If a site is not on the NPL and no responsible party is found, the site might not be fully investigated and cleaned up.
The Newton County Mine Tailings site is in the extreme southwest corner of Missouri. The site is part of the Tri-State Mining District that covers approximately 2,500 square miles in northeast Oklahoma, southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri. The Tri-State District was one of the major lead-zinc mining areas in the world. Lead and zinc were continuously mined from 1850 until 1970. Most of the Missouri mining was done underground.
Mining, milling and smelting wastes were usually left on the ground surface. These wastes include chat, tailings and smelter slag. Additionally, ore smelting was done in Granby from the early 1850s through the 1920s. Several small smelters were also located along Shoal Creek in the northwest portion of the county. The mine wastes and smelter activities have contributed to soil and water contamination throughout parts of Newton County. Groundwater contamination has impacted about 350 private wells in the county. Placing the site on the NPL will make it possible to use federal funds on a permanent water system to supply impacted residents.
For more information about this site or if you have questions or comments about placing this site on the NPL, please contact Dave Mosby of the department's Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-8629.
EER INCIDENT IN PINEVILLE, MISSOURI
On Dec. 28, 2002, the Department of Natural Resources' 24-hour emergency response telephone line received a report of a release of gasoline from an above ground storage tank in Pineville, located in McDonald County. Gasoline had been released to the secondary containment structure from the storage tank.
An investigation showed the fuel escaped the containment structure as well. Approximately 1,200 to 1,300 gallons of gasoline are believed to have been lost from the tank. The department's Environmental Emergency Response staff located at the Southwest Regional Office, responded to the site, as well as a representative of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture regulates above ground storage tanks. Approximately 400 gallons of fuel were unaccounted for with 800 to 900 gallons of gasoline recovered from the secondary containment area. Department staff traced the extent of the subsurface soil contamination. Most of the fuel is confined to soils near the point of release; a fortunate circumstance since the Elk River, a popular tourist attraction, is only 200 yards from the source of the release. Backhoes and trackhoes have been used to excavate over 500 tons of soil from this site so far. EER will continue to provide oversight until cleanup is complete.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Services Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-3315.
EPA EXTENDS 401 CERTIFICATION
In a surprise move in mid-January, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offered to cover the costs of Missouri's 401 Certification program until June 30, 2003. EPA officials stressed it was a one-time commitment of funds. The department notified federal officials Jan. 2 that budget cuts would force the department to eliminate its 401 program immediately.
A complicated and sometimes controversial program, 401 Certification allows states to take an active role in projects that directly affect water quality. Many environmental groups, federal officials and state lawmakers questioned and criticized the department's plan to give up control of the program to EPA.
Only four percent of the department's $330 million budget comes from the state's general revenue. The department cut $1.3 million in fiscal year 2003 general revenue funding to help make up for the budget shortfall. Eliminating the 401 Certification Program was expected to save an additional $100,000. At this time, it's unclear whether the department will be able to pick up where EPA money leaves off and fund the program next fiscal year.
For more information, call Candy Schilling of the Department of Natural Resources' Water Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
MISSOURI STAYS AHEAD OF NEW CAFO RULES
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency recently released a revised rule that governs the permitting and operations of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). The department's Water Pollution Control Program is making a preliminary evaluation of the final rule. However, at this time, it appears current Missouri regulations already meet or exceed the federal rule. This means that most producers in the state are already substantially in compliance. The total impact of the rule will not be known for some time.
The department will convene a workgroup that includes livestock producers, representatives from the Commercial Agriculture Program and the Department of Agriculture to assess the new rule. The evaluation is expected to take several months before the group is ready to present recommendations to the Missouri Clean Water Commission. The department does not anticipate bringing any changes to the legislature until 2004.
Approximately six swine nursery operations will be required to have permits under the new rules. Other changes include limits on phosphorous and nitrogen; stricter storage requirements for lagoons at new swine, poultry and veal operations; statutory changes to reflect new terminology; record-keeping requirements; and establishing buffer zones near streams, wellheads, sinkholes and drainage tiles.
The new rule gives states greater flexibility to develop permits that take into account the size, location and environmental risks that may be posed by an operation. States will also be able to tailor nutrient management plans for CAFOs, authorize performance standards and encourage the use of innovative technologies.
For more information, call Candy Schilling of the Department of Natural Resources' Water Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
WATER QUALITY SUMMIT SCHEDULED FOR SPRING
Four premier watershed groups in southwest Missouri will be meeting to plan a comprehensive watershed strategy for southwest Missouri. The Lakes Area Water Quality Summit is scheduled for March 19-20 at Drury University in Springfield.
Leaders and representatives from agriculture, homebuilders, manufacturers, tourism, recreation, students, local governments, utilities, the media and environmental groups will attend the event. Participants will discuss the increased impacts of pollution and explore potential solutions. A final report of summit findings, including proposed changes in public policy, will be forwarded to municipal, county, state, and federal representatives.
The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, James River Basin Partnership, Table Rock Lake Water Quality Inc., and the Upper White River Basin Foundation are hosting the summit.
For more information, contact Loring Bullard of the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks at 417-866-1127.
DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF DRINKING WATER STRATEGY REPORT
The 2002 report on Missouri's Capacity Development Strategy for public drinking water systems is now available from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The report details how Missouri will apply its strategy for improving the technical, managerial and financial capacity of our public water systems.
The 1996 Amendments to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act require the Department of Natural Resources to submit a Capacity Development Strategy Report to the governor every three years to receive the full amount of funding allowable for the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The report was submitted to Gov. Holden on Sept. 30.
Some of the recommendations outlined in the strategy include improving water system knowledge of rules and regulations and improving communication, education, resource sharing and planning.
For more information or to obtain a copy of the report, call Deana Cash of the Department of Natural Resources' Public Drinking Water Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331 or e-mail deana.cash@dnr.mo.gov. A copy of the report is also available on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/pub/CDstrategy.htm.
SOLID WASTE TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION COURSES OFFERED IN MARCH, AUGUST
The department's Solid Waste Management Program will offer its Solid Waste Technician Course March 11-13 and Aug. 19-21 at the department's Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City. A spring re-certification course is also being offered. The basic course is recommended for people working in the solid waste field including consultants, interested state employees and those working at solid waste disposal areas and processing facilities. The certification is valid for three years.
A $30 fee covers the cost of preparing a manual provided to the attendees. The course will cover such topics as the solid waste law, the history of solid waste management in Missouri, types of waste, alternatives to landfilling - such as recycling and reuse, interpreting and using engineering plans, landfill design, and operation - including safety procedures, and site closure and post-closure responsibilities. Details and dates for the spring re-certification and certification renewal opportunities will be announced as soon as information becomes available.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.
PCB CONTAMINATION AT THE BANNISTER FEDERAL COMPLEX
The Department of Natural Resources is currently reviewing the list of alternatives for cleaning up Polychlorinated Biphyenyls (PCB) contamination at the Department of Energy (DOE) Kansas City Plant (KCP), part of the Bannister Federal Complex, located 13 miles south of downtown Kansas City.
Industries used PCBs in many products worldwide because of its excellent properties as an insulator, coolant and lubricant, and because it is fire retardant. PCBs are commonly found in transformers, capacitors, florescent lighting fixtures, televisions, computers, microscope oil, hydraulic oil, caulking compounds and elastic sealant made from 1966 to 1975.
Because of the health effects associated with exposure, commercial production of PCBs ended in 1977. In 1979, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned all use of PCBs; however, PCB removal or replacement is not required for equipment that already contained these chemicals. Because these contaminants were used so widely and take along time to break down, it can be found nearly anywhere.
Numerous minor spills occurred during the years that PCBs were used throughout different areas of the Kansas City Plant, in addition to major spills that occurred in 1969 and 1971. Before 2000, no PCBs were detected in the southwest portion of the site, but PCBs were recently detected in the surface water. The type of PCB detected is normally associated with electric transformer oil.
The Kansas City Plant had an operating permit through the department, which limits PCBs discharge to one part-per-billion (ppb) to surface water. In November 2002, the permit limit was lowered to 0.5 ppb. Calculations show that the relatively small volume of outflow from the plant will not exceed the state's water quality standard after mixing with water in Indian Creek and the Blue River.
In a coordinated effort with DOE, the department recently sampled the surface water and sediment on Indian Creek to gather additional information on PCB levels and the location of contamination. EPA will review the data to determine if the risk to the public has increased. A public meeting will be held to inform the community of the department's findings after sampling is completed and the data has been evaluated. With input from the community, the department will make the final decision regarding actions to be taken to protect the public.
Because of existence of residual PCBs in various products such as roof shingles, caulking compounds and sealant, it will be unlikely to completely eliminate PCBs in stormwater discharge for many years.
Contact Scott Honig or Raymond Franson in the department's Hazardous Waste Program at 816-997-5790 for more information.
CHRONIC FAILURE TO MONITOR A CONCERN AT SOME WATER SYSTEMS
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has released a list of drinking water systems that have chronically failed to do required bacteriological testing. The department requires all public water systems to test for bacteria at least once a month to verify that these systems are providing safe drinking water to the public. While failing to monitor does not necessarily mean that the water is unsafe, routine testing is a crucial part of maintaining a safe water supply.
The systems included on this list have at least three major monitoring violations in a 12-month period. Months these systems failed to collect at least one routine sample are given for the interval from November 2001 to December 2002; other monitoring violations may have occurred previously. Recent bacteriological results and any maximum contaminant level (MCL) violations in the system's history since 1992 are listed under the specific system.
Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Stephen Mahfood expressed his concern and commitment to correcting the problem. "Because water that is contaminated with bacteria can cause disease, it's crucial that systems routinely test their drinking water to ensure the safety of all Missourians."
Bacteriological testing often is the first step in identifying and correcting a problem. The next step is to investigate the cause of any bad samples and perform corrective action, such as disinfecting and flushing the system. If a public water system has both a record of failure to monitor and a history of MCL violations, this may raise concerns about the unknown quality of the drinking water. Failing to monitor can result in ongoing bacteriological problems. Often, informing the public of the system's chronic failure to monitor will prompt a system to routinely submit samples.
The vast majority of community and non-community public water systems in Missouri comply with all monitoring requirements and meet all drinking water standards. Chronic violators are the exception rather than the rule, as this current list of 33 systems represents only 1.2 percent of the approximately 2,800 public drinking water systems in Missouri.
These systems' owners have been sent multiple violation notices in addition to certified letters informing them that chronic failure to monitor is unacceptable. Representatives of the Department of Natural Resources also routinely make on-site inspections and attempt to reach an agreement with the responsible parties to ensure sampling requirements will be met. If these parties continue to fail to comply with Missouri's drinking water law, more stringent enforcement action is pursued through legal channels.
The type of bacteria monitored is called total coliform bacteria. Although these are common in the environment and generally not harmful by themselves, they do indicate the water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause disease. Disease symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, possible jaundice and associated headaches and fatigue. The presence of these bacteria can result from a number of problems including an improperly constructed or deteriorating well, inadequate water treatment, or contamination in the distribution system, including water towers and the mains that distribute the water.
If a sample tests positive for total coliform bacteria, further testing is then performed for fecal coliform or E. coli, bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness. Most samples that test positive for total coliform test negative for fecal coliform or E. coli. The total coliform positive samples that are listed tested negative for fecal coliform or E. coli unless specifically stated otherwise.
Counties with systems listed are presented in alphabetical order. Systems are given in alphabetical order within each county. Unless otherwise noted, these establishments are open year-round. The cities and counties are given as location references only. Counties with several systems listed have a large number of public water systems, most of which are in compliance with drinking water regulations.
|
|
 Morgan
County |
||
|
|
54 Diner |
|
Pioneer Steakhouse and Saloon |
|
|
Captain D's |
Ozark
County |
|
|
|
The Climax One Stop |
|
Top Kat Restaurant |
|
|
The End Zone |
Pettis
County |
|
|
|
Jessie's Place |
|
Meadowlark Acres Mobile Home |
|
|
Moonies' Resort |
|
|
|
|
Poverty Flats Village |
|
Whitson Scenic View Mobile Home Park |
|
|
Shooter's Restaurant and Marina |
|
|
|
|
|
Cherokee Lakes Camp | |
|
|
Little Rascals Daycare |
|
King Arthur's Court |
|
|
|
||
|
|
City of Blackwater |
|
Farmington Amvets Post |
|
|
|
Vikings USA Bootheel | |
|
|
Junction Store and Cafe' |
|
|
|
|
|
Concord Village Youth Complex | |
|
|
Native Experience |
|
Wildhorse Creek Amoco |
|
|
|
Wildwood Auto Village | |
|
Laird's Country Store | Stone
County |
|
| Johnson
County |
|
Bearded Clam Restaurant | |
|
Forrest Trails Estates | |
Pizza Chef South |
| Laclede
County |
|
Wagner's One Stop | |
|
Elson DBA Midway Restaurant | Taney
County |
|
| Lincoln
County |
|
Table Rock Lake Resort | |
|
Cedar Ridge Estates | Washington
County |
|
|
|
Skyway Farm |
|
L and M Mobile Home Park |
| Miller
County |
|||
|
|
Osage Ridge Apartments | ||
For more information, contact the department's Public Drinking Water Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.
DEPARTMENT'S MOHAMAD ALHALABI - 2002 OUTSTANDING ENGINEER
The St. Louis chapter of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers has announced the recipient of the 2002 Outstanding Engineer in Government is Mohamad Alhalabi of the Department of Natural Resources. Alhalabi is a registered professional engineer in the states of Missouri and Illinois and has been working with the department since 1999. He began serving the department as the director of the St. Louis Regional Office in September 2000 and is presently managing an office of more than 70 state employees, including engineers, environmental specialists and administrative support staff. Responsibilities include engineering plans and design review of wastewater collection and treatment systems, public drinking water operator training and licensing, air regulations, storm water, process waste water, solid waste, hazardous waste and other environmentally related activities within St. Louis, Jefferson, Franklin, St. Charles, Warren and Lincoln counties.
Alhalabi is a member of the American society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. He is a graduate of the University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Alhalabi will accept the award at the St. Louis chapter's annual awards banquet at the Casa Loma Ballroom.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' St. Louis Regional Office at 314-416-2970.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ST. CHARLES COUNTY WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE NEW RECYCLING SPOT
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources helped make recycling a little easier for residents in St. Charles County.
The department recently awarded a $57,600 grant to the Division of Environmental Services in St. Charles County to help support the county's recycling services. This grant will be used to establish a second drop-off facility and will help improve the efficiency of county operations.
This additional facility will be located in a highly populated area in the county. It also will be near a major commuter route, which officials hope will make it a convenient drop-off spot for individuals in St. Charles County to recycle their waste. The facility will specialize in wastes that usually pose special handling and market challenges, including scrap white goods and appliances, consumer electronics scrap items, co-mingled paper fiber waste and household hazardous wastes.
This grant is funded by the Solid Waste Management Fund, which is made up of fees collected in conjunction with tipping fees for each ton of waste disposed of in Missouri landfills, as well as fees collected from transfer stations that transfer waste out of state. The Missouri Department of Natural Resource's Solid Waste Management Program administers the fund.
For more information, call Rachel L. Griffin in the department's Solid Waste Management Program at 573-751-5401 or 800-361-4827.
DEPARTMENT RECEIVES APPLICATION FOR INFECTIOUS WASTE TRANSFER STATION IN GREENE COUNTY
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has received an application from Stericycle and Mid America Parts to construct the Stericycle, Inc. Infectious Waste Transfer station in Greene County.
The proposed transfer station will be used to receive infectious waste and transfer it from collection trucks to larger vehicles that would transfer the waste to a permitted treatment facility. The proposed site is located at West Olive Street, Springfield.
The Department of Natural Resources reviews all applications submitted by cities, counties and private owners to ensure that solid waste transfer stations are properly designed and constructed. Other technical factors that protect Missouri's environment also are examined.
A copy of the permit application package has been placed in the Midtown Carnegie Branch of the Springfield Greene County Library, 397 East Central Street, Springfield for public review.
Questions and comments regarding the proposed transfer station or the department's role in regulating solid waste transfer stations may be sent to the Department of Natural Resources, Solid Waste Management Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or for further information call 573-751-5401.
APPLICATION APPROVED FOR TRANSFER STATION IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has approved an application from F.W. Disposal, LLC and issued a construction permit for the F.W. Disposal, LLC Transfer Station in St. Louis County. The site is located at 200 S. Elam Avenue, Valley Park.
The transfer station will be used to receive non-hazardous municipal waste, household waste, commercial, agricultural, governmental and industrial waste and transfer it from collection trucks to larger carriers that will transfer the waste to a permitted solid waste disposal facility. The facility also will accept source separated recyclable materials.
Questions and comments regarding this transfer station or the department's role in regulating solid waste transfer stations may be sent to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Solid Waste Management Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or call Steven Wyatt at 573-751-5401.
STATE LOANS LITTLE BLUE VALLEY SEWER DISTRICT ALMOST $89 MILLION FOR WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
Missouri Gov. Bob Holden announced today that the State of Missouri has provided a loan of $88.915 million to the Little Blue Valley Sewer District for wastewater system improvements. Funding for the loan comes from the State Revolving Fund.
The interest rate on the loan is 1.9 percent, which is substantially lower than current market conditions. "This loan will save the district about $37 million and allows environmental improvements to be made at an affordable level," said Gov. Holden. "The improvements will help protect the environment and our citizens, even as it creates jobs and boosts the local economy."
The State Revolving Fund is a joint effort between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide cost-effective financing for wastewater treatment and collection.
The district will use the proceeds to pay off a $6 million interim loan for the planning and design for wastewater treatment plant and conveyance system improvements. It also will provide funding to finance additions and modifications at the Atherton wastewater treatment plant and to rehabilitate and replace existing conveyance systems and pump stations.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will administer the loan. For more information, contact Mark Buersmeyer in the department's Water Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
KINGSVILLE, MISSOURI AUCTION SERVICE FINED FOR FAILING TO SHARE LEAD BASED PAINT HOUSE HAZARDS
A Kingsville, Missouri, auction service will pay a $3,542 federal penalty for failing to reveal the hazards of lead-based paint in an old farmhouse sold at auction in Buckner. The Rick Anstine Auction Service will pay the penalty to resolve a civil complaint filed by the regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Auctioneers represent the sellers in such transactions because the auctioneers are considered "agents" under the federal Real Estate Notification and Disclosure Rule. Thus, auctioneers must assure that disclosures take place before buyers are obligated to purchase auctioned housing.
The disclosure rule is a public right-to-know initiative under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act. The Disclosure Rule requires sellers, landlords and their agents to provide prospective purchasers and tenants information about lead-based paint hazards in housing built before 1978. The regulation also requires that sales and leasing contracts include certain notification and acknowledgment language.
EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford said, "Protecting our nation's children against the dangers of lead-based paint is one of EPA's highest priorities. We take this enforcement responsibility very seriously."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 890,000 children under the age of six in the United States are lead poisoned, and that some 24 million U.S. homes contain lead-based paint hazards.
Lead poisoning in children can cause permanent brain and nervous system damage and other widespread health problems. Among them are reduced intelligence and attention span, hearing loss, stunted growth, reading and learning problems, behavioral difficulties and, at very high levels, seizures, coma and even death.
EPA has established telephone hotlines for the general public to report suspected violations of the Disclosure Rule. The national hotline is 800-424-LEAD; the regional hotline is 800-223-0425.
Sample disclosure forms, the Disclosure Rule, and information pamphlet, "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home," are on the Web at www.epa.gov/lead/
KANSAS CITY EPA OFFICE ASSISTING WITH COLUMBIA RECOVERY EFFORTS
Fourteen staff members from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7, office in Kansas City, Kansas are actively involved in the Columbia Shuttle recovery efforts.
The On-Scene-Coordinators (OSCs) left for Texas on Saturday, Feb. 1. These staff are highly trained in emergency response techniques and took special technical equipment with them. This team is assisting with the underwater search for potential Shuttle material in the Toledo Bend Reservoir in east Texas. A public affairs staffer has also been sent to assist in the Joint Information Center, established to keep the public informed of recovery efforts.
"I am proud of our Region 7 partnership in this significant recovery effort," Region 7 Administrator James B. Gulliford said.
OSCs are trained to respond to environmental emergencies and perform hazardous waste removals. Some of the OSCs are also part of the EPA dive team. EPA regional staff are assisting the OSCs by providing technical support for work in the field.
One special piece of equipment being used is Airborne Spectral Photographic Environmental Collection Technology (ASPECT). ASPECT is mounted in a twin engine fixed wing medium aircraft outfitted to perform real-time chemical monitoring, and visible and infrared aerial photography in conjunction with geographic data collection and mapping. ASPECT is flying daily missions to conduct air monitoring and to search for shuttle material.
ASPECT lets our staff identify and electronically tag the locations of wreckage as small as one square foot. This technology was developed by EPA regional scientists, in cooperation with scientist from universities and other federal agencies.
EPA Regional staff have conducted Counter-Terrorism exercises and Homeland Security activities. These activities include training and exercising with local, state and other federal partners, including first-responders, law enforcement and hazardous materials teams.
They have worked alongside paid and volunteer fire departments, health departments, National Guard Civil Support Teams, FBI and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The purpose of these activities is to assure a strong and highly expert response capability, ready to serve the Region 7 states-Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska,- and now our nation.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ANNOUNCES PERMIT MODIFICATION LIST AVAILABLITY
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announces the availability of a list of approved hazardous waste management permit modifications for 2002. Due to the extensive nature of the list, it could not be printed here. If you would like more information or a copy of the permit modification list, please contact Joe Gassner, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Hazardous Waste Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102, by phone at 573-751-3553 or e-mail at joe.gassner@dnr.mo.gov.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LAND RECLAMATION COMMISSION TO MEET MARCH 26
The Missouri Land Reclamation Commission will hold a public meeting regarding proposed in-stream sand and gravel rules at 10 a.m., March 26, at the Department of Natural Resources Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City. The regularly scheduled public meeting of the Land Reclamation Commission will be held at 10 a.m., March 27, at 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.
For more information, please contact the Department of Natural Resources' Land Reclamation Program at 800-361-4827 or 751-4041.
SAFE DRINKING WATER COMMISSION TO MEET MARCH 27
The Missouri Safe Drinking Water Commission will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., March 27 at the Department of Natural Resources' Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Public Drinking Water Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.
EARTH DAY TO BE OBSERVED APRIL 25
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will celebrate Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, April 25 at the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site and the Carnahan Memorial Garden near the Capitol in Jefferson City. The date of National Earth Day is April 22.
RULES UPDATE
For more information, contact the Department of Natural Resources' Air and Land Protection Division at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-6892. For the latest updates visit the Regulatory Agenda Web page.
Air Pollution Control |
Control Emissions From Lithographic Printing Facilities |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-02.340 - Corrects formula used to determine rule applicability. | |
| Public comment ends:
April 3, 2003 |
Public hearing: March 27, 2003 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Control of Emissions Trading of Oxides of Nitrogen |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-06.350 - Based on recent legislation and legal determinations, this rulemaking will place limitations on cyclone boilers that burn tire derived fuel and extend the compliance date by one year. | |
| Public comment ends:
April 3, 2003 |
Public hearing: March 27, 2003 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
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:
|
|
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.
LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN IMPROVE PROTECTING MISSOURI’S NATURAL RESOURCES NEWSLETTER
The staff of Protecting Missouri’s Natural Resources values your feedback about information you want to see in future issues of our newsletter. Send us your comments and suggestions about what information you want to see included in the newsletter.
- Send comments about what you read or don’t see in the newsletter. Where can we improve?
- Let us know if you want to see more follow up articles about past topics.
- Suggest specific topics by title or subject you would like to see featured.
- Ask about our facilities, staff or services.
- Let us know if you want articles to find specific facts, assist you with your research or help you find materials in our collections.
