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

NOVEMBER 2004

DEPARTMENT RELEASES 2004 STATE OF MISSOURI ENVIRONMENT REPORT

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has released a report on the current state of Missouri's natural, cultural, energy and historic resources.

The report, State of Missouri's Environment: Trends, Challenges and Achievements, provides a detailed look at the quality of Missouri's air, land and water as well as its natural, cultural, energy and historic resources. The report examines the many challenges that remain, such as the growing demand placed on water treatment and public drinking water systems, nonpoint source pollution, soil erosion and the loss of the waste tire fee, which funded cleanups of approximately 13 million waste tires in illegal dumps across Missouri.

"When considering the quality of Missouri's resources, we typically think of natural resources," said Steve Mahfood, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "But our cultural, energy and historic resources play a significant role in Missouri as well, particularly for our economy. This report details the role that state parks and historic preservation have played in generating revenue in Missouri and explores what we can do to support these important programs."

Research continues to link a clean environment to the overall health of the citizens that use these resources. Poor air quality, for example, has been shown to cause a variety of respiratory diseases, and impaired water quality not only poses a threat to the fish and wildlife it supports, but to citizens who may drink this water as well.

"Every Missouri citizen living in every corner of this state deserves safe water and clean air," said Mahfood. "Unfortunately, this hasn't always been the case. In the past, families in our large urban areas, for example, have had to keep children with asthma inside during much of the summer due to poor air quality. Homeowners near lead smelters have been forced to move due to lead contamination in their homes and yards. Those who once enjoyed taking a dip in the local creek now must consider run-off from many sources of pollution."

These natural, cultural, energy and historic issues must be addressed while Missouri strives to support a strong economy. The 2004 State of Missouri's Environment Report (PDF) is available on the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub1332.pdf. Because of the size of this document, some dial-up Internet users may not be able to access it. For a copy of the report on CD-ROM, contact the Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827.

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NEW SAND AND GRAVEL RULES WILL HELP PROTECT WATER QUALITY

The Department of Natural Resources will use new mining rules for sand and gravel mining. The department's Land Reclamation Program is responsible for permitting and inspecting operators throughout the life of their sand and gravel mining activities. 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 purpose of these new rules is to set standards to protect Missouri streams while allowing the extraction of sand and gravel resources from the stream environment," said Steve Mahfood, Missouri Department of Natural Resources director.

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 be left intact. This will aid in the control of erosion of the adjacent lands during high water events.

Commercial operators who extract and sell sand and gravel will be subject to this rulemaking. 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.

As each sand and gravel permit is renewed or issued over the next 12 months, the new standards will be incorporated into the permit.

The Land Reclamation Commission appointed a 44-member workgroup to draft these standards. 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. These standards have been published as rules through the Secretary of State. The new rule citations are 10 CSR 40-10.020 and 050 and became effective Oct. 1.

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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DEPARTMENT NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2005 RECYCLING GRANTS

The Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for grants to encourage waste reduction, recycling and energy recovery projects.

In 2003, Missouri diverted 45 percent of its waste from landfill disposal through reuse, recycling and composting. The department will award $1.5 million in grants for innovative projects in five targeted categories to reduce the amount of solid waste being disposed of in landfills and increase resource recovery. These projects are expected to generate jobs, create small businesses and protect the environment.

Financial assistance is available in these categories:

Electronics Reuse and Recycling - to encourage the local establishment of convenient and economical reuse and recycling opportunities or community collection events and other opportunities for electronic equipment. For the purposes of this grant, electronic equipment is defined as: televisions and monitors, computers; computer peripherals; audio/stereo equipment; VCRs; DVD players; video cameras; telephones; fax and copy machines; cellular phones; wireless devices; and video game consoles.

Organic Waste - to reduce the disposal of organic materials from all waste streams: industrial, commercial, institutional or residential. Financial assistance is available for projects that collect or process organic materials such as food waste, soiled paper, textiles, wood, yard waste and other organics from homes, institutions or businesses.

Major Appliance Reuse and Recycling Services - to establish or expand recycling or reuse collection options for major appliances such as clothes washers and dryers, water heaters, trash compactors, dishwashers, conventional ovens, ranges, stoves, wood stoves, air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers, particularly in areas of greatest need. Major appliances are banned from disposal in Missouri landfills and many parts of the state have limited collection services.

Innovative Targets - to provide opportunities for the development of unique and innovative waste reduction, market development or recycling projects that do not fit into one of the other target areas.

Recycling Centers - to expand opportunities for Missouri citizens to recycle easily and affordably. Financial assistance is available start up or expand local collections of recyclable materials.

All financial awards are subject to the State of Missouri's legislative appropriation process, availability of funds and authorization by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

A recycling grant workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Nov. 30 to assist anyone interested in applying for a grant. The workshop will be held at the department's conference center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.

For details on the 2005 targeted grant call, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp. Application packets and information may be obtained online from the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/financial/swmpfund.htm. Grant proposals and supporting documentation must be postmarked by 5 p.m., Dec. 31, to qualify for financial assistance.

For further information, please contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Solid Waste Management Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176, or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.

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AIR PROGRAM HOLDS HEARINGS ON FORT LEONARD WOOD OPERATING PERMIT

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Air Pollution Control Program held two public hearings on the draft Title V air pollution operating permit for U.S. Army MANSCEN and Fort Leonard Wood in order to hear testimony from interested parties. The permit addresses operating requirements for Fort Leonard Wood for all sources with the potential to produce regulated quantities of air pollutants.

During the public comment period, Missouri Coalition for the Environment requested that the department hold a hearing on the operating permit for Fort Leonard Wood. Working with the Coalition for the Environment and Fort Leonard Wood, the department scheduled two public hearings, the first on Oct. 20 in St. Louis and the second on Nov. 1 in Waynesville. Approximately 30 people provided testimony at the two hearings.

The program is now in the process of responding to both the comments received during the public comment period and those received at the hearings. The department will then make any necessary changes to the permit based on relevant comments. The department will then issue the permit to Fort Leonard Wood.

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

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DEPARTMENT AND EPA SEEK COMMENTS ON DRAFT PERMIT FOR SOLVENT RECOVERY CORPORATION

The Department of Natural Resources and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 have issued a draft hazardous waste permit to Solvent Recovery Corporation. Both agencies are inviting the public to review and comment on the draft permit until Dec. 10.

Solvent Recovery Corp. is an operating hazardous waste management facility located at 700 Mulberry St., Kansas City, Mo. The facility is a subsidiary of the Philip Services Corp.

Solvent Recovery Corp. transports and stores hazardous waste from several hazardous waste generators. The corporation is certified to handle most hazardous waste, other than dioxin or polychlorinated biphenyl greater than 50 parts per million. Certain hazardous waste is blended to produce supplemental fuels for energy recovery. Solvent Recovery Corp. brokers the hazardous waste that cannot be fuel blended and extracts paint and paint related wastes from collected containers for reuse.

A hazardous waste permit would allow Solvent Recovery Corp. to continue storing and treating hazardous wastes at the facility. A hazardous waste permit will also direct the ongoing corrective action issues that remain from historical releases.

A copy of the draft permit and supporting documents can be viewed and copied at Kansas City Public Library, 311 E. 12th St., or by appointment at the following offices:

Kansas City Regional Office
500 Northeast Colbern Rd.
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
Phone: 816-622-7000

Hazardous Waste Program
1738 E. Elm St. (Lower Level)
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-522-3345

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7
Information Resource Center
901 N. Fifth St.
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: (913) 551-7241

The department will review all written comments on the draft permit that are postmarked by Dec. 10. The draft permit is composed of two parts, the Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Facility (MHWMF) Part I and EPA Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) Part II. Please send written comments on:

(MHWMF Part I) to
Don Murphy
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Hazardous Waste Program
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176

(HSWA Part II) to
Stephanie Doolan
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 7
RCRA Permitting and Compliance Branch
901 N. Fifth St.
Kansas City, KS 66101

To request a public hearing on the draft permit, write to Don Murphy, at the above address, send a fax to 573-751-7869 or send an e-mail to don.murphy@dnr.mo.gov dated by Dec. 10. A request for a hearing must state what issues are to be raised in the hearing.
To receive future notices on any major permitting activities at the facility from the department or Solvent Recovery Corporation, call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3553 or write to Don Murphy. For more information on this draft permit, contact Don Murphy at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3553 or Stephanie Doolan at (913) 551-7631.

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MISSOURI DRINKING WATER MEETS LEAD REQUIREMENTS

Missouri drinking water does not contain the high levels of lead found in some other areas of the country, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Water Protection Program.

A recent Washington Post report alleged that many of the nation's largest drinking water utilities have tried to hide contamination and failed to correct problems. "That is not the case here in Missouri," says Darrell Osterhoudt, chief of the department's Public Drinking Water Branch. "We review the results of every lead test and ensure any problem is quickly resolved."

Lead is seldom found in drinking water sources, such as groundwater, lakes and rivers. Typically, the source of lead in drinking water is lead pipes and solder in household plumbing. The most common cause is corrosion from water containing dissolved oxygen, low pH and low mineral content. "We are fortunate that the water in Missouri is naturally non-corrosive," said Osterhoudt.
Lead solder used to hold copper pipes together was banned in the 1980s because it can leach into the water. The lead-free solder available now does not contribute lead to household water supplies.

Regulations require water supplies to initially collect samples twice a year from households most at risk for lead contamination, such as those with lead pipes, lead service lines or lead solder. If a system does not service any homes with lead pipes or solder, they are allowed to collect samples at homes with brass faucets containing lead alloys.

If the sample test results exceed the action level of 15 parts-per-billion in more than 10 percent of the homes tested, the supplier must test the source water for lead and conduct a public education program on reducing the impact of lead in the drinking water. The water system must also either install corrosion control treatment or do corrosion studies to determine and implement the best method of correcting the corrosive water problem.

According to the department's Annual Compliance Report, in 2003 less than one percent of Missouri's public water systems failed to meet initial lead and copper testing requirements. The department has taken action to ensure those systems are working to bring themselves back into compliance.

"We work very closely with water systems to make sure they know what is expected of them," said Osterhoudt. "We do everything we can to ensure there are minimal lead levels in Missouri's drinking water."

Public water supply customers can find out the results of their system's most recent lead test by reading the Consumer Confidence Report that systems publish each year by July 1. For a listing of systems that have their report posted on the Web, visit the department's Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/pub/dw-ccr.htm.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.

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ST. LOUIS CONVENTION CENTER HOTEL (RENAISSANCE GRAND HOTEL) CLEANUP COMPLETED

Renaissance Grand and Suites Hotel in St. Louis

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program (B/VCP) has issued a certificate of completion for the St. Louis Convention Center Hotel (Renaissance Grand Hotel) site in St. Louis for the cleanup of lead-based paint, asbestos and petroleum-contaminated soil.

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 "Certificate of Completion" from the state.

The St. Louis Convention Center Hotel (Renaissance Grand Hotel) started out as four separate parcels. The $292 million project consisted of rehabilitating two former hotel buildings, the Statler Hotel and the Lennox Hotel, both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the construction of a new 21-story hotel tower (the Grand Tower) connected to the Statler; and the construction of a Conference Center/Ballroom and an 873-space Parking Garage facility.

The project is rich in history. Washington Avenue rose to prominence in St. Louis in the 1870s as the city's garment district. The Statler Hotel was one of the grandest hotels in the city for over 40 years but by 1954 it had changed hands and fought to survive for several more decades. In 1987, after a fire of suspicious origin, the hotel closed for renovations that never took place. The Lennox served as the city's opulent roaring 20s hotel and social hot spot. The hotel experienced a decline as commerce and industry followed the flight of the urban population to the suburbs in the late 1960s. After a failed attempt to convert the hotel to apartments, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Agency took control of the Lennox in 1993 and turned it over to the city. Various small businesses occupied the remainder of the hotel, with most abandoning the area long before the rehabilitation of the hotels.

Renaissance Grand and Suites Hotel in St. Louis

This site totals 2.95 acres. The areas subject to remediation included the Statler Hotel, the Lennox and slightly over two acres of land earmarked for new construction. Contaminants addressed as part of the rehabilitation of the hotels included asbestos, lead-based paint, fluorescent fixture bulbs and ballasts. Asbestos abatement was conducted on all structures, and petroleum hydrocarbon and lead in the soils of the former underground storage tanks and electrical substations were cleaned up. In addition, a new product known as Maectite was used to treat lead-contaminated soil, reducing the cost of disposal.
The environmental issues were a significant challenge, but even more daunting was the prospect of rehabilitating the two historic buildings and constructing the new Grand Tower and the Conference Center/Ballroom within the design parameters allowed by federal and state Historic Preservation regulations.

The opening of the Renaissance Grand and Suites Hotel has created hundreds of local jobs and a new retail and entertainment area along Washington Avenue. This hotel is providing the catalyst for major economic development. Some examples of activities planned or underway immediately around the Renaissance Grand and Suites Hotel include

• the completed $48 million rehabilitation of the Merchandise Mart Building,
• the $38 million rehabilitation of the Old Post Office,
• the $17 million new streetscape and infrastructure improvement along Washington Avenue,
• several hundred new loft condominium and apartments.

Rennaissance Grand and Suites Hotel is the 2004 Phoenix Award winner for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 and was the location of the National Brownfields 2004 conference.

This project created 550 new jobs, with 300 more planned by 2006. Since this project used federal Empowerment Zone (EZ) funding, many of the new employees will be hired from within the economically distressed EZ areas. The company is providing good jobs with good pay and benefits, training and career advancement opportunities to people in this EZ area.

The completion of the Renaissance Grand and Suites Hotel into the St. Louis Convention Center Hotel is an impressive tale of preserving a significant part of St. Louis' history while cleaning up an environmental problem at the same time.

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

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DEPARTMENT COMPLETES MEMC ELECTRONIC MATERIALS INC. CLOSURE INSPECTION

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently completed a closure inspection of a hazardous waste management unit at MEMC Electronic Materials Inc., located at 501 Pearl Dr., St. Peters, Mo. The closure inspection indicated that closure activities at Storage Area # 8 were carried out according to the facility's approved closure plan. Low levels of residual contamination, well below the maximum allowed, were left in place. Because of this, a notice was placed on the property deed to inform future users of the property of the existence of this contamination.

The department is also finalizing the closure of Storage Area #7. Unlike Storage Area #8, there is no residual contamination left in place at Storage Area #7. The closure of Storage Area #7 will be complete as soon as the paperwork is finalized.

For more information, contact Dave Walker or Assem Abdul of the department' Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3553.

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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES URGES WASTE REDUCTION FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Careful planning during the purchase of holiday gifts can reduce the amount of related waste that ends up in the state's landfills, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. By following a few easy suggestions that focus on waste reduction, product reuse and recycling, consumers can be generous to both friends and family, and the environment.

To have an environmentally friendly holiday season, Missourians can:

• Buy gifts and products that are made of recycled materials. For example: clothing or other items made of recycled plastic bottles; or crafts and products made from scrap wood or reclaimed lumber.
• Buy toys that don't use batteries or buy rechargeable batteries to go with new electronic toys. Information on disposing of batteries is available on www.rbrc.org. Collection sites are often available at Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, Target, Sears, Black and Decker, Best Buy, Circuit City and Home Depot. Save gasoline, call before you make the trip.
• Consider buying fewer, but higher quality, durable goods to reduce waste. Low price doesn't always mean the best bargain. A higher priced item may last much longer and reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills.
• Buy living gifts. House plants, garden seeds or potted trees that can be transplanted in the spring. For a list of Missouri growers and nurseries, check www.midwestplants.com/ByState/Missouri/missouri.html.
• Give gifts grown, raised, made and marketed by your neighbors. Locally made gifts usually have less packaging and involve much less shipping. The Missouri Department of Agriculture lists Missouri products and where to find them on the Web at www.mda.state.mo.us/Market/c2l.htm.
• Give gifts friendly to the environment. For example, cloth napkins and tablecloths, cloth shopping bags, a recycled plastic compost bin, gift certificates to resale shops or an equipment rental store, lamps designed for compact fluorescent bulbs, lunch boxes, recycling bins or stationary made from recycled paper.
• Reduce waste by offering homemade food items or personal services as gifts, such as washing the family car, sweeping sidewalks, shoveling snow, or painting for elderly family members or neighbors.
• Reuse holiday wrapping, or use old maps or comic pages from the Sunday paper for wrapping gifts. Put gifts in decorative tins or boxes instead of throwaway wrapping materials. Use and reuse decorative gift bags.
• Recycle those unwanted gifts you received last year to a needy person or family. Donate nearly new items as gifts or donations to community service organizations.
• Use your imagination in trimming the tree or yard for the holidays. Take time to recondition strings of lights that may only need a few bulbs. Create ornaments out of items that can be painted or decorated for a new look.
• Recycle the Christmas tree. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has a fact sheet available on proper disposal of Christmas trees PDF on the Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub184.pdf. PDF To compensate for the harvest of your Christmas tree, arrange to plant a new tree next spring. Or, consider using a durable artificial tree. Try reusing old artificial trees in outdoor holiday displays or for feeding birds and wildlife.
• Recycle cardboard boxes or better yet, save boxes and bows for reuse next year. It can be a surprise to find that the gift inside is not what is pictured on the box.

For further information on waste reduction, reuse or recycling, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401 or visit our Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/.

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DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATES IN WORLD MONITORING DAY

At first, it seemed like a nice way to help celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act: set aside October 18 as National Water Monitoring Day. That year, (2002) more than 75,000 people across the nation participated in water quality monitoring, educational outreach opportunities, river cleanups and water festivals. In Missouri, 720 people joined the effort, volunteering their time and monitoring 95 sites.

The national event proved so popular that America's Clean Water Foundation took the project to the next level with World Monitoring Day in 2003. People all over the planet participated in monitoring their local watersheds and entering their findings into an international database. Volunteers examined four key elements: dissolved oxygen, pH, water clarity and temperature.

This year, the first annual Regional Clean Water Celebration was held at the St. Louis Science Center. A variety of area groups including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, environmental groups, business interests and others offered hands-on educational activities as part of World Monitoring Day. Colleen Meredith, Anne Peery and Priscilla Stotts represented the department's Water Protection Program. Their presentations and exhibits covered how soil erosion affects water turbidity, how volunteers can measure for turbidity, how people can become involved with watershed protection, and included an Enviroscape demonstration.

The Clean Water Celebration provided an overview of regional water resource protection efforts to approximately 300 teachers, students and interested public. The celebration offered an opportunity for an in-depth look at groundwater, drinking water and wastewater protection efforts. The Missouri Stream Team Program was honored and recognized for its work with volunteers to help keep the state's water clean. All the activities on World Monitoring Day are designed to help increase public awareness and encourage involvement to help improve water quality around the world.

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

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WATERSHED COMMITTEE OF THE OZARKS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF WATERSHED PROTECTION

The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks (WCO) formed in 1984 as a partnership between the city of Springfield, Greene County and City Utilities of Springfield. This citizen-based governing board works to raise awareness and protect the drinking water supplies for residents in Greene County. Many of the successful programs like the "Show Me Clean Yards and Neighborhoods," Valley Mill Lake Recreation and Learning Center and exhibits at the Springfield Discovery Center have been duplicated in other cities across the state.

Some of the group's accomplishments:

• Developed an inventory of karst features in Greene County and incorporated the data into a geographic information system
• Organized regional conferences to bring citizens and professionals together to discuss watershed management
• Brokered a memorandum of agreement between the department and Greene County concerning protocols and responses to pollution incidents.
• Worked with scores of agricultural producers and land developers to incorporate Best Management Practices.
• Developed plans and raised funding for the Watershed Learning Center, which will be a premiere education and demonstration facility at Valley Water Mill.

This grassroots organization is dedicated to protecting Springfield's water resources and has been widely honored and applauded for its efforts. In 2000, they received the Governor's Pollution Prevention Award for using innovative source water protection techniques in the development of a residential subdivision in the Fulbright Spring Recharge Area.

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AUTUMN POSES YARD WASTE DISPOSAL CHALLENGE

The crunch of crisp leaves underfoot and gutters to clean at the roofline are signals of autumn. Unfortunately, it also presents a problem: what to do with all those leaves? Yard waste is banned from Missouri landfills, so bagging and trashing those leaves is not an option.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources would like to encourage those with yard waste, leaves and grass clippings to first consider composting at home or at a local composting site. The department has information about composting available on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/composting/compost1.htm. You also can learn how to build a composting bin system PDF. For building directions visit www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub214.pdf. PDF

If you live in an area with no yard waste collection services you may consider turning to open burning. Residents should contact their local governments for information on open burning regulations in their communities. Some communities forbid open burning of yard waste because it emits large quantities of air pollution.

Open burning creates very fine particulate matter or soot. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this soot can irritate the eyes and upper respiratory system, causing coughing, teary eyes, runny nose and sneezing, in the short term, for all persons in the area. For a person with allergies or asthma, working or playing near the burning could be harmful. Grass clippings pose an even greater hazard, as many release natural toxins when burned.

For more information about statewide regulations on open burning and alternatives to burning, visit the department's Facts on Open Burning Under Missouri Regulations PDF available on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2047.pdf PDF or go to EPA's site at www.epa.gov/region07/programs/artd/air/rules/missouri/10-3030.pdf. PDF You also can contact the Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827.

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$660,000 TO RESEARCH GRANTS ANNOUNCED FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $660,000 to 66 student teams for the 2004-2005 academic year to research and develop sustainable designs through the People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) competition. Sustainable development allows communities to grow economically while preserving natural resources for future generations. Students will design solutions that both benefit the environment and are not prohibitively expensive.

Many businesses are already recognizing that it is to their benefit to protect the ecosystems that supply the sources of their materials and markets. Additionally, the less hazardous waste produced, the less time and resources the company expends on cleanup. A number of computer and automobile manufacturers are using less toxic materials in manufacturing, creating products that use less energy and have longer life spans and planning for parts to be reused or recycled.

"As our planet's resources are limited, moving our society towards sustainable development is imperative," said Dr. Paul Gilman, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Research and Development. "I'm pleased to say that many companies are already doing this. The P3 awards give the next generation of scientists and engineers the opportunity to move the United States further toward sustainability through their innovation and creativity. Sustainable practices create jobs and make wise use of resources."

The P3 national student design competition was launched in January 2004. More than 40 partners in the federal government, industry and scientific and professional societies provide support. Projects focus areas include

• green buildings and sustainable construction materials
• biodiesel production and use
• drinking water quality and supply
• alternative energy sources and fuel cells
• urban redevelopment and
• green chemistry.

In May 2005, all teams will be invited to bring their designs to Washington, D.C., to compete for the P3 Award. The National Academy of Engineering will convene a panel of judges for the competition. Winners will be eligible for additional funding to implement their project in the field and move the design to the marketplace.

EPA is now accepting applications from student teams for the 2005 P3 competition. The deadline for receipt of applications is Jan. 27, 2005. A list of P3 national student design competition teams is available at http://es.epa.gov/ncer/p3/projects/index.html. More information about the awards and the 2005 competition can be found at http://www.epa.gov/P3 .

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EPA AWARDS NEARLY $50,000 IN EVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GRANTS FOR KANSAS CITY AND OMAHA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 has awarded two Environmental Justice research grants in Kansas City and Omaha. This money will support projects that examine issues related to a community's exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks.

The Environmental Justice Hazardous Substances Research Small Grants provide financial assistance to eligible affected local community-based organizations. The research projects are designed to expand scientific knowledge or understanding of the subject studied.

Environmental Justice is the fair treatment of all races, cultures and incomes with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws and policies.

Projects selected are:

• Bridging The Gap, Inc., Kansas City, Mo.
  $24,910
  To research a selected community's perspective on litter and its effects on safety, health, cleanliness and economic development.
• Chicano Awareness Center, Omaha, Neb.
  $24,973
  To complete a community research assessment by gathering data on knowledge and awareness of lead poisoning in a predominantly Latino community in south Omaha.

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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.

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MERCURY SPILL AT A PRIVATE RESIDENCE IN LAFAYETTE COUNTY
On Saturday, Oct. 09, the Chief from Odessa Fire Department called the Environmental Emergency Response (EER) Section to report that mercury had been spilled inside a private residence in Odessa. A child had reportedly found a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff) in the house and had broken the device in a bedroom, spilling the mercury onto a mattress, bedding materials, clothing and carpeting.

The fire department evacuated the owners of the home and their seven children as a precaution. The EER Duty Officer spoke with the owner and advised him to remain out of the home until air monitoring could be conducted. The owner was advised to isolate the room from the rest of the house and instructed on proper ventilation procedures.

State On-Scene Coordinators from the department's Kansas City Regional Office and Environmental Services Program were dispatched to the residence on Sunday morning. High mercury vapor readings were noted in the bedroom and liquid mercury was noted in many locations. EER Section staff used a specialized vacuum with HEPA filters to remove as much liquid mercury as possible. Further direction was given to apply heat in the bedroom to elevate the temperature to assist in volatilizing the mercury and continue ventilation procedures. The homeowner also agreed to remain out of his home until Wednesday.

EER staff and a Federal On-Scene Coordinator from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency returned to the home and conducted air monitoring on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Mercury vapors were still elevated in the bedroom and now were present in several rooms and common areas in the house. EPA agreed to take the lead on the situation and initiated a full cleanup of the house starting Thursday, Oct. 14.

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

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TANKER TRUCK OF HAZARDOUS WASTE OVERTURNS IN CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY

Airbags are used to upright an overturned tanker truck in Cape Girardeau County that had been carrying 6,000 gallons of ignitable hazardous waste in route to Lone Star Cement Kiln for disposal.

The Cape Girardeau County 911 Center notified the department's Environmental Emergency Response (EER) Section on Monday, Oct. 18, of an accident involving a tanker truck carrying 6,000 gallons of ignitable hazardous waste. The tanker truck, owned by Sumter Transportation of Benton, Ark., left the roadway and overturned within ¼ mile of its destination, Lone Star Cement Kiln near Cape Girardeau.
The responding fire department was concerned about the potential impact to a nearby drinking water intake on the Mississippi River and requested support from the EER Section. A State On-Scene Coordinator from the Southeast Regional Office was dispatched to the scene to provide technical assistance.

The hazardous waste on the tanker truck consisted of styrene, acetone, xylene, toulene and perchloroethylene. An empty tanker was brought to the scene and the damaged tanker was successfully off-loaded without any release of hazardous waste to the environment. After the damaged tanker was righted, it was transported to Lone Star Cement Kiln where all residual material was removed for final disposal.

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

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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.

TARGETED GRANTS WORKSHOP TO BE HELD NOV. 30
The department's Solid Waste Management Program will host an application workshop for anyone interested in applying for part of $1.5 million in targeted waste diversion and recycling grants for 2005.

The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at the Department of Natural Resources Conference Center, Roaring River Room, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.

Grant awards will be made in five categories. Deadline for applications is Dec. 31, 2004. To learn more about this grant call, check the department's Web pages at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/financial/2005targetgrantpressrelease.htm or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.

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SOLID WASTE ADVISORY BOARD TO MEET DEC. 1
The Missouri Solid Waste Advisory Board will hold a public meeting at 1 p.m., Dec. 1 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.

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AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO MEET DEC. 9
The Missouri Air Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Dec. 9 at the Governor Office Building, 200 Madison St., Jefferson City.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.

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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.

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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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ENERGY CENTER HOSTS WIND ENERGY WORKING GROUP TELECONFERENCES
The Energy Center will hold a Wind Energy Working Group teleconference on Jan. 14, 2005. Anyone interested in wind energy issues is welcome to participate. There is no charge. The teleconferences will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Host sites are located around the state.

For more information and a list of host sites, call the department's Energy Center at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-2254.

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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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