Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources is a monthly newsletter that informs
readers about environmental issues.

SEPTEMBER 2004

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WATER ISSUES HELD
IN ST. LOUIS
Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Steve Mahfood has announced plans to increase activity and vigilance to protect the Missouri River by preventing water diversions from the Missouri River into the Hudson Bay Drainage Basin. The plans emerged from a meeting in St. Louis of a growing number of opponents to controversial projects that would threaten Missouri River and Red River/Hudson Bay regional water quality and quantity concerns.

This international conference brought together representatives from the Government of Canada, the states of Missouri and Minnesota, the Province of Manitoba and the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. Representatives of national conservation organizations and conservation groups from Minnesota, Missouri and North Dakota also participated in the conference.

"This type of joint meeting is crucial to the continuing development of a mutual strategy for protection of the water quantity and quality of our region," Mahfood said.

At the meeting, participants reaffirmed their request to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell to refer the Devils Lake outlets to the International Joint Commission (IJC) for an independent scientific review. The Devils Lake outlet projects are linked to the ill-conceived Garrison Diversion project. In 1977, the IJC ruled that the Garrison Diversion project violated the Boundary Water Treaty of 1909.

The parties also agreed to undertake efforts to ensure that Congress does not advance any portions of the potentially devastating Garrison Diversion project without the full scrutiny of the proper Congressional authorizing committees, as well as a full Congressional floor debate. In the closing days of the 106th Congress, an amendment was attached to the Omnibus Appropriations bill, resulting in a resurrection of the worst aspect of the Garrison Diversion project - large-scale diversions of water out of the Missouri River Basin.

"Missouri will not stand for another eleventh-hour grab of Missouri River water," Mahfood said.
For more information, contact:

• Stephen Mahfood, Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 573-751-3443 or 800- 361-4827.
• Norman Brandson, Manitoba Department of Water Stewardship at (204) 945-5344.
• Kent Lokkesmoe, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Waters Division at (651) 296-4810.
• Chuck Meyer, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, Department of Natural Resources at (218) 679-3959.
• Bernard Etzinger, Canadian Embassy at (202) 682-7715.

MISSOURI FIRST STATE TO ENTER SOIL DATA

The Missouri Cooperative Soil Survey achieved a major milestone recently when Missouri became the first state to commit 100 percent of its spatial and tabular data to the Soil Data Mart. This achievement represents a great deal of cooperative and effective work on the part of soil scientists in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the University of Missouri. Spatial data is related to where lines are on a map. Tabular data provides information regarding the features on a map. For example, a county line is spatial data and the names of the counties are tabular data.

In the soil survey, the soil lines are spatial data and represent the different soils. The tabular data represent a variety of properties associated with the delineated soils such as permeability, pH, texture and many others. The Soil Data Mart is a national database maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service and is available to soil scientists throughout the United States.

In Missouri, soils data are also available in a user-friendly format from the Center for Agricultural, Resource and Environmental Systems (CARES) at http://soils.missouri.edu. This Web page also provides access to soil scientists throughout Missouri.

For more information, contact Dean Martin of the Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4932.

FORTY-FIVE PERCENT OF MISSOURI'S TRASH DIVERTED FROM LANDFILL DISPOSAL

Although state is generating more garbage

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently announced the state is keeping an estimated 45 percent of its trash out of landfills.

"Missourians continue to focus on recycling and reusing trash instead of just throwing it away. Missouri is diverting an ever larger share of its wastes away from landfill disposal," said Steve Mahfood, director of the Department of Natural Resources.

"Businesses are able to make new products using materials that would have been discarded."

During the past 14 years, the department has provided grants and information to help create and sustain recycling services across the state. Cities, counties, businesses and schools have all played a part in improving the way Missourians manage their
solid waste.

The solid waste management districts also contribute to the success of waste reduction. The districts put local solid waste management plans into practice. Within the past 14 years, the number of Missouri communities with recycling collection services has increased from 68 to 410. Communities with yard waste collection services also increased from
127 to 333.

In 2003, the department estimates each Missourian threw away 1.09 tons of waste, down from 1.33 tons per person in 1990. However, the total amount of trash generated statewide has increased from 10.9 million tons in 2002 to 11.2 million tons in 2003. "Although Missouri is recycling more trash, we are still creating more trash," said Mahfood.

• Waste reduction tips for businesses include
• Order supplies in bulk to minimize packaging
• Print documents on both sides of the paper
• Recycle office scrap paper or reuse it for copying internal memos and documents or for scratchpads
• Conduct only "green" meetings, using reusable cups, glasses, plates and utensils and
• Buy recycled paper and cartridges for printers

Waste reduction tips for households include

• Buy food and supplies in bulk
• Buy concentrated products
• Buy high quality, long-lasting products
• Avoid purchasing over-packaged products
• Buy products in refillable or reusable containers
• Donate old magazines to nursing homes or hospitals and
• Remove your name from junk mailing lists by writing to the Direct Marketing Association, Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008.

The department has several fact sheets, technical bulletins and brochures on the Web that can provide additional suggestions for waste reduction. For additional ways to reduce waste, visit the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/publist.htm or contact Dennis Hansen at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.

For more information on local recycling services, check the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/rrr/RecycDOliststatewide.pdf or call Katy D'Agostino at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.

DEPARTMENT CITES ROGERSVILLE MAN FOR BURNING OF MOBILE HOMES

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources informed a Rogersville man that he cannot burn mobile homes that he demolished at the Oak Crest Estates Mobile Home Park. The department issued Notices of Violation to Gerry Gillenwaters for violating state air regulations on two separate incidents in early August.

On the second incident cited, the Logan-Rogersville Fire Protection District responded to neighbors concerns and extinguished the fire. The fire department observed materials such as residential insulation, copper wiring, plastic plumbing, asphalt shingles and other debris in the fire. Open burning of such materials exposes individuals to toxic fumes that may irritate the eyes, skin and upper respiratory tract, and slow down the central nervous system to cause headache, dizziness and fatigue.

Since the 1970s, state law has prohibited the burning of demolition materials. These materials must be recycled or disposed of in a permitted landfill. Violations of Missouri's Air Conservation Law can include penalties of up to $10,000 per occurrence.

For more information, contact the Department of Natural Resources' Southwest Regional Office at 800-361-4827 or 417-891-4300 or visit the department's fact sheet on open burning on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2047.pdf.

ILLEGAL DUMPING PROVES EXPENSIVE IN SALINE COUNTY

Eight people have pleaded guilty to illegal dumping in Saline County. They were videotaped as Department of Natural Resources' hidden cameras scanned a site west of Grand Pass for five months. The cameras are triggered by motion and vibration detectors.

Saline County prosecuting attorney Don Stouffer said seven of nine defendants are ordered to pay restitution of $750 each. The county will use the money to clean up the dumpsite. One person is assessed $2,500 because he was issued a warning for illegal dumping in 1998 and has since been videotaped dumping on eight separate occasions. A warrant has been issued for a ninth defendant.

Department of Natural Resources' environmental investigators Terry Ball and Craig Abbott report the concealed cameras recorded people dumping household trash, roofing materials, appliances, motor oil, waste tires, mattresses and box springs at the dump site on County Road 403 near Grand Pass.

Wilma Garrett and other members of the Saline County Sheriff's Department helped Ball and Abbott identify and interview suspects.

Last year Stouffer used hidden camera evidence provided by the Department of Natural Resources to charge 15 defendants on 25 charges of illegal dumping near the town of Gilliam. The defendants in those cases have been placed on probation and ordered to pay restitution totaling more than $8,000. The Saline County Commission recently accepted a bid to clean up the Gilliam site using the restitution money.

Stouffer was quoted by the Marshall Democrat newspaper as saying, "We thought that amount ($8,000 of restitution) would deter others from using Saline County farms as illegal dumpsites. Obviously, some folks continue to doubt that we actually have cameras at these dumpsites and are willing to prosecute."

"We understand the people caught on tape may be required to pay more than their fair share (to clean up the site), but that is one of the consequences of illegal dumping," he said.

Illegal dumping is a crime in Missouri. The Department of Natural Resources is working to stop illegal dumping through the hidden camera projects. In addition, the department is providing education to let people know there are other options for trash disposal such as paying for trash service or taking trash to a permitted landfill, transfer station or recycling facility. "If people are caught illegally dumping their trash in Missouri, the cost associated with getting caught is far greater than the cost of proper disposal," said Abbott.

The department currently has several other cameras at dumpsites across Missouri, including some areas in St. Louis.

To find more information on disposal options or to report an illegal dump, call the Department of Natural Resources' Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401. For electronic reporting of environmental problems, go to www.dnr.mo.gov/concern.htm. To learn more about using cameras to fight illegal dumping, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/dumping/enf_instruct.htm.

BROWNFIELDS/VOLUNTARY CLEANUP PROGRAM OVERSEES SUCCESSFUL CLEANUPS

Certificates of Completion issued for sites in St. Louis, Hazelwood, Pineville and Independence

The Department of Natural Resources has issued certificates of completion for five new Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program (B/VCP) sites.

Brownfields are abandoned or underused industrial or commercial sites, located primarily in urban areas, that are either contaminated or thought to be contaminated. Through the B/VCP, private parties agree to clean up a contaminated site and are offered some protection from future state and federal enforcement action at the site in the form of a "No Further Action" letter or "Certificates of Completion" from the state.

The sites completed recently include

• White-Rodgers Facility, St. Louis
• Behlmann Pontiac GMC, Hazelwood
• Jane Quarry Site, Pineville
• Cupples Station Complex third parcel, St. Louis
• Landmark Dodge Site, Independence

White-Rodgers Facility, St. Louis

The White-Rodgers property is located at 9797 Reavis Road in Affton. The seven-acre property consists of one 225,880 square-foot, two-story building and an adjacent parking lot.

White-Rodgers used the facility for manufacturing and assembling automatic temperature controls for commercial and residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. White-Rodgers began operations at the facility in 1962.

The facility used trichloroethane (TCA), trichloroethene (TCE), mercury, zinc and mineral spirits and had an underground storage tank for used oil. An environmental assessment identified the TCA, TCE and mercury as areas of environmental concern.

Emerson Electric Co., the participant, chose to excavate the contaminated soil in accordance with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' approved remedial action plan. Environmental Strategies Corporation excavated approximately 437 tons of non-hazardous soil and 23 tons of concrete, which was disposed of in Milam Landfill in East St. Louis, Ill.

A final Certification of Completion was issued for the site and Emerson Electric Co. has since sold the building. The new owner will use the site for warehouse operations.

Behlmann Pontiac GMC, Hazelwood

The Department of Natural Resources has issued a Certification of Completion for cleanup at Behlmann Pontiac GMC, 820 McDonnell Blvd. in Hazelwood. The facility is an operating car dealership and service center. Behlmann discovered petroleum contamination around a leaking underground oil/water separator during a routine environmental assessment performed as part of a property transaction. Behlmann's contractors removed the separator and contaminated soil.

Due to the impending transaction, Behlmann needed a clean closure from the department in a short time frame. The B/VCP expedited review of assessment data, remedial action plans and verification sampling results. Despite technical challenges that required special requests for detailed laboratory data from the environmental contractor, the B/VCP was able to review the data in time and determine the cleanup met standards just days before the sale closed.

This is Behlmann's second clean letter in two months. Its Team 1 Auto Body facility also received a Certification of Completion from the B/VCP in June 2004.

Jane Quarry Site, Pineville

The department has issued a Certificate of Completion for a 160-acre quarry in Jane, Mo. The quarry, previously owned by Anchor Stone Co. and now owned by APAC Inc., is near the Missouri-Arkansas border. The portion of the site in the B/VCP is approximately two acres, and is occupied by Hutchens Asphalt Plant.

Hutchens mixes asphalt at this plant using a variety of resources. Diesel, asphalt and fuel oil stored in aboveground storage tanks are mixed with aggregates from the quarry. Enercon Services Inc. performed initial site assessments that revealed petroleum contamination in the soil, which is thought to be from spills and overfills of the tanks.

Enercon excavated approximately 260 cubic yards of contaminated soil and disposed of it in Prairie View Landfill.

Landmark Dodge Site, Independence

The department has issued a Certification of Completion for the Landmark Dodge facility in Independence. The site is a 2.5 acre parcel that has been used as an automobile sales and service facility since the 1960s. The Landmark Dodge facility entered the B/VCP in April 2001.

Environmental site assessments revealed that petroleum hydrocarbons attributed to the hydraulic automobile lifts contaminated the soil beneath Landmark Dodge's service garage. In 2002 and 2003, Earth Tech decommissioned the nine underground hydraulic hoists and inspected the trench drain and oil/water separator for signs of leakage or cracks.

Chrysler Realty Corp. decided to leave the contaminated soil in place with the department's approval. The concrete floor of the service area and the asphalt parking lot act as an engineered cap to prevent exposure to the remaining contaminants. The department has determined that with the use of the engineered cap the remaining levels of contamination are protective of human health and the environment for the current commercial use of the site. To ensure the future use of the site will not compromise human health and the environment, the participant has filed a Restrictive Covenant in the property's chain of title.

Third Parcel of Cupples Station Complex, St. Louis

The department has issued a Certificate of Completion for the Cupples Station city block 434 parking lot site in St. Louis for the cleanup of soil contaminated with petroleum and lead.

The site is part of the Cupples Station warehouse complex that was developed in the late 1880s and served by rail. Since the early 1980s the warehouses have predominantly been vacant. This area was formerly the site of Chouteau's Pond, which was drained and filled in 1853. Development of the area consisted of various warehouses, parking lots, municipal buildings and freight distribution businesses. Of notable mention is the Collier White Lead and Oil Works-National Lead facility, which was initially developed in 1877 across Clark Avenue, to the north of 1012 Clark Avenue, approximately 10 years prior to the initial Cupples Station development.

Six of the nine buildings in the Cupples complex have already been cleaned up and redeveloped. The remaining four buildings and land are currently in the process of remediation.

In 1999, Cupples Development, LLC entered the Cupples 434 parking lot into the B/VCP. The one-acre site is located on the southern portion of city block 434. Sitex Environmental conducted remediation of asbestos, light ballasts, a hydraulic lift system, lead and petroleum-contaminated soil and groundwater. A new asphalt parking lot was installed to act as a cap to prevent exposure to residual soil contamination.

A multi-level, above-grade parking garage has been constructed on a portion of the site. This brings the total number of sites cleaned up under the B/VCP to 210.

For more information, please call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-8913.

HEADWAY MADE AT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY - KANSAS CITY PLANT

Public access is being restricted at four storm sewer outfalls surrounding the Department of Energy (DOE)-Kansas City Plant (KCP) near Bannister Road. On June 28, 2004, DOE posted cautionary signs at each outfall. Installation of a guard at outfall 002 was completed on Aug. 2, 2004. These measures were taken in response to historic polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) pollution.

The KCP manufactures electrical, mechanical, plastic and other non-nuclear components of nuclear weapons. PCBs were used in transformers, other electrical equipment, hydraulic oil, caulking compounds and elastic sealant due to their excellent properties as insulators, coolants, lubricants and because they are fire retardant. Over the years, a number of PCB spills and leaks occurred at the KCP. In 1969, about 900 gallons of a 1,500-gallon release entered the storm sewer system. In 1971, about 1,100 gallons were released to the ground near a storm water drain. Both of these spills released PCBs into Indian Creek.

The DOE routinely monitors the four storm sewer outfalls from the plant to the streams around the federal complex. Between 1982 and 1999, the outfalls were sampled for PCBs four times a year. Since 1999, the outfalls are sampled weekly. Fish at each of the outfalls are periodically sampled for bioaccumulation of PCBs and chlordane. PCB contamination has been detected at Outfalls 002 and 003. The PCBs detected at Outfall 002 are related to the former use of PCBs at the site. The PCBs detected at Outfall 003 are the type used in electrical transformers.

For more information, please contact Don Dicks of the department's Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3553.

MISSOURI TEAM PLACES 12th; BRINGS HOME DALE WATERMEIER EXTRA MILE AWARD AT ENVIROTHON

The Missouri Envirothon team, St. Charles West High School from St. Charles, placed 12th out of 51 teams at the North America Canon Envirothon held in Buckhannon, West Virginia.

St. Charles West High School Participating on the Missouri Envirothon team were Elizabeth Zerr, Catherine Polta, Dana Willbrand, Kaitlyn Faries and Melanie Veale. The sponsors were Russ Barton and Joan Twillman.

The North America Canon Envirothon is the largest high school environmental competition. Forty-four teams from the United States and seven Canadian provinces were represented at the annual event.

The weeklong competition, held July 26 through Aug. 1, included outdoor testing at soils, wildlife, aquatics and forestry stations. In addition, each team studied and presented a 20-minute solution to an assigned problem. This year's topic addressed conservation management in an urban environment.

The St. Charles West High School team received the highest score awarded to a Missouri team in the seven years Missouri has been involved in the competition. In addition, the team also received the Dale Watermeier Extra Mile Award. This award goes to one United States and one Canadian team that best exemplifies sportsmanship, team spirit and enthusiasm during the event. This was the first time Missouri has ever won this award.

The top three teams, Florida, Virginia and New Jersey, won college scholarships for each member of their teams. Awards also were given to the teams with the highest scores in each of the resource topics and for the oral presentation.

The North America Canon Envirothon is held at a different location each year. In 2005, Missouri will host this event in Springfield on the Southwest Missouri State University campus.

The Missouri Envirothon is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Employees Association, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Bass Pro Shops and a variety of other conservation partners.

For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Soil and Water Conservation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4932.

THOUSANDS VISIT DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES BUILDING AT THE MISSOURI STATE FAIR

During August, thousands of people came to see the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' exhibits, displays and entertainment at the 2004 Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.

Visitors were able to view displays about air, land and water issues to discover how the services offered by the department help improve Missouri's environment.

Visitors were able to talk with staff, pick up publications and take a break on recycled-plastic park benches on the front lawn. Some of the popular exhibits featured items made from recycled materials and a presentation of hidden camera videotapes showing people caught dumping trash illegally in Saline County. Interpreters gave special presentations on the front porch showing how water travels underground, examples of plants that can bother you and more.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources' employee, Bev Buschmann, is shown taking an environmental survey with a visitor to the department's exhibits at the 2004 Missouri State Fair. Fairgoers were asked for their opinion on ways to improve Missouri's natural resources.

The department conducted two public opinion surveys during the fair. Many visitors filled out comment cards on a wide range of topics, including numerous thanks to the department for the work they do.

Samples of the comments received include

• "This is our favorite building at the fair. Always informative!" - Kathy from Missouri
• "We appreciate what you do!" - Lana from Maryville
• "Good job. Neat displays. Very nice representatives from each department." - Juanita from Lexington
• "Seven years in a row. Great exhibit. We bring all our friends." - Alan from Florida
• "Excellent exhibition again at this years Missouri State Fair. Kudos to all the hardworking, generous employees of DNR. Look forward to seeing everyone next summer." - William from Sedalia

The historic Woman's Building, which is home to the Department's activities during the fair, is one of the most recognizable buildings on the fairgrounds. Attendance at the Department of Natural Resources' building was up this year. More than 26,000 people passed through the doors.

Dates for next year's Missouri State Fair are Aug. 11 through 21, 2005.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OFFERS SURVEY

The Department of Natural Resources' Missouri Environmental Management Partnership (MEMP) is asking citizens to fill out an online survey to evaluate the incentives associated with the program. This evaluation will be used to gain information about what organizations view as truly beneficial, meaningful incentives for facilities.

MEMP encourages businesses, local governments, state agencies, educational institutions and other organizations to improve their environmental performance by developing and implementing an environmental management system (EMS). Entry into the program is voluntary and an organization may withdraw at any time. Organizations have a variety of participation options to fit their specific situations. Generally recognized EMS criteria are required, including a commitment to regulatory compliance, continual improvement through performance-based objectives, and periodic review and evaluation of performance. The partnership offers a range of possible incentives including various forms of recognition, a single point of contact within the department, permitting incentives and
enforcement considerations.

A key EMS concept is continual improvement. This applies to the MEMP program as well. Information gathered through this survey process will be used to modify and enhance the program.

The survey is online and can be submitted anonymously. The survey seeks reactions to a wide range of possible incentives, provides an opportunity to suggest incentives that may not be included in the listing and allows comments to be made about the MEMP program. The survey will remain on the department's Web page indefinitely. However, results received by Dec. 1, 2004 will be more important in the on-going evaluation of the MEMP program.

Inquiries about the department's efforts to encourage EMS and the features of the MEMP program may be directed to the Outreach and Assistance Center-Environmental Assistance Office at 800-361-4827.

MISSOURI RUNS AHEAD OF THE PACK

July 19, 2004 commentary reprinted courtesy of The Hannibal Courier-Post

Forget baseball or football, the most popular sport in Missouri often seems to be pointing out the flaws of our fair state. However, let's give credit when credit is due our state government.

It was recently announced by Gov. Bob Holden that Missouri's plan outlining its preparations for and designed responses to disasters has won federal approval. Such a plan is mandated by the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which requires state governments to plan for potential hazards.

Missouri's standard plan was actually approved in May. However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency later determined that Missouri's plan actually meets the definition of an "enhanced" plan. In contrast, many states aren't even expected to submit a bare-bones plan by the Nov. 1 deadline.

A natural response to what sounds like nothing more than bureaucratic paper shuffling is probably: Big deal. However, it does indeed have the potential of being a big deal for Missourians.

By being at the head of the pack nationally in regard to receiving federal approval of its response plan, Missouri is eligible for more federal money for cleanup projects after a disaster - up to 20 percent of the cost, versus 7.5 percent for other states.

What does that mean in terms of dollars and cents? State Emergency Management Agency Director Jerry Uhlmann used the May 2003 tornado damage as an example. If it were to happen now, the federal funding would be $5.3 million rather than the $2 million that would be available under the basic plan.

Federal funding also goes toward projects such as preparing buildings for tornadoes and improvements in places like police stations and city halls.

By submitting a comprehensive plan in timely fashion, Missouri officials have the state poised to receive more critical assistance from the federal government when next a disaster strikes our state.

EPA SEEKS COMMENT ON PROPOSED PESTICIDE EMERGENCY EXEMPTION PROCESS RULE

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that would streamline the application and review process for pesticide emergency exemptions. The revisions would allow applicants for emergency exemptions (state and federal agencies) to

• generally re-certify that emergency conditions continue in the second and third years for certain repeat requests, thus eliminating the need for annual documentation; and
• use a loss-based approach to substantiate the "significance of economic losses" (the most commonly used criterion for demonstrating an emergency condition) rather than a comparison of revenues under the emergency to historical variations in revenues.

Both of these proposed revisions are currently being evaluated in a limited pilot program. The Federal Register notice was published on Sept. 3, and there is a 60-day public comment period. The revisions would reduce the burden to applicants and EPA, allow for quicker decisions by EPA and provide more consistent and fairer determinations of "significant economic loss" as the basis for an emergency. The proposed revisions do not affect the risk side of the assessment and decision. EPA has received significant input from government agencies and other stakeholders in the development of this proposal. Under Section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, EPA can authorize a state or federal agency to use an unregistered pesticide on an emergency basis and for a limited time. EPA evaluates a request for emergency exemption of a particular pesticide use to ensure that a pest-related emergency exists and that use of the product will be protective of human health and the environment.

MISSOURI MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FALSE STATEMENT ABOUT LEAD NOTIFICATION

Robert James of St. Louis pleaded guilty to making a false statement about lead notification to a government agency. According to court documents, James owned rental property in St. Louis that had a history of lead-based paint problems. In June 2000, the City of St. Louis inspected the defendant's property and issued a lead abatement order to him. The order, issued under the Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Act, required James to provide documentation to the EPA Region 7 Office of Regional Counsel indicating he had come into compliance. In October 2002, the defendant sent a letter to the Regional Counsel that falsely stated he was in compliance and he also sent other documentation falsely representing that he had provided a proper lead paint history to renters at his property.

At sentencing, James faces a maximum possible sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000. The plea was entered on July 28 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in St. Louis. The case was investigated by the St. Louis office of EPA's Criminal Investigation Division and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in St. Louis.

EPA AWARDS MORE THAN $185,000 FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANTS

EPA Region 7 has awarded 15 environmental education grants to develop new environmental education projects or improve existing ones. EPA received and reviewed 59 proposals from Region 7's four-state area of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

This is the 12th year environmental education grants have been available. The Environmental Education Grant Program awards grants up to $250,000. Recipients can receive up to $25,000 from the regional office. Grants over that amount are awarded by EPA headquarters in Washington. More information about the Environmental Education Grant Program is available at www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html.

Environmental education increases public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues and provides the skills to make informed decisions and take responsible actions.

Projects chosen in Missouri

Metropolitan Community and Economic Development, Kansas City - $22,320

This project will educate residents about health issues surrounding the environmental issues of lead poisoning, asbestos contamination and disposal of household chemicals and other agents. The focus will be to educate about 5,500 families by holding group forums and conducting experiential lab activities, teacher training sessions and parent/community outreach. The community will learn about basic ecological principles and how to identify issues facing urban communities.

Missouri Department of Agriculture, Jefferson City - $9,127

Jefferson City Farm Stewardship Field project will involve fourth-grade students in Jefferson City school districts to act as a Missouri farmer and face the daily decisions regarding the stewardship of natural resources in the production of the ingredients of a favorite student food: pizza. Educators will teach students the connection between environmental stewardship of local natural resources such as water and soil. This project will teach students about taking personal responsibility for the decisions they make regarding the environment. This educational activity will be a one-day event reaching about 675 fourth graders in the Jefferson City community.

World Bird Sanctuary, Valley Park - $2,076

World Bird Sanctuary will host a half-day workshop for local educators of grades K-12. This workshop will provide tools and resources to teachers to teach students about local environmental challenges and issues. Educators will be given resources to teach students about habitat restoration, reintroduction of endangered species, monitoring species population levels and enrichment of ecosystems to enhance bird reproduction.

YMCA of the Ozarks, Potosi - $7,784

This project will involve enhancing and expanding the existing environmental education programs at the YMCA. The YMCA will place informative educational signs on roads, walkways, trails and in buildings. The staff at the YMCA will add education displays in the nature center and dining room area. Environmental assessment equipment will be available for students and teachers to use in outdoor classrooms. Approximately 40,000 people will participate in YMCA programs throughout the year. The environmental education programs offered through the YMCA will provide opportunities for students, teachers and the community to learn more about forestry, prairies, streams, ponds and caves.

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ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The department's Environmental Emergency Response provides daily support and protection for the citizens of Missouri. On-scene coordinators are located throughout the state and available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to respond to hazardous substance spills. Some of the protection and services the department provides are:

• emergency response training and planning;
• advice on hazardous chemicals and technical expertise used to provide spill cleanup advice and oversight;
• coordinate private contractors to clean up hazardous material spills;
• ensure a proper environmental cleanup is completed;
• drug lab seizure assistance;
• Chemical Accident Prevention Program for businesses that use hazardous chemicals;
• Homeland security issues.

Environmental Emergency Response staff use specially designed vehicles that contain protective gear, air monitoring instruments, sampling equipment and spill cleanup equipment. The department's Environmental Emergency Response Team is funded from a hazardous waste generator fee. To report a hazardous substance spill call 573-634-2436.

DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO NORTH ST. LOUIS COUNTY ETHANOL SPILL

On August 10, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources immediately mobilized staff members of the Environmental Emergency Response team to the scene of an ethanol spill in north St. Louis County.

According to the department's on-scene coordinator, John Whitaker, work crews turned the damaged tanker truck upright and offloaded the ethanol remaining in the tanker. Crews recovered 1,800 gallons of ethanol from the damaged tanker truck. Following recovery efforts, the department determined that 4,600 gallons of ethanol was lost in a storm sewer and Watkins Creek. Watkins Creek drains directly into the Mississippi River just above the Chain of the Rocks Public Water Intake. The department notified a plant engineer with the Chain of the Rocks Water Intake as a precaution.

The Environmental Emergency Response staff and the Missouri Department of Conservation conducted a survey of the adjacent waterway. Initial reports indicated that a small fish kill had occurred, however, no additional waterway or fish kills have been reported. The department's Environmental Emergency Response staff continued to oversee site activities while the removal of contaminated soil proceeded.

CURA Emergency Services, on behalf of ADM Trucking, contacted the department's Environmental Emergency Response at 4 a.m. to report the incident. The ADM truck was pulling a tanker load of ethanol when it struck a guardrail along I-270 near the Lilac Road exit. Both lanes of I-270 were shut down while hazardous material crews addressed the incident.

ADM Trucking contracted with an environmental contractor to conduct the cleanup. The department remained on scene to provide technical assistance and oversight of the cleanup.

The department provides daily support and protection for the citizens of Missouri during environmental emergencies. The department's environmental emergency response system has on-scene coordinators located throughout the state and available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to respond to hazardous substance spills.

A hazardous waste generator fee funds the system. These fees, which were due to expire Jan. 1, were extended this legislative session until June 30, 2006.

For more information contact Renee Bungart with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4465 or visit the department's Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov.

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GRANTS AND LOANS

DEPARTMENT AWARDS $225,300 TO GREEN CITY

The Department of Natural Resources has awarded $225,300 to Green City to construct a water line for the purpose of purchasing water from Sullivan Public Water Supply District #1.

"This is great news for the citizens of Green City," said Jim Hull, director of the department's Water Protection Program. "This grant will help ensure that families in Green City continue to receive good, clean drinking water."

A bond issue approved by Missouri voters in 1998 funds the $225,300 grant. The bond provides funding for improvements to storm water, wastewater treatment and public drinking water systems. The department's Small Borrowers Loan Program and the Department of Economic Development's Community Development Block Grant Program will provide additional funding of the project.

For more information regarding this grant award, contact Shannon Pinkerton, of the Department of Natural Resources' Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Visit Calendar of Events at /calendar/search.do for a complete list of Department of Natural Resources' events through the end of the calendar year.

CLEAN WATER COMMISSION TO MEET SEPT. 29

The Clean Water Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Sept. 29, at the Doubletree Hotel, 1301 Wyandotte, Kansas City.

For more information, call the department's Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.

AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO MEET SEPT. 30

The Air Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Sept. 30 at the Holiday Inn Sports Complex, 1st Base Conference Room, 4011 Blue Ridge Cutoff, Kansas City.

For more information, call the department's Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.

HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION TO MEET SEPT. 30

The Hazardous Waste Management Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Sept. 30 at the department's Kansas City Regional Office, 500 NE Colburn Rd., Lee's Summit.

For more information, call the department's Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176.

SOLID WASTE ADVISORY BOARD TO MEET OCT. 6

The Solid Waste Advisory Board will hold a public meeting at 1 p.m., Oct. 6 at the Department of Natural Resources' Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.

For more information, call the department's Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.

WATER QUALITY COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO MEET OCT. 19

The Water Quality Coordinating Committee will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m. at the Columbia Environmental Research Center, Conference Building, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia.

For more information, call the department's Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-7428.

AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO MEET OCT. 28

The Air Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Oct. 28, at the Days Inn, Baldwin/Harvey Rooms, Highway 63 South, Kirksville.

For more information, call the department's Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.

WATER QUALITY COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO MEET OCT. 19

The Water Quality Coordinating Committee will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., Oct. 19, at the Columbia Environmental Research Center Conference Building.

For more information, call the department's Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-7428.

LAND RECLAMATION COMMISSION TO MEET NOV. 17

The Land Reclamation Commission will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., Nov. 17, at the Department of Natural Resources' Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.

For more information, call the department's Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4041.

INFRASTRUCTURE ASSET MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS SCHEDULED

Asset management can save water and sewer systems 15 to 40 percent of their capital improvement and operating costs compared to conventional planning and construction. That means user charge rates could be reduced by 15 to 40 percent for the same level of service users are now getting.

Unfortunately, water and sewer systems in the U.S. are already being underfunded. They are also being repaired and renewed too slowly to keep up with deterioration and growth. Between now and the year 2020, this cumulative shortfall will amount to about $750 billion.

Asset management is the best means of getting the most from our current and future water and sewer systems for the lowest life-cycle cost. "Asset management has the potential of saving millions of dollars annually in Missouri," said Steve Mahfood, director of the Department of Natural Resources. "At the same time, those systems will perform better and be more reliable than if they were managed in the conventional way."

Almost no systems in Missouri currently have such advanced asset management programs.

The Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Assistance Office is presenting asset management workshops around the state to prepare systems and their assistance providers for this challenge. The next workshop will be held Sept. 29 in Poplar Bluff.

Details and online registration for these workshops are available by calling 800-361-4827. All water and sewer systems and their assistance providers are encouraged to attend.

EMS TRAINING AND IMPLEMENTATION FOR BUSINESS

The department is one of several sponsors of training and facilitated environmental management system (EMS) implementation aimed at businesses. The sponsoring organizations are announcing quarterly training sessions to facilitate development of EMS by the employees of the businesses. The classes will provide step-by-step EMS implementation training. Following each class, employees of the business develop components of their EMS through "homework" assignments resulting in a complete EMS manual being prepared by the conclusion of the process.

Staff of the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa Waste Reduction Center, a university-based environmental training and assistance center, will present the class sessions. The classes were developed by the Iowa Waste Reduction Center with support to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to these two organizations and the department, Bridging the Gap, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas State University, Small Business Environmental Assistance Program are also supporting this effort.

The classes will be Dec. 8-9, 2004 and March 15-16, 2005. All of the sessions will be held at the Discovery Center in Kansas City. Final arrangements for the sessions are still being made.

Additional information is available through Daniela Heppard at the department's Environmental Assistance Office at 800-361-4827.

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RULES UPDATE

The Regulatory Agenda contains all environmental rule actions in progress and rule actions effective within the last three months within the Department of Natural Resources.

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.

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