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

DECEMBER 2004

DEVELOPMENT OF THE ST. LOUIS 8-HOUR OZONE AND PM2.5 PLAN

Stakeholders information available on the Web

On Sept. 23, 2004, Illinois and Missouri held an initial meeting for the development of the St. Louis State Implementation Plans (SIP) for the eight-hour ozone and PM2.5 standards. The purpose of the meeting was to assemble and introduce all the local stakeholders that will be involved with the development of these SIPs and present how the development process was going to be organized. The discussion focused on several essential items, including the major steps involved in the preparation of the SIPs and the progress made to date. During the planning process, two technical workgroups formed, the Modeling and Data Analysis Workgroup and the Control Strategy Workgroup, to aid in the development of the attainment demonstration and control strategies for the area.

A state develops a State Implementation Plan to outline how the state will attain or maintain the primary and secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set forth in section 109 of the Clean Air Act and 40 CFR 50.4-12. The plan must contain federally enforceable control measures and strategies that demonstrate how each area, designated as nonattainment for one or more of the NAAQS, will attain and maintain the standards. After the SIP is developed, the state submits it to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the Clean Air Act, EPA must review the plan and any subsequent revisions to the plan and approve them.

The Modeling and Data Analysis Workgroup met on Dec. 14, 2004 and will hold its next meeting Jan. 25, 2005. The meeting will be held in East-West Gateway's Board Room in St. Louis. The next Control Strategy Workgroup meeting will be held during the first week of January. The meeting will be held in East-West Gateway's Board Room in St. Louis.

Agendas will be posted on the department's Web pages at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp/sipworkgrp/sipgrpmain.htm approximately a week before the meeting. Past minutes, handouts, presentations and more information about the development of the SIP are also available online.

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

DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS PUBLIC COMMENT ON BOONE COUNTY
GRINDSTONE/WAL-MART PROJECT

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources held a public hearing on Dec. 13 on the Grindstone Plaza, LLC, application for a 401 Certification related to the proposed construction of a commercial shopping center near Hinkson Creek in Columbia. The department accepted comments from the public both for and against the project.

Before proceeding with the project, Grindstone Plaza, LLC, must receive a 401 Water Quality Certification from the department as well as a 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The 401 Certification is how the state verifies that the project will not violate water quality standards. The department works with the applicants to avoid and minimize impacts to waters and wetlands.

In the original application, THF Grindstone Plaza Development, LLC, proposed to impact 1,386 linear feet of an unnamed tributary of Hinkson Creek. Since the original public notice, the project's impacts to the unnamed tributary have been substantially reduced, now totaling 976 feet. Of this impact, 605 feet will be impacted by retaining walls to preserve the natural streambed. Approximately 371 feet will be impacted by new construction, primarily piped stream crossings. Fill material will be obtained on-site for the construction of a parking area and a portion of Gray Oak Drive for the development of a proposed commercial shopping center: Grindstone Plaza. The development will include a Wal-Mart Super Center as well as other retail businesses, office and residential buildings. The Corps issued a public notice on May 10, 2004, for the permit application that includes on-site storm water detention. Storm water may be detained off-site by a proposed regional detention basin. In any event, storm sewer inlet filters will be installed to treat storm water runoff from the site to address water quality concerns in this watershed.

The project is located in an unnamed tributary of Hinkson Creek in Section 30, Township 48 north, Range 12 west in Boone County on the north side of Grindstone Parkway (Route AC) between Green Meadows Road and Rock Quarry Road in the city of Columbia.

Oral comments were received at the public hearing on Dec. 13. Written comments were accepted until Dec. 20. The department will carefully weigh all input before making a final decision on the permit.

For more information or to receive a copy of the application, contact the department's Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.

back to top

SOME MISSOURI PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES FAIL TO TEST WATER QUALITY

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has released a list of drinking water systems that have chronically failed to perform required bacteriological testing.

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

The systems included on this list have at least three major monitoring violations in a 12-month period. Months when these systems failed to collect at least one routine sample are given for the interval from August 2003 to September 2004; other monitoring violations may have occurred previously. Recent bacteriological results and any maximum contaminant level (MCL) violations in the system's history since 1992 are listed under the specific system.

"It is imperative that these systems monitor the quality of the water they are providing," said Department of Natural Resources' Director Steve Mahfood. "Testing drinking water is the only way to ensure its safety."

Bacteriological testing can be the first step in identifying and correcting a problem. The next step is to investigate the cause of any bad samples and perform corrective action, such as disinfecting and flushing the system. When a public water system has both a record of failure to monitor and a history of MCL violations, this may raise concerns about the unknown quality of the drinking water. Failing to monitor can result in ongoing bacteriological problems. Often, informing the public of the system's chronic failure to monitor will prompt a system to routinely submit samples.

The vast majority of community and non-community public water systems in Missouri complies with all monitoring requirements and meets all drinking water standards. Chronic violators are the exception rather than the rule, as this current list of 35 systems represents only 1.3 percent of the approximately 2,700 public drinking water systems in Missouri.

These systems' owners have been sent multiple violation notices in addition to certified letters informing them that chronic failure to monitor is unacceptable. Representatives of the Department of Natural Resources also routinely make on-site inspections and attempt to reach an agreement with the responsible parties to ensure sampling requirements will be met. If these parties continue to fail to comply with Missouri's drinking water law, more stringent enforcement action is pursued through legal channels.

The type of bacteria monitored is called total coliform bacteria. Although these are common in the environment and generally not harmful by themselves, they do indicate the water may be contaminated with organisms that can cause disease. Disease symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, possible jaundice and associated headaches and fatigue. The presence of these bacteria can result from a number of problems. These could be due to an improperly constructed or deteriorating well, inadequate water treatment, or contamination in the distribution system, including water towers and the mains that distribute the water.

If a sample tests positive for total coliform bacteria, further testing is then performed for fecal coliform or E. coli, bacteria which can directly cause gastrointestinal illness. Most samples that test positive for total coliform test negative for fecal coliform or E. coli. The total coliform positive samples that are listed tested negative for fecal coliform or E. coli unless specifically stated otherwise.

Counties with systems listed are presented in alphabetical order. Systems are given in alphabetical order within each county. Unless otherwise noted, these establishments are open year-round. The cities and counties are given as location references only. Counties with several systems listed have a large number of public water systems, most of which are in compliance with drinking water regulations.

To view the violators list, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/chronic/3Qchronic.pdf.

For more information, contact the department's Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-8309.

back to top

EXTEND THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT, "TREECYCLE" YOUR HOLIDAY TREE

As the holidays begin to unwind, it's time to consider what to do with your Christmas tree. If it is a natural tree, it can only stand around just so long before the needles start falling and it becomes a fire hazard. If it is a metallic or plastic tree that appears worn out by one too many Christmas parties, it might be time to "treecycle."

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' How to Dispose of Christmas Trees brochure has several tips on how to reuse a natural Christmas tree or find a beneficial use for an artificial tree after the holiday ends.

With a little imagination, retired trees of each type can be used to extend the Christmas spirit. Since January 1992, it has been illegal to dispose of natural Christmas trees in landfills. Lights, glass ornaments, tinsel and other decorations should be completely removed before starting a "treecycle" project.

• To help out your neighborhood birds and wildlife, set the old tree up in the backyard as a banquet table. Hanging edible decorations such as suet, peanut butter balls, ears of corn or clusters of birdseed may attract a colorful and entertaining gathering of birds and squirrels to your backyard. The tree will still be waste material in the spring, but you can squeeze a little use from it before it has to go to the chipper.
• Weighed down by stone, a collection of trees at the bottom of a pond can benefit fish habitat by providing cover for small fish and places for their food species to cling until feeding time.
• If you have the room, you may discard natural trees to create brush piles. Stacked trees can provide shelter against winter winds and ice for small animals and birds. Over time, brush piles break down and decay into compost that can enrich the soil. You can speed up the composting process by running the tree through a chipper and using the mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture and reduce water use in the summer.

Many communities offer a Christmas tree collection and chipping service after Christmas. Check with your local government or your solid waste management district for the location and schedules of these services. For district contact names and numbers visit the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/swab/PLANLIST.pdf, or call the department's Solid Waste Management Program at 573-751-5401.

Although artificial trees last much longer, disposal is more difficult. Ultimately a worn out artificial tree must go to a landfill. Or you may want to consider using it as an outdoor Christmas lighting decoration next year.

For copies of the How to Dispose of Christmas Trees brochure, contact the department's Outreach and Assistance Center by calling 800-361-4827 or visit the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pubs.htm.

For more information on recycling or other solid waste management issues, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp.

back to top

PUBLIC AWARENESS SESSION FOR A PROPOSED SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL AREA IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will hold a public awareness session Monday, Jan. 10, 2005, from 6 p.m.
until 8 p.m. at Blanchette Park Auditorium, 1900 Randolph, St. Charles.

The department will discuss the disposal area permitting process for the proposed disposal site known as the St. Charles Quarry, LLC located near the Missouri River. The department also will display and discuss the issues the department reviews as well as those not reviewed. Representatives from the department's Solid Waste Management Program, St. Louis Regional Office and Geologic Survey and Resource Assessment Division will be available to answer questions.

People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling 800-361-4827
or 573-751-5401 two weeks before the meeting. Hearing-impaired individuals may contact the program through Relay Missouri
at 800-735-2966.

For more information contact Steven Wyatt, of the department's Solid Waste Management Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65101-0176 or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401. For more information on site investigations, please contact the department's Geologic Survey and Resource Assessment Division at 573-368-2161.

back to top

MISSOURI RISK-BASED CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKGROUP WORKS ON RULES FOR CLEANING UP HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources oversees response and remediation actions at over 2,000 contaminated sites in Missouri. Many more sites are being evaluated or are as yet unknown to the department. We are currently working on guidance documents and training to adopt risk-based cleanup procedures on hazardous waste sites.

The purpose and value behind adopting Risk-based Corrective Action is to provide a policy for remediation decisions that facilitates the constructive use of contaminated sites by protecting human health and the environment in the context of future site use.

Because of the tremendous interest in this task, the department is working with many people who represent other agencies, industries and organizations through a formal stakeholder workgroup. The development of a policy is still an evolving process.

In order to help in the development process, the department is providing access to stakeholder workgroup information on the World Wide Web. A stakeholder Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/mrbca/mrbca.htm contains links to

• Documents
• Workgroup updates
• Meeting calendars
• Long Term Stewardship
• Institutional Controls
• Activity Use Limitations
• Rules, Regulations and Laws
• Previous and proposed meeting agendas, minutes and handouts and
• Data spreadsheets, presentations and more.

For more information, call the department's Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176 or visit the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp.

back to top

APPLICATION RECEIVED FOR TRANSFER STATION IN McDONALD COUNTY

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has received an application from G. T. Management, LLC to construct the McDonald County Transfer Station. The proposed site is located east of Highway 71 on Little Missouri Hollow Road, south of Jane in McDonald County.

The proposed transfer station would be used to receive non-hazardous municipal solid waste, demolition and construction waste and commercial waste. The waste would be transferred from collection trucks to larger carriers and then transferred to a permitted solid waste disposal facility.

The Department of Natural Resources reviews all applications submitted by cities, counties and private owners to ensure that solid waste transfer stations are properly designed and constructed. Other technical factors that protect Missouri's environment are also examined.

The department has placed a copy of the permit application package in the McDonald County Library, 808 Bailey, Pineville, Mo., for public review.

Questions and comments regarding the proposed transfer station or the department's role in regulating solid waste transfer stations may be sent to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Solid Waste Management Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or call Steven Wyatt at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401. For more information on solid waste issues, visit the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp.

back to top

DEPARTMENT HELPS MOUNTAIN VIEW GET NEW WASTEWATER
TREATMENT FACILITY

To start from scratch and have a new wastewater treatment facility built and operational in three years (three years and two weeks, to be exact) is quite an accomplishment.

But, that's just what happened when staff from the department's Water Protection Program met with Mountain View city officials in November 2000 to discuss their needs regarding funding for water, wastewater and storm water improvements. At that time, officials indicated that their current wastewater treatment plant was a continuing cause for concern. Unfortunately, those worries became reality when the facility malfunctioned on July, 5, 2001. Roughly 50,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater threatened the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways and groundwater supplies in the area. Although the city had applied for emergency funding from Department of Economic Development to work on its immediate problems, city officials were reluctant to pursue other department funding, citing the time delays involved. Department staff quickly responded to explain options and clear up any misunderstandings about the time element involved.

"Our staff worked with the city and coordinated with all other agencies to ensure that their short-term and long-term problems were resolved effectively," said Department Director, Steve Mahfood. "This project shows how quickly we can move when everyone works together. That includes city personnel, consultants, contractors and the Department of Natural Resources," he said. "Admittedly, there were some bumps in the road, but we pulled together and overcame all the obstacles."

The city retained Scott Consulting Engineers to develop a facility plan and design the improvements. Officials also began educating residents about wastewater issues and problems. That hard work paid off when voters overwhelmingly approved a $3.5 million bond issue on Nov. 6, 2001. The department issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the project on June 28, 2002 and a construction permit on Nov. 21, 2002. The construction contract was awarded to McClanahan Construction Company and work began on Feb. 10, 2003. The new wastewater treatment plant was up and running on July 19, 2004.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.

back to top

DEPARTMENT HOSTS 56TH ANNUAL SOIL AND WATER TRAINING CONFERENCE

"The Road to Conservation" was the theme that drew 745 people to Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach for the annual soil and water conservation districts training conference held Nov. 29-Dec. 1.

The annual conference is coordinated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Soil and Water Conservation Program in partnership with the Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

The emphasis for the 56th annual training conference focused on the diversity of Missouri's resources and agriculture and how differences in resources and farming practices require a range of soil and water conservation solutions. Elizabeth Brown, chair of the state's Soil and Water Districts Commission, welcomed the group with remarks centered on the theme. Keynote speaker Scott Greenberg emphasized belief in self and making good choices as ways to overcome challenges.

The conference is a yearly event that brings supervisors together to focus on training needs. This year's workshops included a special emphasis on the commission's planing efforts. The commission is making a special effort to gather input from all over the state as it completes its new long-range plan. Other workshop topics ranged from maintaining watershed records, information about the Sunshine Law, county planning, the latest on NRCS programs, audits, nutrient and pest management policy changes, working with elected officials, the Fair Labor Standards Act, coordinating AgNPS SALT projects with stream team activities, and new ideas for district information and education programs.

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

back to top

NEW GRANTS TO REDUCE LEAD POISONING IN HIGH-RISK COMMUNITIES

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making available $750,000 to prevent lead-based paint related poisoning in high-risk areas. Under a new competitive lead grant program, the agency will provide funding to communities having high rates of elevated blood-lead levels, as well as to communities where there are conditions associated with elevated blood-lead levels. This new grant program supports the federal goal to eliminate lead poisoning in children by 2010. The incidence of childhood lead poisoning has been reduced by half since the early 1990s. Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning because of their metabolism and hand-to-mouth activity. Lead can cause a number of neurological problems and learning disabilities in young children.

State and local governments, Federally-recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal consortia, territories, institutions of higher learning and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must represent communities with historical and likely incidences of elevated blood lead levels. Proposals should include ways to address unique and challenging issues in lead-poisoning prevention, particularly ones that could be replicated in other high-risk areas. Applicants should submit written applications on plain paper to regional lead contacts. Decisions will be made on the basis of this informal application; successful applicants will then be required to submit the full application. EPA intends to award individual grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. The grantees will be announced in April 2005.

More information about the proposal process, the new competitive lead grant program and measures to prevent lead poisoning is available at: www.epa.gov/lead.

back to top

SCHOOLS JOIN EPA TO IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY FOR MILLIONS OF CHILDREN

Working with EPA to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for millions of American school children, more than
500 school representatives and health, technical and environmental experts participated in EPA's 5th Annual Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools National Symposium held Dec. 2 through 4, 2004, in Washington D.C. At a national awards ceremony, EPA recognized schools and individuals from across the country for efforts to protect indoor air quality for kids at school. EPA invited hundreds of local school officials from across the country to discuss the basics of how to identify and resolve indoor environmental problems in schools.

"Children spend a significant amount of time in schools," said EPA Assistant Administrator Jeff Holmstead. "We want to ensure that our nation's schools are free of indoor environmental pollutants and irritants that may affect the health and productivity of students and staff. Schools that have implemented Indoor Air Quality improvements as recommended by our Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Program continue to see positive results."

Indoors, factors such as mold, mildew, dust, animal dander, radon, secondhand smoke, asbestos and formaldehyde can affect indoor air quality and trigger various allergies and asthma. Asthma alone accounts for 14 million missed school days each year. The rate of asthma in young children has risen by 160 percent in the last 15 years, and today one out of every 13 school-age children has asthma.

At the Symposium, EPA announced 22 schools and school districts that have implemented exemplary Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) programs and honored them with the IAQ Tools for Schools Excellence Award. These award winners have implemented effective programs in their schools ranging from designing a new school building free of toxins and other hazards to developing district-wide policies for continuous training and maintenance. EPA honored individuals and schools from 13 states. A complete list of awardees is available at www.epa.gov/iaq/schools.

back to top

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.

EER STAFF HELP SCHOOLS CLEANUP SCIENCE LAB CHEMICALS

Hands-on laboratory experiences to reinforce classroom instruction have always been important in teaching young people about science. Many schools, however, have problems when it comes to proper storage and handling of science lab chemicals. With 524 public school districts in Missouri, encompassing 573 high schools, 52 junior high schools and 289 middle schools, coupled with over 50 years of doing "business," it's plain to see the potential for substantial collections of science lab chemicals is great.

In today's world it is also vitally important to help educate teachers and administrators to make their schools safer and
more secure.

The Center for Safe Schools, made possible through funding from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is an entity located within the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Among the center's many important tasks is to help make schools a safer place for kids to learn. Late in 2003, the center conducted a survey and found out that more than 1,300 different chemicals are being stored at Missouri public schools. The types of chemicals included corrosive materials, highly reactive compounds, unstable substances, poisons, radioactive materials and compressed gas cylinders.

In spring 2004, a pilot project was developed to gain a better understanding of this problem. For the purposes of the pilot project, schools were divided into two categories: urban and rural. The Kansas City Regional Household Hazardous Waste Center handled the urban phase of project while the department's Environmental Emergency Response staff was responsible for the rural phase.

The Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority provided $15,000 to dispose of science lab chemical for three
rural schools. The schools selected were Kirksville R-III, Knob Noster R-VIII and Macks Creek R-V School Districts. Detailed chemical inventories were taken and a disposal plan was developed. Arrangements were made with a state disposal contractor
with technical oversight provided by the Environmental Emergency Response staff. During the week of Oct. 25, 2004, school lab chemical hazard screening and disposal was done after hours to limit disruption to the students and staff. By initial accounts, the three rural schools involved in the project are pleased and appreciative that the dangerous chemicals have been safely removed and disposed of properly.

Information obtained from both phases of the project will be used by the center to further develop procedures and cost estimates for a statewide proposal to fund the disposal of science lab chemicals and help make Missouri schools a safer place for children to learn. In addition to the Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority and the Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Services Program, the Hazardous Waste Program and Solid Waste Management Program provided assistance.

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

back to top

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.

SOLID WASTE DIVERSION AND RECYCLING GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE

Reminder - the Solid Waste Diversion and Recycling Grant Applications are due Dec. 31, 2005. To learn more about this grant check the department's Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/financial/2005targetgrantpressrelease.htm or call 800-361-4827 or
573-751-5401.

CLEAN WATER COMMISSION TO MEET JAN. 5

The Missouri Clean Water Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Jan. 5 at the Holiday Inn Select,
2200 I-70 Dr. Southwest.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources' Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.

PUBLIC AWARENESS SESSION FOR PROPOSED SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL AREA IN ST. CHARLES
COUNTY JAN. 10

The department's Solid Waste Management Program will hold a public awareness session 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Jan. 10, 2005 to
discuss the disposal area permitting process for the proposed disposal site known as the St. Charles Quarry, LLC located near the Missouri River.

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

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING JAN. 25

The Soil and Water Conservation District Commission will hold a public meeting at 8:30 a.m., Jan. 25 at the department's
Conference Center, 1738 East Elm Street, Jefferson City.

For more information call the department's Soil and Water Conservation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4932.

AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO MEET FEB 10

The Missouri Air Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Feb. 10 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.

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 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.

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.

---

• Land
• Air
• Water
• GIS
• Energy
• State Parks
• Grants and Loans
• Security and Privacy
• State Home Page
• Site Directory

• Kids and Education
• Waste and Recycling
• Historic Preservation
• Job Opportunities
• DNR Store
• Search