Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources is a monthly newsletter that informs readers about environmental issues.
APRIL 2003
DEPARTMENT APPOINTS EDWARD GALBRAITH AS NEW HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has appointed Edward Galbraith as the new director of the Hazardous Waste Program and as staff director for the Missouri Hazardous Waste Commission.
Galbraith has been with the department for more than 12 years. Most recently, Galbraith served as chief of the Underground Storage Tanks section. Previously, Galbraith managed the Solid Waste Management's Enforcement Section and Hazardous Waste's Communications and Financial Assurance Unit and served as an environmental specialist in the Hazardous Waste Enforcement Section.
"Ed brings to this endeavor an abundance of common sense
and a zest for problem solving as well as excellent communications
skills, technical acumen and innovative thinking," said James D. Werner,
director of the department's Air and Land Protection Division.
"This is the winning combination we will need to lead Missouri's hazardous
waste program to deal with the daunting challenges ahead," he added.
Galbraith earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1990. He and his wife, Claudia, and their children reside in Holts Summit.
Betty Wyse, who served as acting director for the program, will continue as the budget and planning section chief for the program. "We are also extremely fortunate to have had Betty Wyse serve as interim director, and to take on the challenge of running the budget and planning section through the impending turbulent times for maintaining existing protections for Missourians against the risks of hazardous wastes," said Werner.
DEPARTMENT TO HOST PUBLIC AVAILABILITY SESSION AND HEARING MAY 15 ON PEBBLE CREEK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will hold a public availability session at 6 p.m. May 15, at Kansas City Discovery Center, 4750 Troost, Kansas City, Mo. Department staff will be available from 6 to 7 p.m. to answer questions and visit informally with citizens. At 7 p.m., a formal public hearing will begin. Citizens will have an opportunity to comment on the application received for a permit to construct a wastewater treatment system in Pebble Creek Subdivision in Edwards.
The permit would allow the Pebble Creek Homeowners Association,
Stilwell, Kan., to treat human sewage from the homes within the subdivision
and allow the treated water to be released into Lick Creek, a tributary
to the Lake of the Ozarks in Camden County.
During the availability session, the department will provide information
on the type of treatment system proposed, design criteria used for
determining adequate treatment and water quality in the Lake of the
Ozarks. The department also will discuss potential impacts from the
proposed facility.
The department posted the draft permit on March 7. To view the electronic version of the draft permit, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpcp. A copy of the proposed permit also is available for review at the following locations:
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Pollution Control
Program,
205 Jefferson St., Jefferson City - Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Kansas City Regional
Office,
500 NE Colbern Rd., Lee's Summit - Kansas City Urban Outreach Office, Kansas City Discovery Center,
4750 Troost, Kansas City, MO
The department requests the hearing officer recognize anyone intending to give verbal presentations by providing their name and address for the record. The department also will accept written comments, relevant information and materials, in support of or in opposition to the new proposed permit for the record until 5 p.m. on June 6. Please send comments to Phil Schroeder, Department of Natural Resources, Water Pollution Control Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, Mo., 65102-0176, or by faxing to 573-522-9920.
The department will consider all comments made on the record prior to taking final action on the permit. Those commenting during the hearing shall receive a written response from the department at the time a final decision is made.
People requiring special services can make arrangements by calling 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300. Hearing-impaired people may contact the program through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966.
For more information concerning the availability session or public hearing, please call the department's Water Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO SPILL NEAR CAPE GIRARDEAU
At noon on April 8, Cape Girardeau County Dispatch contacted the Department of Natural Resources' environmental emergency response (EER) office to report material leaking from a semi-trailer. The trailer was at a rest stop located at the 110-mile marker on Interstate 55, north of the Fruitland exit, about 12 miles north of Cape Girardeau. Further investigation revealed that one or more of the drums inside the trailer were leaking. The driver's manifest indicated that the drums contained flammables and corrosives. EER dispatched Jackson Bostic to the scene to assist the local fire department with the investigation and cleanup.
Less than five gallons of a corrosive fluid, identified as a concentrated floor cleaner, leaked out of the trailer. A privately contracted company was brought in by the truck owner to clean up the spill after Department of Natural Resources workers determined there was no danger to the air or the environment from the leaking fluid. Bostic complimented local agencies for their well-coordinated efforts in quickly and safely getting the scene under control.
DEPARTMENT SUPPORTS ST. LOUIS AREA WASTE TIRE CLEANUPS
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has teamed with city of St. Louis and St. Louis County officials to encourage waste tire cleanups in the St. Louis area.
The cleanup effort allows St. Louis city and county governments, citizen volunteers and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to join together to reduce the seasonal impact of the West Nile virus in the St. Louis area. In summer 2002, there were 56 positive cases of West Nile virus infection in St. Louis City, and 60 positive cases in St. Louis County. Seven deaths in the area have been credited to the virus outbreak.
Illegal waste tires pose serious environmental and health threats. Insects that grow and breed in illegally dumped waste tires can transmit several human diseases including the West Nile virus. Even a single waste tire provides a perfect breeding environment for mosquitoes.
"Removal of waste tires from the environment is a top priority for the department," said Steve Mahfood, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "The department has removed approximately 11 million tires from illegal waste tire dumps in Missouri using the state's 50-cent-per-tire waste tire fee. This success stems from the partnerships that have been built with city and county governments, citizen volunteers and other state agencies."
Operation Brightside will be acting as the city community partner by picking up waste tires during its 22nd Annual Project Blitz to cleanup St. Louis City neighborhoods March 29 through April 26. Collected tires will be stacked in a semi-trailer provided by a permitted waste tire hauler or processor for proper disposal.
Several St. Louis County non-profit organizations including Mid-County Partners for Progress and Neighbors Assisting Neighbors will conduct waste tire cleanups in numerous St. Louis County communities during the same timeframe. Individual nonprofit groups will coordinate the proper disposal of waste tires with permitted waste tire haulers or processors.
An Operation Brightside spokesperson said, "Our goal is to inform the community that this is an important opportunity to clean up their neighborhood. Their efforts will not only have immediate results but also may help to ensure a more healthy spring and summer for their family and neighbors."
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Solid Waste Management Program will reimburse city and county nonprofit organizations for the proper disposal of illegally dumped waste tires collected during several neighborhood cleanups. The cleanup reimbursement will be funded from the state's 50-cent-per-tire waste tire fee that consumers pay 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.
"Last year city health officials and citizens worked together relentlessly to eradicate mosquitoes. As a result, St. Louis residents did not suffer the high rates of West Nile virus-related illness and death that were reported by other cities," said St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay. "I am encouraging everyone to join the effort to collect old tires, and eliminate the places where mosquitoes breed. Let's do everything we can to ensure that summer 2003 sees a minimum of cases of West Nile virus in St. Louis."
For additional information, please call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.
DEPARTMENT COMPLETES CLEANUP OF PETTIS COUNTY TIRE DUMP
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Corrections have completed a cleanup of the largest waste tire dump in Pettis County. The site, located near Sedalia, contained approximately 100,000 tires.
Carl Smith operated the waste tire dump on property owned by Roy Wilson. Smith failed to abide by a 1997 Pettis County court order requiring him to clean up the site. Consequently, the Department of Natural Resources used state resources to clean up the site in response to numerous citizen complaints. Sen. Jim Mathewson, D-Sedalia, helped the department obtain access to the site.
The Missouri Department of Corrections began the cleanup in November 2002 using inmate labor to remove the tires. The cleanup cost approximately $230,000 and was funded by the state's 50-cent-per-tire waste tire fee that consumers pay 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.
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. Citizen concerns about waste tire dumps have increased in the wake of recent outbreaks of West Nile virus, which claimed the lives of seven Missourians in 2002. 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.
For more information, contact the department's Solid Waste Management Program by calling 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401. Additional information is available on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp.
FEDERAL FACILITIES CLEANUP IN ST. JOSEPH
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is providing oversight to the Missouri Air National Guard and the Air National Guard Readiness Center in the cleanup of five small sites at the Rosecrans Memorial Airport near St. Joseph. The sites are contaminated with petroleum, solvents and metals from maintenance activities, fire training and underground storage tanks.
The Missouri Air National Guard is in the process of upgrading the areas to accommodate larger planes and to repair damage from the 1993 flood. The department will continue to provide assistance to make sure that contaminated areas are cleaned up, even after the upgrade is completed. The upgrade should be finished by July 2003.
A community relations plan about how the Air National Guard will keep the public informed about the progress is available at the Downtown River Bluffs Regional Library, 924 Felix, St. Joseph.
For more information, call Ramona Huckstep of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3907 or e-mail ramona.huckstep@dnr.mo.gov.
SHOW-ME CHAPTER OF THE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION SOCIETY PRESENTS AWARDS
The Missouri Show-Me Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society presented two awards at the Natural Resources Conference that was recently held at Tan-Tar-A on Jan. 29-31, 2003.
Peggy Lemons and Judy Stinson, who have worked together as a team in providing the leadership to promote and develop an educational program through the Envirothon, were jointly selected as Educator of the Year.
Through their enthusiasm and motivation, the contest has grown from 10 teams competing in 1998 to 70 teams in 2002. With five students per team, that is 350 students being exposed to the importance of natural resource issues and potential natural resource career paths.
Peggy is the District Manager for the Cole County Soil and Water Conservation District and Executive Secretary for the Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Judy is an Environmental Education and Information Specialist for the Department of Natural Resources. At the international level, Peggy represents Missouri on the Canon Envirothon board and Judy serves as the at-large member of the executive committee representing the United States.
Robert (Bob) Broz, was also recognized for his efforts. He was selected Professional Conservationist of the Year. Broz has led the water quality efforts not only through the University of Missouri, but throughout the state.
He came to the University of Missouri in 1993 as an Extension Associate for the newly formed Water Quality Program. Within the first four years, Broz took on numerous projects with great success, established himself as a source of water quality information for regional field faculty, and became the state contact for several federal environmental programs.
Today, Broz supervises a program that employs eight full-time Extension associates, specialists and staff. He oversees six grant-funded projects, has coordinated several statewide training courses and serves as a resource for water quality and environmental projects throughout the state.
The department congratulate each of the winners for their dedication and hard work to make the programs they work with such a success.
RECYCLING IN MISSOURI GETS A BOOST FROM DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES GRANT
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently awarded $196,675 to the South Central Solid Waste Management District. The district will use the grant funds to administer waste reduction and recycling projects in Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties.
The district's executive board, chaired by Gary L. Collins, is responsible for administering the funds, which are disbursed as sub-grants to projects within the district based upon the recommendations of the district's executive board.
"This grant enables the South Central Solid Waste Management District to fund solid waste management activities focused on these seven south central Missouri counties," said Steve Mahfood, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "Distributing funds this way enables each district to support projects that complement or enhance other waste reduction and recycling activities using financial assistance from the Solid Waste Management Fund."
The Solid Waste Management Fund is made up of tipping fees charged for each ton of waste disposed of in Missouri landfills or processed through transfer stations that move waste to out-of-state disposal sites. Since the passage of the Solid Waste Management Law in 1990, Missouri's goal has been to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. The projects funded by this grant will help the South Central Solid Waste Management District achieve local waste management goals.
Missouri's 20 Solid Waste Management Districts were organized to encourage regional cooperation and to help ensure proper solid waste management through waste reduction and recycling activities. To date, the South Central Solid Waste Management District has received more than $1.2 million in district grants. For more information call the South Central Solid Waste Management District at 417-932-5345 or the department's Solid Waste Management Program at 573-751-5401.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES GRANT WILL AID TRUMAN LAKE CLEANUP
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $34,000 grant to the Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission (KBRPC) in Clinton. The "South Grand River Logjam and Erosion Control Program" will provide decision-makers with potential solutions to stream management. The goal is to establish a baseline for water quality in the South Grand River.
A South Grand River Drainage Basin Advisory Committee is being formed to develop and implement a plan to reduce and remove sediment and manmade debris from entering the South Grand River arm of Truman Lake. The plan also includes maintaining an open channel. The program relies on community involvement to build on the collaborative efforts that already have occurred. Initiatives will be established to protect the entire watershed as this stream segment currently is on the state's list of impaired waters.
The proposed program calls for the development of a maintenance plan with input from several interested parties. Those initially involved are Henry County commissioners, adjoining landowners, Urich Logjam Committee, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Natural Resources, KBRPC staff and an engineering firm that will help evaluate alternative plans.
This project is made possible by a Section 604(b) grant from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Department of Natural Resources. For additional information contact Tod Hudson in the department's Water Pollution Control Program at 573-751-8728.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ASSISTS NORWOOD IN MAKING WASTEWATER TREATMENT IMPROVEMENTS
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently announced that a grant in the amount of $368,943 has been awarded to the city of Norwood. The grant will be used in conjunction with a $190,000 loan from the Department of Natural Resources to build infrastructure capacity in Norwood's wastewater collection and treatment system.
"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 Steve Mahfood, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "We're pleased to be part of an effort that helps these communities grow."
The project consists of improvements to the ultraviolet disinfection equipment and sand filters at the existing facility as well as the construction of a collection system to serve residents north of state highway 60. The entire project is estimated to cost a little more than $1 million and is expected to be complete in October. Funding for the grant comes from State Water Pollution bond funds.
The loan and grant will be administered by the Department of Natural Resources' Water Pollution Control Program. For more information, contact Joy Reven, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Pollution Control Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or phone 573-751-2735.
GRANT DOLLARS WILL HELP OZARK REDUCE PHOSPHORUS IN WATER
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri Gov. Bob Holden recently announced that a grant in the amount of $745,081 has been awarded to the city of Ozark to help protect Table Rock Lake. Funding for the grant comes from state bond funds and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Special Infrastructure Grant program.
The money will be used to build infrastructure for wastewater treatment for phosphorus removal, which will help protect Table Rock Lake. Ozark will use the money for the additions to its treatment plant to reduce the phosphorus levels in the treated discharge. The entire project is estimated to cost $931,350 and is expected to be complete by November 2003. Any costs not covered through grant funds will be paid by the city of Ozark.
"Tourism in southwestern Missouri has become an important component of Missouri's economy," Holden said. "This grant will help ensure that Table Rock Lake, one of the biggest tourist attractions in this area, continues to be a clean, safe place to visit."
The grant will be administered by the Department of Natural Resources' Water Pollution Control Program. For more information, contact Joy Reven, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Pollution Control Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or call 573-751-2735.
DANGEROUS MINE SHAFTS TO BE CLOSED IN JASPER COUNTY
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the
Land Reclamation Commission recently awarded a $73,450 construction
contract to Ron Reed Dozing of Sheldon. Reed will close 10 dangerous
abandoned lead and zinc mine shafts in Jasper County.
The department's Land Reclamation Program previously closed 17 mine
shafts during fall 2001 and summer of 2002. These shafts, located
on private property, are the result of lead and zinc mining in the
area from 1848 to 1970 and pose safety hazards to landowners and citizens.
The U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining and Missouri's Land Reclamation Commission authorized the use of Missouri abandoned mine land funds for reclamation of dangerous non-coal mine shafts in 2000. The abandoned mine land fund monies typically were only used to reclaim coal problems.
Funds for abandoned mine land projects originate from fees collected from active cold mines by the U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Surface Mining. These funds are then disbursed to state and tribal abandoned mine land programs that have problems associated with coal mining that occurred prior to 1977.
Previous studies and inventories conducted on the lead and zinc areas in southwest Missouri indicate the possible existence of many more mine openings. The department is anticipating future abandoned mine land funds will be available to close additional dangerous shafts. For more information on abandoned mine land or to report open shafts contact the Department of Natural Resources' Land Reclamation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4041.
PHASE II-A NEW APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
With 56,000 miles of streams, two of the mightiest rivers in the nation and more than 400 lakes within its borders, Missouri can rightfully boast about its rich water heritage. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the wide variety and quality of the water. However, if we're not careful, how we live, work and play near those waters could have a harmful effect on them.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is responsible for administering new provisions, delegated from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for regulating storm water discharges from small municipalities that could affect these bodies of water.
According to EPA, surveys indicate that 40 percent of waters in the United States are impaired or fail to meet water quality standards. Polluted storm water runoff often is a leading culprit.
Fortunately, nearly 40,000 residents already have made a commitment to protect and improve the quality of our water resources. They've dedicated more than 100,000 hours of volunteer service towards picking up trash along rivers, planting trees, stenciling storm drains and participating in dozens of other water-related protection activities. In the upcoming months and years, residents will have even more opportunities to get involved by supporting locally driven, Phase II storm water management plans.
Water quality is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing many communities, large and small, across the state. For the past 30 years, the Clean Water Act has been in place to protect our environmental health from the serious, negative effects of pollution. The Act's overall objective is clear and complete: to protect and restore the integrity of the nation's waters. Its aim is to reduce soil erosion, regulate sewage discharges and restore our streams and wetlands. Water quality has improved dramatically since that time. But, despite the progress, there's still plenty of work to do.
The Storm Water Phase II Final Rule is the next step in the EPA's effort to tackle the problem. Operators of small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), as well as small construction activities, are currently at the center of attention.
The main objective of Phase II is to properly manage
polluted storm water runoff and minimize damage to our streams, wetlands
and lakes. The Phase II approach encourages and promotes watershed
planning as the best method for implementing programs to
protect water quality. The regulations allow small municipalities
the flexibility to develop effective, site-specific plans that are
relevant to each community. Phase II is geared specifically to small
and mid-sized communities of 10,000 and more. At the same time, small
towns in big cities (suburbs and the like) that have a population
between 1,000 and 10,000 also are covered.
Phase II relies heavily upon public participation, involvement, education and outreach. These are not your typical one-size-fits-all regulations.
"Phase II doesn't dictate how communities are to manage their storm water efforts," said Phil Schroeder, section chief for permitting for the Department of Natural Resources' Water Pollution Control Program. "Citizens will determine their own issues and their own solutions. Their plans should be tailor-made for their communities."
Schroeder said that, by its very nature, government often takes a cookie-cutter, blanket approach to regulations, but he feels this program distinguishes itself by allowing communities to tailor the program to its needs. "This is an ideal opportunity for communities to decide what's right for them."
Schroeder said the first thing they should do is identify their needs and rank them in order of importance and feasibility. Residents then can customize a plan to focus on areas that need the most attention. Each goal should reflect the needs and characteristics of the community. For instance, if littering has been identified as a concern, the plan might include sending out brochures the first year, training volunteers the second year and stenciling storm drains the third year. Success of the plan can be gauged by measuring the amount of litter detected in storm drain discharges.
Broad-based public participation will play a crucial role in any successful storm water management plan. "Local governments will need public support," Schroeder said. "Community leaders will be looking for people who want to be part of the process. They'll want people who can approach old problems from a new direction. When diverse groups of people have a stake in the outcome, it follows that implementation and improvements will go more smoothly."
Many jurisdictions already have on-going storm water programs. Existing activities, codes and ordinances should be carefully reviewed with an eye toward strengthening revisions. Successful strategies will likely include developing a comprehensive plan that sets both long and short-term goals. Phase II even encourages sharing responsibilities with neighboring cities and towns. "It's hoped that this piggyback tactic will promote a regional approach to storm water management," Schroeder said. "Communities should be thinking about how programs can be linked or expanded to achieve the most environmental gain for the dollars spent."
The accompanying best management practices should fit the characteristics and needs of the areas they serve. The added flexibility will allow towns to use a more satisfying mix of tools to reduce pollution. Water quality improvement efforts are shifting to a more holistic approach when it comes to watershed management. "Success will depend on how well residents work with their local governments to develop solutions everyone can live with," Schroeder said. EPA's deadline for receiving storm water management plans was March 2003.
For more information contact the department's Water Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
RIVER CEMENT COMPANY AND MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ENTER INTO LETTER OF AGREEMENT
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the River Cement Company's Selma Plant, located in Festus, have entered into an agreement to focus on the investigation and possible cleanup of contaminants released to the environment. River Cement's Selma Plant currently produces Portland cement. Cement production includes quarrying of raw materials, raw material preparation, kiln operations and cement production. Before May 1997, River Cement's Selma Plant used hazardous waste fuels as additional fuel in the cement manufacturing process. Since that time, all areas used for the processing and storage of hazardous waste fuel have been closed in accordance with a department-approved closure plan.
It is expected that remaining human health and environmental issues at the Selma Plant will be dealt with through activities performed under the agreement. These activities include identifying any release of hazardous waste to the environment, examining the type and amount of any such release and, if necessary, performing proper cleanup measures to protect human health and the environment.
For more information on the site and any cleanup activities please contact Natalie Roark of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3553.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES HELPS STONE COUNTY PROTECT TABLE ROCK LAKE
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently awarded a $1.5 million loan to the Stone County Sewer District #1. The money will be used to help prevent untreated sewage and septic tank drainage from polluting Table Rock Lake and Roark Creek.
The District will use the loan for construction of a treatment plant and collection system at Lakewood Subdivision, a collection system at Compton Ridge, and an interceptor at Notch to transport wastewater to the Branson West Treatment Plant. The loan amount represents approximately 53 percent of the total project cost.
Funding has been provided through a State Revolving Fund loan that is made possible by repayments of prior loans. Additional funds have been awarded to the district through a State 40 Percent Grant, a Rural Sewer Grant, a Phosphorus Grant and a Community Development Block Grant. The loan will be administered by the department's Water Pollution Control Program. For more information, contact Mary Clark, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO, 65102, or call 573-751-6680.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FUNDING HELPS BATES CITY REDUCE HEALTH RISKS
Financial assistance from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will help protect groundwater and reduce health hazards in Bates City.
The department recently provided a $943,200 loan to Bates City for construction of a new wastewater treatment and collection system. These improvements will reduce health hazards by preventing untreated sewage and septic tank drainage from polluting the groundwater.
The loan will be used to connect approximately 119 residences and businesses to the new sewage treatment lagoon. Bates City also recently received a $166,000 Rural Sewer Grant and a $511,325 State Construction Grant to assist with this effort.
Funding is made possible through the sale of water pollution bonds passed by voters in 1998 to provide funds for water, wastewater and storm water construction. The loan will be administered by the department's Water Pollution Control Program. For more information, contact John Fraga, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Pollution Control Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or call 573-751-1399.
AWARDS PRESENTED TO THE HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM STAFF
In January, Kurt Boeckmann and Ruben Zamarripa, both of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, were presented the Army Corps of Engineers - Kansas City District Heartland Award for Teamwork and a Certificate of Appreciation from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7. The awards ceremony took place at the Region 7 headquarters in Kansas City, Kan. Boeckmann, an Environmental Specialist with the Federal Facilities Section, and Mr. Zamarripa, a Unit Chief in the Federal Facilities Section, accepted the accolades on behalf of the department. They received the award for their efforts as part of a team that prepared the Missouri Statewide Management Action Plan (MAP) for Formerly Used Defense Sites.
This plan was prepared jointly by the Corps of Engineers, EPA and the staff from the Department of Natural Resources. The MAP is a document developed to provide stakeholders with a means to monitor the environmental restoration activities at sites formerly owned by the Department of Defense within Missouri. It provides a summary of past and anticipated future site activities to assist in the prioritization of sites for receipt of available funds. The plan will form the basis for managing the Formerly Used Defense Site Program in Missouri and improve the process of investigation and remediation of these sites.
During the course of the project, Boeckmann and Zamarripa provided expert advice, compiled interagency data, and coordinated with the various agencies involved in this project including the Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Defense. According to Col. Donald Curtis, department staff efforts "helped tremendously in successfully completing this prototype effort to improve the Formerly Used Defense Site Program."
For more information on the Federal Facilities Section within the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, please contact Ramona Huckstep by telephone at 1-800 361-4827 or by e-mail.
MILLION DOLLAR GRANT FROM DEPARTMENT HELPS CASSVILLE MAKE WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENTS
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently awarded a grant of more than $1 million to the city of Cassville for wastewater system improvements. The city will use the grant to expand and upgrade the city's existing wastewater collection and treatment system.
The grant will be used to purchase new equipment that will help remove phosphorous from the wastewater. Other upgrades include the removal of the downtown pump station, replacement of the treatment plant headworks and modifications to the clarifier to increase its capacity. The grant also will enable the city to increase sludge-pumping capacity, enlarge the UV disinfecting facilities and improve their ability to reduce algae.
"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 Steve Mahfood, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "We're pleased to be part of an effort that helps these communities grow."
Funding for the grant comes from state bond funds and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Special Infrastructure Grant program. The funding will be used in conjunction with a nearly $3 million loan from the State Revolving Fund program. The loan and the grant will be administered by the Department of Natural Resource's Water Pollution Control Program.
For more information, contact David Overhoff, Water Pollution Control Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or call 573-522-3008.
$1 MILLION TO CLEAN UP MISSOURI METH LABS
U.S. Senator Kit Bond announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved $1 million in federal dollars for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for clean-up and removal of methamphetamine.
"These dollars will help Missouri law enforcement officers more safely combat the on-going meth war in our state," said Bond, who secured the federal money in the fiscal year 2001 appropriations bill.
The $1 million in federal dollars will be used to fund training and equipment needs for law enforcement personnel. The training and equipment will allow law enforcement to transport the dangerous chemicals to a temporary collection station for processing and disposal.
Currently, law enforcement officers experience a significant time-lag waiting for a disposal contractor to arrive on the scene of a seized laboratory. Also, funds will provide safe, legal places to store clandestine drug waste for law enforcement.
Missouri earned the sad distinction as meth capitol of the U.S. because of it's location in the middle of the country, number of small towns and national forest acres, rural makeup and the number of interstate highways crisscrossing the state. These factors caused the state to become a draw for methamphetamine cookers, distributors, dealers and smugglers.
In the last two years, Bond has secured $5.6 million in federal funds which was distributed directly to 33 local Missouri sheriffs' offices and 16 multi-county law enforcement task forces through the bi-partisan Missouri Sheriff Methamphetamine Relief Team (MOSMART). The money Bond secured has helped local law enforcement hire 21 new full-time meth investigators and three full-time drug intelligence analysts in 2001. This manpower boost led to a sharp increase in arrests and lab seizures across the state last year, proving the value of the MOSMART program.
Kit Bond is Missouri's senior Senator and is now in his third term after having served the state previously during two terms as Governor.
EPA LAUNCHES ON-LINE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP EVENTS AND SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EARTH DAY
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it has launched EarthDay.gov, a Web site that provides Americans a comprehensive guide to environmental service opportunities and Earth Day events sponsored by the federal government. The site is the first interagency effort to create a comprehensive federal resource for citizens who want to participate in Earth Day and other year-round environmental activities.
President Bush has asked all federal agencies to support volunteer service this Earth Day. "In the three decades since the first Earth Day celebration, our air is cleaner, our water is purer, and our natural resources are better protected. We have learned from our successes and are putting that experience to work at the Federal, state and local government level.
Additionally, all Americans can help protect our natural resources by being good stewards of our air, water, and land," said President Bush.
EPA Administrator Christie Whitman said, "We have all been entrusted with the stewardship of this shared planet, and it is our responsibility to leave it cleaner for our children and grandchildren. Earth Day is a great opportunity to renew our commitment to creating partnerships and finding creative and innovative solutions to our environmental concerns. Working together, we can to achieve the next generation of environmental progress."
Visitors can search the EarthDay.gov Web site by state and region to find community service opportunities and Earth Day events where they live. In addition to events, it allows visitors to download classroom curricula and find additional information about the environment.
EarthDay.gov also allows visitors to directly access the large database of environmental service opportunities that are part of the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network. The USA Freedom Corps is President Bush's initiative to engage Americans in volunteer service.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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.
For more information, visit the Earth Day Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/earthday or call Van Beydler at 573-751-6892.
CLEAN WATER COMMISSION TO MEET APRIL 23 IN OSAGE BEACH
The Missouri Clean Water Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m. April 23 at the Inn at Grand Glaize, Osage Beach.
Staff will present the recommended ranking of the FY 03 319 Nonpoint Source Grant Applications and request commission approval of the ranking. Information regarding Missouri's 1998 Unified Watershed Assessment and its development will be presented.
The commission will consider whether to refer A-OK Campground in Buchanan County, Forest Park Estates in Taney County, Lake Heights Estates in Boone County and Salt Ridge Estates in Camden County to the Office of the Attorney General.
There also will be an opportunity for the public to approach the commission with any questions or issues related to the commission's work.
For more information, call the department's Water Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-6721.
MISSOURI AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO MEET APRIL 24
The Missouri Air Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., April 24 at the Harry S. Truman Building, rooms 493/494, 301 W. High St., Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.
SOIL AND WATER DISTRICTS COMMISSION TO MEET MAY 21
The Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission will hold a public meeting at 8:30 a.m., May 21, at the Department of Natural Resources' Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City. The business portion of the meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Soil and Water Conservation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4932.
LAND RECLAMATION COMMISSION TO MEET MAY 22
The Missouri Land Reclamation Commission will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., May 22, at the Department of Natural Resources' Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Land Reclamation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4041.
DEPARTMENT TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING APRIL 30
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Hazardous Waste Program, has proposed the King Adhesives Corporation Site of St. Louis for listing on the Registry of Confirmed Abandoned or Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites in Missouri. Friend-Bonzano LLC (the owner of the site) has appealed the proposed Registry listing. The site is located at 5321 Northrup Avenue. A Registry Public Hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., April 30, 2003, and may continue May 1, 2003, if more time is needed. The meeting will be held at Cavanagh and Hartweger, 120 South Central, Suite 420, St. Louis, MO, 63105.
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 |
Definitions and Common Reference Tables |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-06.020 - Updates and adds several definitions, including several related to concurrent changes in 10 CSR 10-6.060, Construction Permits Required, In addition, defines "portable equipment instillation" which is used to exempt these plants from operation permits. | |
| Public comment ends: June 5, 2003 |
Public hearing: May 29, 2003 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Construction Permits Required |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-06.060 - Clarifies and corrects rule applicability sections for consistency with federal regulations and creates mechanisms to permit major sources in the St. Louis ozone nonattainment area. | |
| Public comment ends: June 5, 2003 |
Public hearing: May 29, 2003 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Construction Permits Exemptions |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-06.061 - Establishes a separate rule for construction permit exemptions. | |
| Public comment ends: June 5, 2003 |
Public hearing: May 29, 2003 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Construction Permits by Rule |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-06.062 - Establishes a permit-by-rule concept for construction permits. | |
| Public comment ends: June 5, 2003 |
Public hearing: May 29, 2003 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Conformity to State or Federal Implementation Plans of Transportation Plans, Programs and Projects Developed, Funded or Approved Under Title 23 U.S.C or the Federal Transit Laws |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-02.390 - To amend the state Kansas City transportation conformity rule to bring it into compliance with the recently amended federal transportation conformity rule. | |
| Public comment ends: May 1, 2003 |
Public hearing: April 24, 2003 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Conformity to State or Federal Implementation Plans of Transportation Plans, Programs and Projects Developed, Funded or Approved Under Title 23 U.S.C or the Federal Transit Laws |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-05.480 - To amend the state St. Louis transportation conformity rule to bring it into compliance with the recently amended federal transportation conformity rule. | |
| Public comment ends: May 1, 2003 |
Public hearing: April 24, 2003 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Operating Permit |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-06.065 - Adds an exemption for portable equipment installations to this rule and clarifies the livestock and control equipment odorous exemption language. | |
| Public comment ends: June 5, 2003 |
Public hearing: May 29, 2003 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Restriction of Emission of Odors |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-02.070 - Revises detection threshold odor standard for Class 1A concentrated animal feeding operations. | |
| Public comment ends: May 1, 2003 |
Public hearing: April 24, 2003 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Restriction of Emission of Odors |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-03.090 - Revises detection threshold odor standard for Class 1A concentrated animal feeding operations. | |
| Public comment ends: May 1, 2003 |
Public hearing: April 24, 2003 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Restriction of Emission of Odors |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-04.070 - Revises detection threshold odor standard for Class 1A concentrated animal feeding operations. | |
| Public comment ends: May 1, 2003 |
Public hearing: April 24, 2003 |
| Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control |
Control of Odors in the Ambient Air |
| Rule Number: 10 CSR 010-05.160 - Revises detection threshold odor standard for Class 1A concentrated animal feeding operations. | |
| Public comment ends: May 1, 2003 |
Public hearing: April 24, 2003 |
| 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 updates to previously adopted 40 CFR Part 60 subparts finalized between January 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002. | |
| Public comment ends: June 5, 2003 |
Public hearing: May 29, 2003 |
| 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 updates to previously adopted 40 CFR Part 60 subparts finalized between January 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002. | |
| Public comment ends: June 5, 2003 |
Public hearing: May 29, 2003 |
| 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 updates to previously adopted 40 CFR Part 60 subparts finalized between January 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002. | |
| Public comment ends: June 5, 2003 |
Public hearing: May 29, 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.
