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

OCTOBER 2004

WASHINGTON CO. TIRE DUMP CLEANED UP

110,000 Tires Removed

Missouri State and Washington County officials met recently at a cleaned up waste tire site just north of Potosi on Highway 21. Representatives from the Missouri departments of Natural Resources, Corrections and the Attorney General's Office gathered at the invitation of State Rep. Belinda Harris to inspect the site and celebrate the removal of 110,000 waste tires from the local environment. The University of Missouri-Columbia will use these tires to generate electricity.

Funding for waste tire cleanups in Missouri ceased when the state's 50-cent-per-tire fee on new tire sales expired on Jan. 1, 2004. While virtually unopposed in the legislature, the tire fee was not renewed during the 2003 or 2004 sessions. There will remain 3.4 million tires scattered across Missouri's landscapes in illegal dumps that the department can not clean up without funding.

The site near Potosi, known as the Williamson/Redd site, was cleaned up with monies remaining in the Department of Natural Resources' Waste Tire Fund. The remaining money is also being used to clean up waste tire sites previously reported to the department under an amnesty program that allowed property owners with tire sites to receive a break on the cleanup costs. This money will be spent by early next year.

Waste tires are used to generate electricity and by products like playground material. More than 75 percent of waste tires in Missouri are used to generate electricity. The Department of Natural Resources determined recently that industries such as cement kilns and power generation facilities currently can use 218,000 tons of tire-derived fuel per year. This equates roughly to 21.8 million tires per year. Missouri motorists discard more than 5 million tires each year. To date, The Department of Natural Resources and its partners have cleaned up nearly 13 million waste tires from across Missouri's roadsides and communities. These tires have been processed into tire-derived fuel or crumb rubber, which is recycled into other products.

For further information on the department's waste tire cleanup efforts, please call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401 or check the Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/aldp/swmp.

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PUBLIC DRINKING WATER BRANCH DEVELOPS NEW COMPLIANCE STRATEGY

The department's Public Drinking Water Branch has developed a new approach to enforcing safe drinking water regulations. A Negotiated Settlement Agreement process has been developed to help bring negligent water systems back into compliance.

"With the promulgation of new drinking water rules, the Public Drinking Water Branch must realign its enforcement strategies to deal with violations and reduce the number of repeat violators in a more efficient manner," said John MacEachen, Public Drinking Water Branch Enforcement Unit Chief. "Our foremost priority is ensuring all public water supplies are providing safe, high-quality drinking water."

The negotiated settlement agreement requires the water system to commit to a schedule of corrective actions to deal with the violations and come back into compliance. The agreement will also set a dollar amount the water system will have to pay to the state as a penalty. The system will be required to pay a portion, generally 10 percent, when the agreement is finalized. The remainder of the penalty will be suspended as long as the system is adhering to the compliance schedule. The penalty may be set aside upon successful completion of the terms of the agreement and continuing compliance with regulatory requirements.

If the water system continues to fail to comply with drinking water regulations, the matter may be referred to the Missouri Attorney General's Office for possible litigation.

Missouri is fortunate that most of its groundwater is naturally safe to drink. It doesn't have some of the major issues other states have, such as the high lead levels that occur in the northeastern United States. The biggest issue with Missouri Public water systems is sampling violations.

The department requires all public water systems to test for bacteria at least once a month to verify that these systems are providing safe drinking water to the public. While failing to monitor does not necessarily mean that the water is unsafe, routine testing is a crucial part of maintaining a safe water supply.

The vast majority of community and non-community public water systems in Missouri comply with all monitoring requirements and meet all drinking water standards. In 2003, 95 percent of the population served by public water supplies received water that met all health requirements.

"We work closely with water systems to make sure any problems are addressed quickly, and long-term solutions are in place to protect the health of Missouri's citizens," said MacEachen.

For more information on public drinking water systems, call John MacEachen of the Department of Natural Resources at
800-361-4827 or 573-526-8157.

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NEW SAND AND GRAVEL RULES WILL HELP PROTECT WATER QUALITY

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will use a new set of standards for sand and gravel mining. The purpose of these new rules is to set a standard to protect Missouri streams while extracting sand and gravel resources from the stream environment. The new rule citations are 10 CSR 40-10.020 and 050 and became effective Oct. 1, 2004.

The department's Land Reclamation Program is charged with permitting and inspecting operators throughout the life of their sand and gravel mining activities. In order for the department to be consistent, fair and impartial in performing these tasks, a set of standards are needed to implement the law. While there is some disagreement about whether or not such mining in Missouri streams should be allowed, there is general consensus among both the industry and environmental groups that fair and consistent standards are needed.

The new rule requires that operators stay out of the flowing water of a stream so that aquatic life is not disturbed and requires that the stream dynamics of the water movement not be altered. The rule also requires that the protective bank vegetation will be left intact. This will aid in the control of erosion of the adjacent lands during high water events.

Sand and gravel mining is frequently conducted in Missouri streams, particularly in the southern portion of the state where this resource is plentiful and readily accessible. Unfortunately, improper extraction of these minerals can reduce water quality, impair stream resources for aquatic life, and destabilize the streambed and banks. The destabilization of bed and banks can also lead to damages to public infrastructure such as bridges and private property.

There are no federal rules regarding stream protection standards for gravel mining, although there are provision of the Clean Water Act that do apply to degradation of streams. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers originally implemented sand and gravel regulation, based on that Act. However, a federal lawsuit in the late 1990s altered the Corps jurisdiction under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and they can no longer regulate the simple extraction of gravel. The court decision by the U. S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia resulted in the ruling that the incidental redeposit of dredged material in "waters of the United States" does not require a Section 404 permit (American Mining Congress v. United States Army Corps of Engineers, No. 93-1754). In other words, a permit from the Corps is no longer required if an operator removes material from a stream channel or wetland and no material other than "incidental redeposit" is placed below the ordinary high water mark or in regulated wetlands. Incidental deposit is that material that may fall back into the water from the machinery used to dredge it out. The rule that once regulated this activity is commonly referred to as the "Tulloch Rule."

Private landowners that mine these products for personal use are exempt from the law. Two other exemptions include the military and any political subdivision. These exemptions allow sand and gravel mining without a permit, and without regulatory review by the department's Land Reclamation Program. From the agency perspective, the exempt mining activities may often damage stream environments. This damage can include erosion of the stream banks, head cutting upstream and sedimentation downstream. As a result of erosion, wildlife habitat is impacted, and adjacent land is often impacted.

As each sand and gravel permit is renewed or issued over the next twelve months, the new standards will be incorporated into the permit.

The Land Reclamation Commission appointed a 44-member workgroup to draft these rules. The workgroup included representatives from industry, concerned environmental organizations, public citizens, members of the legislature and staff, representatives of public agencies, local governments and landowners.

What would happen without these rules?

In the short term the department and the industry have already experienced the effects of not having rules that outline stream protection standards. The industry has given testimony in both legislative and public hearings stating that operators currently have a variety of stream protection targets, depending on when their permit was issued, which inspector reviewed the application, comments from landowners and the public, etc. The industry prefers that stream protection standards be written into rule so that all operators have the same expectations of stream protection, and so that when new sites are contemplated, the operator knows up front what the stream protection goal will be and how to implement it.

In the long term it is unknown what the effects of sand and gravel extraction from the stream environment will be. We have seen many sites where there are no apparent effects, yet some sites have resulted in permanent damage to streams, such as head cutting, bank destabilization, and downstream sedimentation. The desire for the long term is that proper and consistent stream protection will leave Missouri streams intact for future generations to enjoy.

Who is affected by the rulemaking?

Commercial operators who extract and sell sand and gravel will be subject to this rulemaking. Landowners who extract the product for their own use and political subdivisions that extract product with their own equipment and personnel are both exempt by statute. This rulemaking will not impact their exemptions.

The department's Land Reclamation Program coordinated with the Water Protection Program during the course of the development of the rules and has worked closely with them to assure the rule does not conflict with that program's requirements. The Water Protection Program's requirements are separate from and in addition to the requirements set forth in the Land Reclamation Act and the Land Reclamation Commission's regulations.

Landowners and the public at large will benefit from standards of stream protection that will be implemented throughout the sand and gravel extraction industry. The operators themselves will also benefit by having published standards by which they can plan their business operations. They will not need to negotiate standards in order to make plans.

For more information on the new Sand and Gravel Rules, contact the department's Land Reclamation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4041.

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NEW LAW CHANGES MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES' RULEMAKING PROCESS

The 2004 Legislators passed House Bill 980 and was signed by the Governor. The bill added new steps for the Department of Natural Resources to follow when considering new or revised regulations.

House Bill 980 requires the department to submit a regulatory impact report for those new or amended regulations that set or define environmental standards or conditions. The impact report evaluates the effects of the new regulations and is to compare the probable environmental and economic benefits and costs. The new law adds a 60-day public comment period on the report prior to the official filing of a proposed regulation with the Secretary of State. This new comment period is in addition to the current public participation process that starts following publication of the proposed regulation in the Missouri Register. The law applies to some programs within the Department of Natural Resources.

The department actively involves stakeholders in the development of draft regulations. The department is committed to ensuring the public is aware of environmental issues in their community and has already been fulfilling many of the procedures detailed in the bill. The additional public participation time period, while lengthening the rule development process, strengthens the department's commitment to openness to every point of view.

Those applying for environmental permits from the department will notice a minor difference in the permitting process. For more information on the department's permitting and rulemaking process visit the department's regulatory agenda Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/regs/index.html or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-6892.

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DEPARTMENT IMPLEMENTS NEW ASBESTOS REGULATIONS

On Oct. 1, 2004, several important changes to the state's asbestos regulations became effective. These changes include new notification, inspection and contractor requirements for asbestos abatement projects.

The revised regulations include new notification requirements for asbestos projects. The regulations codify the department's ten working day notification requirement for asbestos projects. The regulations also have additional requirements for project amendments and emergency project notifications. The department also requires that asbestos abatement contractors submit post-notification for their projects within 60 days of completion.

For contractors, there are also new requirements. The department now requires that asbestos abatement contractors submit their registration renewals two months in advance. Therefore, the department must receive renewals by April 30 each year. The new regulations also set forth the department's requirement for contractors to use only Missouri-certified workers on projects. In order for workers to become certified, the department is now requiring all individuals pass the Missouri Asbestos Exam before receiving their initial certification. Since significant changes have been made to the asbestos regulations, this test will be required for all individuals before they can renew their certifications this year.

Contractors are also required to maintain certain information on-site at all asbestos projects. This information includes proof of contractor registration with the department, proof of department certification and photo identification for all workers and the most recent air monitoring results for the project.

The final significant change to the regulations is that the department will now collect a $100 fee for each inspection of a regulated asbestos project. The department may assess this fee up to three times per project. Additional inspections will be done free of charge.

For more information on the changes to the asbestos regulations, contact the Compliance/Enforcement Section of the Air Pollution Control Program at 573-751-4817 or 800-361-4827. More information is also available at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp/Asbestos.htm.

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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 three 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

• Central Industrial Park, Kansas City
• Route 66 Business Park, Pacific
• Fairgrounds Park Central Fieldhouse, St. Louis

The Central Industrial Park site in Kansas City received a Certificate of Completion from the B/VCP after construction of an asphalt cap over soil contaminated with diesel fuel. The site, located in the West Bottoms district of Kansas City was part of a railroad fueling and maintenance complex dating back to the early 1900s. K.C. West Bottoms, L.L.C., entered the 1.5-acre site into the B/VCP in 2001 for oversight of site characterization and cap construction. Redevelopment of the site incorporated a large parking area for use as an engineered barrier to prevent exposure to remaining petroleum contamination in the soils.

Upon completion, the entire 200-acre Central Industrial Park will consist of several large warehouse and light industrial operations. The Central Industrial Park is part of Kansas City's larger effort to redevelop the once thriving West Bottoms District. Other recently completed B/VCP projects in this district include the Faultless Starch development and the construction of the Butler Manufacturing World Headquarters.

The Route 66 Business Park site in Pacific received a Certificate of Completion from the B/VCP after abatement of asbestos-containing material from the site. The site once contained a concrete plant and a furniture stripping business, among other small businesses, that were demolished as part of site redevelopment. Route 66 Business Park, LLC, entered the 16-acre site into the B/VCP in February 2004 for oversight of site characterization and remediation. The site is planned for redevelopment as an industrial park.

The Fairgrounds Park Central Fieldhouse site in St. Louis received a Certificate of Completion from the B/VCP after remediating soils contaminated with petroleum from an underground heating oil tank. The fieldhouse lies at the edge of the lake in the middle of Fairgrounds Park at the intersection of North Grand and Natural Bridge Roads. The city of St. Louis entered the one-acre site into the B/VCP in October 1997 for oversight of site characterization and remediation. The site is to remain as a public park owned by the city.

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

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DEPARTMENT OFFERS LOW-INTEREST DRINKING WATER LOANS

The Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program. The SRF program makes low-interest loans to community and not-for-profit non-community water systems. The interest rate on a drinking water SRF loan is approximately 70 percent below that of a conventional loan.

The Missouri Safe Drinking Water Commission recently approved criteria for prioritizing projects under the drinking water SRF program. The criteria establish a point system used by the department to rank loan applicants. The approval of the priority criteria marks the beginning of the eighth season of the Missouri drinking water SRF program.

In the first seven years of the drinking water state revolving fund, the department has committed approximately $156 million to 39 water systems for improvements to drinking water treatment, storage and distribution.

The department will accept applications for drinking water SRF loans from water systems until Nov. 15. Applications and copies of the criteria are available from the department's Water Protection Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176, or by calling the program at 573-522-1803 or the department toll-free at 800-361-4827. The application, instructions and the priority ranking criteria can be downloaded at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/srf/srf-app_guid.htm.

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HAZARDOUS WASTE INTERIM COMMITTEE TOURS FACILITIES

On Sept. 2-3, 2004, the Joint Committee on Restructuring Fees Paid by Hazardous Waste Generators and Hazardous Waste Facilities toured several Missouri hazardous waste facilities. The joint "interim" committee spent Thursday, Sept. 2 in southeast Missouri at the St. Francois County Mine Sites and Lone Star Industries Inc. The hazardous waste interim committee is comprised of Representatives Merrill Townley, chairman (R), Mike Dethrow (R), Belinda Harris (D), Steve Hobbs (R) and Rachel Bringer (D) along with Senators Joan Bray (D), John Cauthorn (R), Pat Doughtery (D), John Griesheimer (R), and John Russell (R).

Several of the department's Environmental Emergency Responders spoke with the interim committee members at a meeting in Lone Star's Auditorium after the tour. On Friday, Sept. 3, 2004, the interim committee traveled northeast Missouri and toured the BASF Corp. Hannibal Plant, Continental Cement Co., L.L.C., and Holcim (US) Incorporation/Energis, L.L.C.

The interim committee plans to meet sometime in the next few months to examine the present hazardous waste fee structure. The committee will present their recommendation on restructuring the fees to the Governor and the General Assembly by Dec. 31, 2004.
For more information, please contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176.

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CONDITIONALLY EXEMPT SMALL QUANTITY GENERATOR RULEMAKING WORKGROUP MEETINGS UNDERWAY

The Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) Rulemaking Workgroup held its first meeting on July 27, 2004. The workgroup, organized by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, is developing a rule allowing for greater freedom for the collection and treatment of CESQG waste. Thirty-six workgroup members attended the initial meeting. These members included department staff; household hazardous waste facilities; treatment, storage and disposal facilities; small business associations; and other interested parties. Most attendees were very favorable toward the concept of the new rule.

A second meeting was held Aug. 17, 2004, in Jefferson City. Twenty-eight workgroup members attended. This meeting was used to discuss and come to an agreement on possible requirements for the new rule. The workgroup decided to allow the Department of Natural Resources to begin drafting the rule for the workgroup to review and edit.

The next meeting will be held in October to discuss the department's first draft of the new rule. For more information, contact Darleen Groner of the Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3553 or visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/cesqg/CESQG_workgroup.htm.

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PHOENIX AWARDS PRESENTED AT BROWNFIELDS CONFERENCE

St. Louis hotel wins 2004 Phoenix Award

The Phoenix AwardT Executive Committee is proud to announce that the Renaissance Grand and Suites Hotel in St. Louis is one of the Phoenix AwardT winners for 2004 for excellence in Brownfield redevelopment.

Renaissance Grand and Suites Hotel, St. Louis, receives 2004 Phoenix Award (Left to right) Stephen Johnson, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Ronald Silverman with Renaissance Grand and Suites Hotel; Jim Gulliford, Regional Administrator for EPA Region VII; and Steve Mahood, Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources

The project includes the renovation of two landmark hotels in addition to substantial new construction. The Renaissance Grand and Suites Hotel is located next door to America's Center. This downtown property is one of many renovations of and expansions to historic buildings. A team headed by the developer, Historic Restoration, Inc. of New Orleans, the City of St. Louis, the State of Missouri, Kimberly-Clark and Marriott Hotels developed the 918-room convention headquarters hotel in downtown St. Louis. The public-private partnership opened in February 2003.

The project participants were honored at an awards ceremony during Brownfields 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri, Sept. 20-22, 2004. These 14 winning projects created or retained over 21,426 jobs, and remediated and redeveloped 1,391 acres of contaminated land.

Stephen Johnson, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Stephen Mahfood, Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, co-hosted the award ceremony at the Brownfields environmental conference with over 4,000 registrants. The Phoenix AwardsT Grand Prize was awarded to Atlantic Station, Atlanta, Georgia. Chicago Manufacturing Campus, Chicago, Illinois was the 1st Runner up Winner and Pionierpark, Muehlheim, Germany won the People's Choice Award. The People's Choice Award is presented to the project that receives the most votes from conference attendees.

The 2004 Phoenix Award winners represent outstanding Brownfields projects from each of the 10 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regions and the International community. This year, three Community Impact Award winners were honored. The 2004 winners are:

• EPA Region 1: Bay Street Project, Dorchester, Massachusetts
• EPA Region 2: Yonkers Public Library Project, Yonkers, New York
• EPA Region 3: Mingo County Wood Products Industrial Park, Mingo County, West Virginia
• EPA Region 4: Atlantic Station, Atlanta, Georgia
• EPA Region 5: Chicago Manufacturing Campus, Chicago, Illinois
• EPA Region 6: Cimarron Center Redevelopment Project, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
• EPA Region 7: Renaissance Grand and Suites Hotels, St. Louis, Missouri
• EPA Region 8: Belmar Urban Center, Lakewood, Colorado
• EPA Region 9: Rio Nuevo North Redevelopment Project, Tucson, Arizona
• EPA Region 10: Terminal 18 Redevelopment Project, Seattle, Washington
• Community Impact Winner: The Home of the Innocents, Louisville, Kentucky
• Community Impact Winner: Battle Monument Area Brownfields Redevelopment Project, Trenton, New Jersey
• Community Impact Winner: Oakland Habitat for Humanity Housing, Oakland, California
• International Award Winner: Pionierpark, Muehlheim, Germany

Created in 1997, this prestigious award honors individuals and groups who are working to solve the critical environmental challenge of transforming abandoned industrial areas into productive new uses. The Phoenix AwardsT are widely recognized as the outstanding award for achievement of excellence in Brownfield redevelopment, and often are called "the Brownfields equivalent of Hollywood's Oscar."

The awards are open to any individual, group, company, organization, government body or agency. Criteria for The Phoenix AwardsT focus on the magnitude of the project, innovative techniques, solutions to regulatory issues and impact upon the community. A panel of environmental professionals and business, academic and government leaders select the winners.
To learn more information about The Phoenix AwardsT, visit www.phoenixawards.org.

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CALLING ALL CATTLEMEN: YOU COULD BE A WINNER

Environmental Award Program Celebrates its 15th Year

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) is currently accepting applications for the 15th annual Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). The deadline for applications is March 4, 2005.

"We're very excited about how popular this award program has become, and how many exceptional cattle operations apply each year from across the country," says Megan Tipton, program director with NCBA. "This is the best way for producers to showcase innovative stewardship practices on today's progressive farms and ranches. Every year, more and more cattle producers are actively using inventive technologies to further protect and improve the environment. Environmental stewardship and good business have always gone hand-in-hand, and we are proud to recognize today's modern pioneers."

Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, and USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the Environmental Stewardship Program recognizes cattle producers who use innovative practices to protect and enhance natural resources while maintaining or increasing the profitability of their businesses. Nominees compete for one of seven regional awards based on their state of residency. The seven regional winners then compete for the national award.

"I want to send a message to all producers across the country this fall: if you've neglected to enter in the past, this is the year to take the time out of your busy schedule and apply- or nominate an operation you believe exemplifies true stewardship practices," says NCBA President and Kansas producer Jan Lyons. "The ESAP award has inspired many operations in our industry to try new techniques used by the winners, and it continues to exhibit to the world how cattle families who live off the land are the original, true environmentalists."

"It looks like this year's program will be another highly competitive contest-so I am advising all interested parties to get their nomination applications in the mail as soon as possible. They do take some extended time and effort." says Tipton.

The ESAP nomination application is available online at hill.beef.org/esap, or you can contact Megan Tipton in NCBA's Washington D.C. to request a copy of the application, at (202) 347-0228 or mtipton@beef.org. 

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) is the largest organization representing America's cattle industry. Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the industry leader in education, influencing public policy to improve producer profitability and in preserving the industry's heritage and future. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

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EPA CHIEF BRINGS $300,000 TO SPRINGFIELD FOR WORK ON BROWNFIELDS

EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt visited Springfield to present a $300,000 brownfields assessment grant to Mayor Tom Carlson.

The grant will be used for environmental assessments of possible hazardous substances and petroleum on properties in Springfield's former industrial corridor, which is associated with the city's acquisition for the Jordan Valley Park project.

"The City of Springfield is a brownfield success story in every way we define the word success," Leavitt said, calling the city's program a story of community success, political success and national success.

A brownfield site is real property that might be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

The 6 p.m. presentation at the East Plaza of Jordan Valley Park was followed by a brief tour of the Jordan Valley Park project's National Hockey League regulation ice rink.

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SOLID WASTE INFORMATION DELIVERED AROUND THE CLOCK

Through the Web, the department operates a 24/7 information delivery system online that allows citizens to find answers to questions about air, land and water issues as well as register people in state park campsites or report illegal dumping. The department is consistently among the top five state agencies in the number of "hits" that its Internet sites receive from the public.
Within the department's Solid Waste Management Program, these hits, or Internet contacts have been monitored for more than five years. Although a hit doesn't always mean that someone has spent time to go through the information pages in detail, they indicate trends or seasonal subjects that interest people. Paying attention to this data helps improve the quality of information offered to the public.

Among state agencies, the departments of conservation, education and revenue record millions of hits. The Department of Natural Resources logged 1,872,124 Internet contacts during the month of August 2004, ranking third among state agencies. The department hits increased by 30 percent over 2003 monthly totals. The Solid Waste Management Program saw a 60 percent increase in the same time frame.

The program's Web site hits increased at an average rate of 1,096 additional hits per month over that period. The department's contacts, many for state park business or copies of maps, increased at an average rate of 38,612 hits per month.

Total Solid Waste Management Program hits from 1999 to 2003 have increased from 25,314 to 64,120. Hits in 2004 have reached 237,735 by late September due in part to public attention being called to new information pages on waste tire issuess, statewide recycling services, recycling locations for electronics waste and additional solid waste issues.

Review of the top 10 information pages hit between August 2003 and August 2004 shows some seasonal trends. In the spring, the information on reusing plastic bottles as hummingbird feeders moves to the top of the list. As children leave school in early summer, there are more hits on the "kids pages." Consistently attracting attention among the top 10 are pages on using worms to reduce household food wastes, pages describing landfill facilities and information on proper disposal of waste tires.

For further information on the Solid Waste Management Program, check the Web pages at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp or the department at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Department staff will help find the answers to your questions about waste management issues.

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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.

RADIATION SOURCE DISCOVERED IN PEMISCOT COUNTY

On Monday, Aug. 23, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services requested assistance from the Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Emergency Response (EER) Section regarding the discovery of a radiological source at McCoy's Salvage Company in Caruthersville. A State On-Scene Coordinator from the department's Southeast Regional Office was dispatched to the scene to investigate.

Military aircraft turbine engine containing the radioisotope, magnesium thorium, that was discovered at a salvage yard in Caruthersville.

The owner of the salvage yard was informed of the radiological source after a truckload of scrap metal was rejected by a recycling facility in Tennessee. Upon investigation, the radiological source was determined to be part of a military aircraft turbine engine. It was further determined that the aircraft engine was from the Blytheville Air Force Base located in Blytheville, Ark., which had been closed for ten years. The salvage yard owner was unsure when the aircraft engine had been acquired.

The EER coordinated activities with the Missouri National Guard 7th Civil Support Team. Although the levels of radiation were relatively low, the exact radioisotope causing the concern was unknown. With assistance from the military, it was determined that the radioisotope was magnesium thorium and arrangements were made to recover the engine and transport it to a military installation in Rock Island, Illinois.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Services Program at 800-361-4827 or
573-526-3315.

DEPARTMENT STAFF PARTICIPATE IN KICKOFF OF NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH AT CAPITOL

Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge declared September to be National Preparedness Month. Secretary Ridge asked states to highlight the importance of individual emergency preparedness.

Environmental Emergency Response vehicle and equipment displayed on the Capitol lawn on Sept. 9, 2004, to kickoff National Preparedness Month.

The kickoff of National Prepared Month in Missouri was sponsored by the Citizen's Corp Council and was conducted Sept. 9, on the lawn of the state Capitol. The Citizen's Corp Council is a dedicated group working at the local level to coordinate and increase citizen participation to help them better prepare themselves, their families and their communities on emergency preparedness issues. To date, Missouri has 41 local Citizen Corps Councils serving 48 percent of the state population.

Staff from the department's Environmental Emergency Response (EER) Section participated in the event and hosted an interactive display along with twenty other public and voluntary organizations. The EER Section had their emergency response vehicle on display as well as a variety of technical equipment that could be used in a homeland/terrorism-related event.

Gov. Holden was the featured speaker during the informative day of activities. Tim Daniel, director of Missouri's Office of Homeland Security, said, "We are using today's events and the month of September to emphasize to all Missourians the importance of being prepared for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools."

For more information about homeland security issues, visit the Office of Homeland Security's Web site at ready.missouri.gov.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Services Program at 800-361-4827 or
573-526-3315.

TAMPERING OF DRINKING WATER SUPPLY IN MILLER

On Sept. 27, the City of Miller contacted the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Southwest Regional Office regarding a possible tampering event with the city's water supply.

City officials observed that the lock on the water tower door had been broken off by an unknown person(s) during the previous weekend. The water system was immediately removed from service as a precaution.

Regional office and Environmental Emergency Response (EER) personnel responded to the scene to provide technical assistance. State On-Scene Coordinators scaled the 180-foot water tower with personal protective equipment, sampling devices and sample containers. Several water samples were collected from the reservoir and were immediately transported to the department's State Environmental Laboratory for analysis.

Results of the laboratory analysis were all negative for chemical and bacterial constituents. The system was placed back into service Sept. 29. A backup water supply system was utilized during the interim causing no disruption of service to city residents.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Services Program at 800-361-4827 or
573-526-3315.

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GRANTS AND LOANS

DEPARTMENT AWARDS $28,510 TO PROTECT DRINKING WATER RESERVOIRS IN MONROE, PIKE AND
HARRISON COUNTIES

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $28,510 to Missouri communities through the Conservation Reserve and Enhancement Program (CREP).

Through CREP, farmers volunteer to convert cropland in drinking water watersheds to grasses, trees and other vegetation for a period of 15 years. During this period, crops will not be grown on the land, reducing the amount of pesticides, sediment and nutrients entering drinking water reservoirs.

Planting forest buffers and filter strips on the banks of streams and rivers filters runoff water, reduces soil erosion and the risk of pathogens entering public water supplies, and improves landowner nutrient reduction goals.

Communities receiving funds in exchange for retiring cropland include:

• Monroe City, $2,959, to retire 30 acres
• City of Bowling Green, $9,646, to retire 87 acres
• City of Bethany, $15,905, to retire 211 acres

The money will be used in conjunction with payments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
For more information, call Don Scott of the department's Water Protection Program at 573-751-5331 or toll free at 800-361-4827.

DEPARTMENT GRANT WILL HELP IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI

The Department of Natural Resources has granted an initial award of $35,725 to the Greene County Commission, Resource Management Department (GCCRMD) for the Ward Branch Preservation, Restoration and Enhancement project in southwest Missouri. This award covers the first year of a four-year grant project totaling $164,250. The Greene County Commission will provide a matching contribution of $109,500 over the life of the project, bringing the total cost of the project to $273,750.

The project will demonstrate effective stream stabilization techniques to protect against scour and erosion. Riparian corridor restoration measures, such as the planting of trees and establishing grass filters along the stream channel will also help address water quality problems. Successful stabilization of the stream channel and restoration of the riparian corridor will result in a reduction of sediment discharges and nutrient loading to the Ward Branch tributary.

"Greene County is actively looking for new ways to reduce the impact of urban water pollution," said Department of Natural Resources Director Steve Mahfood. "By awarding this grant, we are able to recognize, applaud and reward their efforts."

The Ward Branch tributary, located in the James River Watershed in southern Greene County, has experienced rapid urbanization over the past 20 years. Development of the watershed continues at a rapid pace. As a result, some area waters suffer from increased sediment discharges from severe stream bank instability and altered hydrology.

"The Greene County Commission, along with its partners, realizes the importance of protecting this watershed," said Mahfood. "Putting these practices into use now means residents will be able to enjoy natural green spaces, cleaner streams and better water quality in the future."

The grant will be used to support stream assessment and stream restoration practice demonstrations using bioengineering designs. An educational program will be developed to help residents learn about urban water quality. "These grant dollars will help support wise decision-making at the local level," said Mahfood. Meetings, workshops, brochures and reports will be presented to developers, contractors, regulators, community leaders and design professionals on the importance of protecting and restoring urban stream channels and riparian corridors. A multi-disciplinary team of technical experts will be assembled to design, install and make recommendations to Greene County about practical bio-engineering solutions that could be used to address future stream problems.

Contributing partners in the project include Greene County Resource Management, Springfield-Greene County Park Department, Ozark Greenways Land Trust, City of Springfield, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Southwest Missouri State University, James River Basin Partnership and Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. "The best efforts are always collaborations," said Mahfood. "These types of partnerships are critical to our state's well-being and vital to our water protection efforts"

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, has provided partial funding for this project under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The department will administer the funds.

For more information, contact GCCRMD administrator Timothy Smith at 417-868-4015, or John Johnson with the department's Water Protection Program at 573-522-2740.

DEPARTMENT AWARDS $1.45 MILLION TO BRUSH CREEK SEWER DISTRICT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

The Department of Natural Resources has awarded two grants totaling $1.45 million to the Brush Creek Sewer District in Franklin County.

The state's 40 Percent Construction Grant Program will provide $1 million for wastewater infrastructure construction. The Rural Sewer Grant will contribute $450,000 for construction costs. The grant dollars will be combined with additional funds from the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Grant and Loan Programs for the construction of the wastewater collection system.

The construction will consist of gravity and force main sewer lines and lift stations that will provide centralized sewage collection in a previously 'unserved' area. Approximately 575 connections, serving 800 people, will be made to the collection system.

"The construction project will benefit the environment as well as the people who live in the area," said Steve Mahfood, Department of Natural Resources director. "These grant dollars will help us improve water quality for many area residents. Improving our infrastructure helps us protect the environment. People in Missouri understand that these types of environmental issues are really quality of life issues.

Funding for the state's 40 Percent Construction Grant and Rural Sewer Grant programs is made available from the sale of state water pollution control bonds.

For more information contact David Overhoff, Water Protection Program, at 800-361-4827 or 573-522-3008.

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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.

AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO MEET OCT. 28

The Missouri Air Conservation Commission public hearing scheduled for Oct. 28 at the Days Inn in Kirksville has been moved to the Governors Room of Truman State University, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m.

Those attending the commission meeting will need a parking tag to park within the university complex. For parking tags, please contact Carolyn Cox with the Truman State University, Department of Safety at 660-785-7400.

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

SOLID WASTE ADVISORY BOARD TO MEET NOV. 3

The Solid Waste Advisory Board will hold a public meeting at 1 p.m., Nov. 3 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 NOV. 16

The Water Quality Coordinating Committee will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m. at the Governor Office Building, 200 Madison St., Jefferson City.

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 Land Reclamation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4041.

HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION TO MEET DEC. 15

The Hazardous Waste Management Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Dec. 15 at the department's Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.

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

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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