Inside This Issue

Tire fire in Ray County

Water systems that fail to perform required tests

Department receives transfer station application for
Cass County

Asbestos

Department Regulatory Agenda on the Web

Environmental
Emergency
Response Incidents

Grants and Loans

Calendar of Events

Air and Land
Protection Division
Organizational Chart

Water Protection
and Soil Conservation
Division
Organizational Chart

Regional Office Map

Internet Addresses

Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources logo.

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

MARCH 2005

DOYLE CHILDERS NAMED DIRECTOR OF THE MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle ChildersDoyle Childers, recently confirmed by the Senate as the Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, is a fifth generation Missourian born on the family farm near Ironton, Missouri, on Nov. 24, 1944. He attended Arcadia Valley High School and the College of the Ozarks with graduate work at Southwest Missouri State University. He is married to Sue Goller Childers.

Childers, a former chemistry and physics teacher, farmer, and businessman, served four and one-half years in the United States Peace Corps in Central America. He is also involved in housing construction.

Childers served the 132nd and the 141st District in the Missouri House of Representatives for seven consecutive terms (1982 through l996) and the 29th District in the Missouri State Senate for eight years (1997 through 2004). During his House tenure, Childers served on numerous committees associated with the Department of Natural Resources including the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Budget Committee. In the Senate, he served on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Conservation, Senate Appropriations Committee, Gubernatorial Appointments Committee, Senate Education Committee and as Chairman of the Economic Development, Tourism and Local Government Committee.

During his legislative tenure, the Director served on a variety of joint committees and interim committees involved with Department issues.

DEPARTMENT SUBMITS COMMENTS ABOUT EPA'S ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS CONSENT AGREEMENT AND FINAL ORDER

In a March 1 letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Missouri Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Missouri Extension Commercial Agriculture Program offered comments about EPA's Animal Feeding Operations Consent Agreement and Final Order.
The agreement has the potential to provide a firm scientific basis for moving forward to resolve questions related to the air emissions from animal feeding operations. Both agencies and the University hope to work with EPA and producers in the planning and execution of the agreement.

In the letter, the stateagencies identify specific issues in the Federal Register Notice needing additional attention. Some of the issues include the size of farms to be monitored, monitoring study protocols and more.

A copy of the letter is available on the Department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/ltr-airmonitoring.pdf.

For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827.

DEPARTMENT OFFERS MISSOURI RESOURCES RADIO SHOW
ON KUMR

Topics as varied as solar energy, historic preservation and environmental assistance to communities were on the agenda of the Feb. 25 edition of Missouri Resources, a public service radio show produced by the Missouri Department of the Natural Resources and KUMR radio (88.5 FM).

The show focused on the department's Outreach and Assistance Center, which oversees the department's work on energy issues, historic preservation, and environmental and financial assistance for communities. Discussion included environmental and community assistance offered by the department; energy issues and support for renewable energy sources such as wind solar and biomass; historic preservation tax credits; and information and available consultation for citizens and municipalities. To learn more about assistance available through the department, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/services/index.html.

KUMR, which is operated by the University of Missouri-Rolla, is a 100,000-watt, non-commercial, educational station broadcasting from 88.5 FM in Rolla and 96.3 FM in Lebanon, Mo. Archives are available and include shows on caves and spelunking in Missouri, as well as, the history, basic explanation and the probability of future earthquakes in Missouri's New Madrid Seismic Zone.

Missouri Resources, which airs on the fourth Friday of each month at 8:12 a.m., explores Missouri's natural resources, covers environmental issues and services offered by the department.

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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES CONTINUES INVESTIGATION AND CLEANUP OVERSIGHT AT TIRE FIRE IN RAY COUNTY

Ray County tire fire
Burning tires can release pollution to the air, land and water. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 tires were consumed in this fire. More photos from the Ray County tire fire.Photo icon

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued a Hazardous Substance Emergency Declaration to Nancy McClelland located five miles north of Orrick. The department has the authority and the responsibility to ensure that reasonable actions are taken to eliminate the danger to public safety, health and the environment. A fire began on March 14 in a 100 x 100-foot ditch that contained an estimated 20,000 waste tires.

The Orrick Fire Department responded to the scene and was unable to extinguish the fire. The Department of Natural Resources also responded to the incident to provide assistance and oversight during the cleanup.

The department's declaration requires the owner of the property to clean up oil that leaked from the burning tires. The oil migrated to Bogart Creek. The department applied absorbent pads to collect oil in the creek while the owner hired a contractor to build a small berm to stop additional oil from entering the creek.

This is the second tire fire Missouri has seen in the last week. A tire fire in Polk County involving nearly one million tires began March 11.

Illegal waste tire dumps pose serious environmental and health threats. Tires that become engulfed in flames can burn or smolder for months or even years releasing hazardous substances into the air, soil and potentially into water sources.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will continue to work closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Orrick Fire Department to address the situation in Ray County.

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

DEPARTMENT IDENTIFIES WATER SYSTEMS THAT FAIL TO PERFORM
REQUIRED TESTS

The Department of Natural Resources has released a list of 23 drinking water systems that have chronically failed to do 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 these systems failed to collect at least one routine sample are given for the interval from November 2003 to December 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.

"Because water that is contaminated with bacteria can cause disease, it's crucial that systems routinely test their drinking water to ensure the safety of all Missourians," said Darrell Osterhoudt, chief of the department's Public Drinking Water Branch. "Monitoring 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 23 systems represents less than one 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 bacteria 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.

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 list of violators, visit the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/chronic/4Qchronic.pdf.

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

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ADRIAN PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY REQUESTS EXEMPTION

The City of Adrian has requested from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources an exemption from drinking water requirements for disinfection by-products from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. An exemption would give the city three years to evaluate and implement measures for reducing trihalomethane (THM) and haloacetic acid (HAA) levels in its drinking water. THMs and HAAs are formed in the treatment process when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter, such as algae or decomposing leaves, present in the city's source of water.

Adrian has exceeded the standards for these disinfection by-products. The 2004 annual average levels of THMs and HAAs were 99 parts per billion (ppb) and 68 ppb in Adrian's drinking water The standards for these contaminants, which became effective in 2004, are 80 ppb for THMs and 60 ppb for HAAs.

Disinfection by-products in public water systems are a health concern in humans. Some people who drink water containing THMs and HAAs in excess of the standards for many years may have an increased risk of liver, kidney or central nervous system health effects. There may also be an increased risk of developing cancer.

The city's drinking water treatment plant has been unable to reduce the disinfection by-products in the water to acceptable levels in spite of modifications to the treatment process. Additional time is needed to finance, design, build and begin operation of a new treatment plant. If an exemption is granted, the city will be on a strict compliance schedule for building the water treatment plant. The city would have up to three years to put the new treatment plant in operation and meet all disinfection by-product requirements. During the term of the exemption, the city would be required to implement special control measures to reduce the THM and HAA levels as much as possible, to notify the public of its progress and to minimize the health risk to customers.

Before the department makes a decision on the exemption request, the public is being offered an opportunity to request a public hearing on the proposed exemption. Any individuals, organizations or other parties who believe that a public hearing is needed to address this issue may request such a hearing by sending the following information to the Department of Natural Resources by March 31.

The name, address and telephone number of the individual, organization or other entity requesting a hearing
A brief statement of the interest of the person making the request in the proposed exemption and of information that the requesting person intends to submit at the hearing; and The signature of a responsible official of the organization or other entity or of the individual submitting the request.

Please submit the information to William Price, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Public Drinking Water Branch, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102. For more information, call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1035.

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DEPARTMENT RECEIVES APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER STATION IN CASS COUNTY

The Department of Natural Resources has received an application from Town and Country Disposal of Western Missouri Inc. to construct the Town and Country Disposal Transfer Station in Cass County.

The proposed site is located near the intersection of County Road 231 and Missouri State Route 291, Harrisonville, approximately two miles north of Harrisonville.

The business would use the proposed transfer station to receive non-hazardous municipal solid waste and construction debris. The proposed station would transfer the waste and debris from collection trucks to larger carriers and then haul the waste 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.

A copy of the permit application package has been placed in the Cass County Public Library, 400 E. Mechanic St., Harrisonville, 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 contact 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.

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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FINES THE VIEW IN KANSAS CITY FOR ABSESTOS VIOLATIONS

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, along with the Missouri Attorney General's Office, recently completed a negotiated settlement agreement with The View, LLC located in Kansas City. The agreement requires The View to pay a $20,000 fine for asbestos violations. The fine will be paid to the Jackson County School Fund.

The Department of Natural Resources received a complaint about renovations taking place at the Vista Del Rio building located at 600 Admiral Blvd, Kansas City. The department's Kansas City Regional Office sent a complaint investigator to the site on Dec. 15, 17 and 19, 2003, to investigate the complaint.

During the investigation, the department determined The View, LLC did not notify proper authorities about the asbestos abatement project. The department also determined untrained, uncertified workers were improperly removing the asbestos containing ceiling materials daily. The workers were spraying the material with a high-powered pressure washer and not properly packaging and containing the material for disposal.

In the settlement, the department alleged that The View violated Missouri State Rule 10 CSR 10-6.080, "Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants," for failure to notify of an asbestos abatement project, failure to comply with emission control procedures and failure to comply with proper waste disposal. The department also alleged that The View violated the Missouri Air Conservation Law by failing to register as a contractor and use certified workers.

Asbestos is a naturally occuring mineral that can release very small airborne fibers invisible to the naked eye. Asbestos fibers can easily be inhaled into the body where they can accumulate and eventually lead to disease. There are three major health risks associated with asbestos exposure: asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Because of the dangers associated with asbestos, there are a number of agencies authorized to regulate asbestos. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is the state agency delegated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be responsible for governing asbestos abatement projects. The Kansas City Health Department's Air Quality Section can also enforce these asbestos requirements within the city.

For more information see the publication Asbestos: What is it and why is it a concern? PDF at the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2077.pdf PDF or contact the department's Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.

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EPA ACTING CHIEF AWARDS NATIONAL CLEAN DIESEL GRANTS AT EVENT
IN ST. LOUIS

A grant of nearly $125,000 was presented Feb. 23 to the American Lung Association of Missouri to partner with St. Louis for diesel retrofitting of 44 trash trucks. The grant was presented by Steve Johnson, acting EPA administrator.

Johnson presented the grant to Lori Pickens, chief executive officer of the American Lung Association of Missouri, and Christopher Amos, St. Louis commissioner of Equipment Services. The presentation was part of an announced $1.6 million in grants for diesel engine retrofit projects nationwide.

Johnson said, "By reducing diesel emissions, the air will be cleaner and healthier for everyone. These grants, which are part of EPA's National Diesel Campaign, will help clean up some of the 11 million existing diesel engines across the country."

The diesel retrofits in St. Louis will reduce harmful emissions from trash trucks operating in densely populated urban neighborhoods. The addition of diesel oxidation catalysts and crankcase controls to each of the 44 trash trucks is projected to reduce the annual emission production by 30 percent for particulate matter, 50 percent for hydrocarbons and 42 percent for carbon monoxide. Emissions will be measured and recorded before and after installation of the retrofit devices.

Jim Gulliford, EPA Region 7 administrator, also participated in the event. "The St. Louis area has benefited from having an impressive group of partners working on clean air issues," Gulliford said. "Many air quality stakeholders are working collaboratively to attain compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards in St. Louis."

The St. Louis Community Air Project, the North Side Clean Air Project, the Regional Chamber and Growth Association, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, and many other organizations are also involved in working for healthier air in St. Louis. Many areas of the country, including metropolitan St. Louis, are designated as nonattainment for particulate matter and ozone.

Each national grant awarded under this announcement reduces the effects of pollution on a population that is particularly susceptible to the effects of diesel exhaust, including children, the elderly and the chronically ill.

The Clean Diesel Campaign consists of regulatory and voluntary efforts to reduce emissions from new diesel engines and the 11 million existing diesel engines by 2014. The campaign has two components: Develop and implement the most stringent emissions standards for new engines and fuel, and promote voluntary emissions reductions of the existing fleet through retrofits, cleaner fuels, engine replacement, reduced idling and other pollution-cutting measures.

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ASBESTOS, WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT A CONCERN?

This article is taken from one in a series of fact sheets designed to assist you in becoming aware of the Department of Natural Resources' asbestos requirements. This particular document contains general information about asbestos such as where it may be found and the dangers it may pose.

What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber. Because of its unique properties, such as fire resistance, high tensile strength, poor heat and electric conductivity, and being generally impervious to chemical attacks, it was used in a number of different materials, mainly building products and brake pads, up into the 1970s.

It may still be found in some products currently being manufactured. It is estimated that there have been over 3,000 different commercial applications of asbestos containing materials (ACM). Some examples of potential asbestos containing materials include cementitious siding and wallboard (transite), asphalt and vinyl floor tile, linoleum, flooring mastics, textured paints, acoustical plaster, ceiling tiles and panels, fireproofing materials, theater curtains, blown-in insulation, boiler insulation, HVAC duct insulation, pipe insulation, chalkboards, roofing shingles and felts, joint compounds, spackling compounds and brake pads.
Asbestos fibers are very small and can only be positively identified with a special type of microscope. Bundles of asbestos fibers, called fibrils, are invisible to the naked eye. Asbestos fibers may range is size from less than one micron to 30 microns in length. There are over 25,000 microns in an inch.

Health Effects
Because of the microscopic nature of asbestos fibers, they can easily be inhaled into the body where they can accumulate and eventually leading to disease. There are three major health risks associated with asbestos exposure: asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Studies have also indicated cancers of the mouth, throat, digestive tract and other organs may be caused by asbestos as well. There is currently no known safe level of asbestos exposure.

Asbestosis is caused by an accumulation of asbestos fibers in the lungs, which eventually leads to the development of scar tissue. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, decreased ability to exercise, chest pain and eventual heart failure.

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung and abdominal cavity. This cancer is rare and currently untreatable. Symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain. Mesothelioma usually does not appear until 20 to 40 years after first exposure to asbestos.

Lung cancer accounts for most of the deaths related to asbestos exposure. Lung cancer is affected by the type of asbestos fiber that is inhaled, smoking habits and exposure to other chemicals in addition to asbestos.

Additional Asbestos Related Guidance Documents
For more specific information on the department's requirements in regard to asbestos, please reference the additional guidance documents listed below or contact the department or appropriate local agency at the contact information listed above.

The full version of Asbestos, what is it and why is it a concern? PUB2077 PDF is available as a fact sheet on the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2077.pdf. PDF Download it and more free department publications on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/ pubs/index.html.

For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817 or visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp.

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EPA SETS REFERENCE DOSE FOR PERCHLORATE

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established an official reference dose (RfD) of 0.0007 mg/kg/day of perchlorate. This level is consistent with the recommended reference dose included in the National Academy of Science's (NAS) January 2005 report. A reference dose is a scientific estimate of a daily exposure level that is not expected to cause adverse health effects in humans.

EPA's reference dose, which assumes total intake from both water and food sources, is appropriate and protective for all populations, including the most sensitive subgroups. The selected reference dose contains a full ten-fold uncertainty factor to protect the most sensitive population, the fetuses of pregnant women who might have hypothyroidism or iodide deficiency. This uncertainty factor also covers variability among other human life stages, gender and individual sensitivities, protecting not only adults, but also other sensitive subpopulations such as premature neonates, infants and developing children.

Perchlorate exposure has the potential of blocking iodide uptake to the thyroid gland. NAS identified the non-adverse effect of the inhibition of iodine uptake as the key biochemical event that precedes the occurrence of all potential adverse effects of perchlorate exposure. EPA's RfD is conservative and health protective because it is designed to prevent the occurrence of any biochemical changes that could lead to adverse health effects.

EPA's RfD for perchlorate will be posted on the agency's online IRIS database, which contains risk information on possible human health effects from exposure to chemical substances in the environment.

EPA's new RfD translates to a Drinking Water Equivalent Level (DWEL) of 24.5 ppb. A Drinking Water Equivalent Level, which assumes that all of a contaminant comes from drinking water, is the concentration of a contaminant in drinking water that will have no adverse effect with a margin of safety. Because there is a margin of safety built into the RfD and the DWEL, exposures above the DWEL are not necessarily considered unsafe. EPA's Superfund cleanup program plans to issue guidance based on the new RfD.
Perchlorate has been used in various items, including missile and rocket propellants, munitions and fireworks, flares, automobile airbags and pharmaceuticals. It may also occur naturally and has been found in some fertilizer. Perchlorate has been detected in drinking water in some systems around the country, as well as in certain foods.

The perchlorate summary is available on the IRIS Web site at www.epa.gov/iris and at www.epa.gov/perchlorate.

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MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ISSUE FINAL PERMITS TO EXPERT MANAGEMENT INC.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 7, issued final hazardous waste permits to Expert Management Inc. The facility is located about 6.5 miles northeast of Joplin.

The permits include a Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Facility (MHWMF) Part I, EPA's Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) Part II, and a Research, Development and Demonstration (RDandD).

Expert Management Inc., formerly ICI Explosives USA Inc., is presently an inactive chemical and explosives manufacturing facility. The main item manufactured at the facility was commercial dynamite. The facility stopped the production of nitroglycerin-based explosives in September 1993. Other products manufactured during the facility's history include water-based and other commercial explosives, fertilizers, Class A and Class B emulsion explosives, ammonium nitrate blasting agents and nitric acid.

Past activities at the facility released hazardous waste and hazardous materials into the soil, groundwater and surface water. Dinitrotoluene (DNT), nitrates, perchlorate, pesticides and metals were detected at various locations at the facility. Expert Management Inc. was performing cleanup activities under EPA's Administrative Order on Consent. The final permits replace the original EPA order, giving the department administrative and technical responsibility for oversight of the cleanup.

The MHWMF Part I permit provides the framework for continued post-closure care of the land-based units and clean up of the other solid waste management units and areas of concern at the facility.

The RDandD permit is in effect for one year. It allows Expert Management Inc. to perform pilot studies and develop new treatment technologies. The study includes treating DNT polluted soil by composting it with different materials such as sawdust and manure. These studies will be conducted in a manner that is fully protective of human health and the environment. The department may later incorporate successful treatment methods developed with the RDandD permit into Expert Management Inc.'s MHWMF Part I permit.
The public can review and copy the final permits and supporting documents at the following locations:

Joplin Public Library
300 South Main Street
Joplin, Missouri
Hours:
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Mon. and Thurs.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Tues., Wed., Friday and Saturday
1 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Sunday

or by appointment at either of the following department offices:

Southwest Regional Office
2040 W. Woodland
Springfield, Missouri
Phone: 417-891-4300

Hazardous Waste Program
1738 East Elm Street (lower level)
Jefferson City, Missouri
Phone: 573-522-3345

The facility or any aggrieved person can request an appeal of the final permits within 30 days of their issuance date. Regarding the MHWMF Part I or RDandD permits, the person requesting the appeal must file a written petition with:

Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Commission
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176

To file a written petition regarding the EPA's HSWA Part II permit, please refer to The Environmental Appeals Board Practice Manual at www.epa.gov/eab/pmanual.pdf. PDF

All petitions must be limited to the issues raised during the public comment period that the person feels were not resolved in the final permits. The commission and appeals board cannot review any petition containing issues that were not brought up during the public comment period. However, they can review petitions on requirements in the final permits that were not in the draft permits.
Anyone may call or write the department at any time to request to have his or her name placed on Expert Management Inc.'s mailing list. By doing this, they will receive notice from the department or Expert Management Inc. on any major permitting activities at the facility.

For more information, please contact Don Dicks of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3553 or David Garrett of EPA at (913) 551-7159.

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MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ISSUE FINAL PERMIT TO THE DOE RUN CO. - BUICK RESOURCE RECYCLING FACILITY

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region VII issued final hazardous waste permits to The Doe Run Company - Buick Resource Recycling Facility. The facility is located on Highway KK in Boss.

The permits include a Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Facility (MHWMF) Part I and EPA's Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) Part II.

Doe Run is an active hazardous waste treatment and storage facility. Hazardous waste management activities at the facility include storage of hazardous wastes in containers and containment buildings, miscellaneous treatment and corrective action. The final permits allow Doe Run to continue storage and treatment of hazardous wastes at the facility. The permits also outline corrective action requirements for all past and future hazardous waste and hazardous constituent releases.

The public can review and copy the final permits and supporting documents at the following locations:

Ozark Regional Library
Viburnum Branch
Missouri Ave.
Viburnum, Missouri
Hours:
2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Monday and Wednesday
7 a.m. to 9 a.m. - Thursday
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Saturday

or by appointment at either of the following department offices:

Southeast Regional Office
2155 N. Westwood Blvd.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Phone: 573-840-9750

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

The facility or any aggrieved person can request an appeal of the final permits within 30 days of their issuance date. Anyone appealing the MHWMF Part I permit must file a written petition with:

Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Commission
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176

To file a written petition regarding the EPA's HSWA Part II permit, please refer to The Environmental Appeals Board Practice Manual at www.epa.gov/eab/pmanual.pdf. PDF

All petitions must be limited to the issues raised during the public comment period that the person feels were not resolved in the final permits. The commission and appeals board cannot review any petition containing issues that were not brought up during the public comment period. However, they can review petitions on requirements in the final permits that were not in the draft permits.
Anyone may call or write the department at any time to request to have his or her name placed on Doe Run's mailing list. By doing this, they will receive notice from the department or Doe Run on any major permitting activities at the facility.

For more information, please contact Daniel A. Carey of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3553 or Gayle Hubert of EPA at (913) 551-7543.

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DEPARTMENT REGULATORY AGENDA AVAILABLE ON THE WEB

The Department of Natural Resources regularly proposes new rules and amendments to rules (i.e., "regulations") based on direction from Missouri State Commissions and legislative mandates. The Department's Rulemaking Comprehensive Index Table is provided with the intent to facilitate understanding, participation and input into our rulemakings by interested parties - individuals, industry, community groups and local governments.

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. The Regulatory Agenda is available on the Department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/regs/index.html.

The Regulatory Agenda has two parts. The first part is the Comprehensive Index Table containing all program listings of rule actions underway or completed and effective within the last 90 days. This listing provides the following:

The Rule ID is the Agenda's primary reference number instead of the official rule number (e.g., 10CSR10-6.020) because it is unique to each rule action. The official rule number is not unique to an individual rule action.

The development stages used in the comprehensive index are defined as follows:

In Initial Development
The conceptualizing, information collecting, and drafting period before filing a proposed rule action with the Secretary of State.
On Public Notice
The proposed rule action has been filed with Secretary of State and put on public notice. It may or may not have already been published in The Missouri Register.
In Final Development
The public notice period is over, and final adjustments are being made to the proposed rule action according to comments received. During this stage adoption and legislative review also take place.
Decisions Completed
The rule action is adopted, legislative review is complete, and the Order of Rulemaking is ready to be or has already been filed.
In Effect Last 90 Days
Rule actions become effective 30 days after publication in the Code of State Regulations. Only rule actions that have become effective within the last 90 days are included in this stage.
Emergency Rule
This is a special rule action that may be published and implemented without public notice but that has a limited effective time.

The Department contains the environmental programs for air pollution, drinking water supply, hazardous waste, solid waste, water pollution, land reclamation, soil and water conservation and environmental services.

For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827.

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BACKFLOW PREVENTION: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is backflow?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow in a potable water distribution system through a cross-connection. A cross-connection is an actual or potential link connecting a source of pollution or contamination with a potable water supply. Backflow may allow liquids, gases, nonpotable water and other substances, from any source, to enter a public water system.

How does backflow occur?
Backflow may occur due to high pressure on the customer side, or low pressure in the water system. Backflow through a cross-connection can contaminate the potable water in a building, on a block, or throughout an entire water system.
What is backflow prevention?

Backflow prevention protects public water systems from contamination or damage through cross-connections located in customer facilities. Backflow prevention is typically achieved by placing a backflow prevention assembly between the customer and the public water system. This is called containment backflow prevention.

Does my water system require backflow prevention?
Missouri's backflow prevention regulation (10 CSR 60-11.010) applies to all community water systems. These are water systems that serve at least 15 connections or at least 25 people on a year-round basis. Missouri has more than 1,400 community water systems. They serve more than 4.9 million people, almost 90 percent of the state population.

Must my home or business have backflow prevention?
Many businesses must have backflow prevention. Common examples are manufacturing and processing plants, medical facilities, laboratories (including school chemistry and biology labs), and buildings that have boilers, fire sprinkler systems, and irrigation systems.

Solely residential facilities are exempt from the rule unless a specific cross-connection is identified. For example, single-family residences with a lawn irrigation system require backflow prevention. Multi-family residences, with a boiler or fire sprinkler system require backflow prevention.

Call your local water supplier to confirm whether or not backflow prevention is required at your home or business.

What kind of backflow prevention is required at my home or business?
Under the Missouri rule, three types of backflow prevention assemblies are permissible for containment: air gaps, reduced pressure principle assemblies, and double check valve assemblies. The type of assembly you need depends on the type of hazard present.
Generally, where you have a backflow hazard that may threaten public health you must have an air gap or a reduced pressure principle assembly. Where there is a lesser hazard that may damage the water system or degrade the aesthetic quality of the water, a double check valve assembly is required.

Only approved backflow prevention assemblies may be used. If you can find the manufacturer and model number on your assembly you can check with your water supplier to find out if it is an approved assembly. Modifications to an assembly invalidate the approval. If your assembly looks like it has been changed, get in touch with your water supplier or a certified backflow prevention assembly tester to see if it is an approved assembly.

Water suppliers may have more strict or specific requirements than the state rule. Contact your local water supplier to make sure you have the appropriate backflow prevention assembly to meet local requirements.

Must I have my backflow prevention assembly inspected?
Yes. To ensure the device is functioning properly, a certified tester must test it at least annually. For new facilities, the assembly must be tested when installed. If the tester finds the assembly is not working, you must arrange to have it repaired and tested again. It is your responsibility to pay for the test and repairs. The tester is required to provide a copy of the test report to you and the water supplier. To obtain a list of certified testers in your area, call your water supplier or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Does the backflow prevention assembly protect my entire facility?
No. The required backflow prevention assembly provides containment; it protects the public water system from hazards in your facility. Cross-connections in your own plumbing may allow contaminants to backflow from hazardous processes to drinking water taps in your building.

Backflow prevention applied within a facility to protect drinking water plumbing from process plumbing is called isolation. Isolation backflow prevention is not covered by departmental rules, but may be required by local plumbing codes. Check with your local code enforcement agencies to see what standards apply to your facility.

Backflow Prevention: Frequently Asked Questions PDF is available as a fact sheet on the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2158.pdf. Download it and more free department publications on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pubs.htm.

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

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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:

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

DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO CLEAN UP AIRPLANE FUEL LOST DURING A PLANE CRASH IN MACON

Around 10 a.m. on February 25, a Cherokee-140 airplane crashed into a residence in Macon after a tree sheared off one of the plane's wings. Local police and fire departments responded and requested the Department of Natural Resources' assistance to oversee the cleanup of the airplane fuel lost in the accident. The Department of Natural Resources immediately mobilized a staff member of the Environmental Emergency Response Team to the scene of the accident.

The total capacity of the fuel in the aircraft was 50 gallons. Less than 50 gallons of the fuel dripped onto the residence roof and guttering. The Macon Fire Department and the department's Environmental Emergency Response personnel captured the fuel using absorbent pads. No waterways or utilities were endangered. A contractor will remove the contaminated roofing material and some attic insulation at the residence.

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

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

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GRANTS AND LOANS

DEPARTMENT AWARDS $150,000 TO BULL CREEK FOR DRINKING WATER IMPROVEMENTS

The Department of Natural Resources, through its Water Protection and Soil Conservation Division, has awarded a grant in the amount of $75,000 and a loan for $75,000 to the Village of Bull Creek in Taney County. The money will be used to construct a new drinking water well, standpipe and distribution lines.

"The construction project will benefit the environment as well as the people who live in the area," said Darrell Osterhoudt, chief of the department's Public Drinking Water Branch. "This grant will help ensure that families in Bull Creek continue to receive good, clean drinking water."

A bond issue approved by Missouri voters in 1998 funds the $75,000 grant. The bond provides funding for improvements to storm water, wastewater treatment and public drinking water systems. The Missouri Department of Economic Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have awarded additional funding for the project.

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

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO MEET MARCH 31

The Missouri Air Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., March 31 at the Stoney Creek Inn, 1201 N. Woodbine Rd., St. Joseph. A subsequent meeting will be held April 28 in Jefferson City.

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

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 Todd Crawford in 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 at www.dnr.mo.gov/regs/index.html.

Air Pollution Control Program

Operating Permits

Rule number: 010-06.065 - Streamlines the basic and intermediate operating permits, minimizing the workload on both industry and program staff, while maintaining the ambient air quality standards.
Public comment ends:
A pril 7, 2005
Public hearing:
March 31, 2005
Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published 
Department contact:
573-751-4817 

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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Public service announcements may be downloaded for use by any newspaper, magazine, newsletter, radio stations, etc. The department will continue to add new announcements to the Web each month. If you would like to receive new announcements by e-mail as they are made available, please contact kathy.deters@dnr.mo.gov and provide your publication name and e-mail address.

REGIONAL OFFICE MAP

Department of Natural Resources' Regional Offices provide field inspections, complaint investigation and front-line troubleshooting, problem solving and technical assistance on environmental and emergencies for the following programs:

  • Air Pollution
  • Drinking Water
  • Hazardous Waste
  • Solid Waste
  • Technical Assistance
  • Water Pollution

Map showing department regional boundaries.

INTERNET ADDRESSES

Missouri Department of Natural Resources at www.dnr.mo.gov

Division of Environmental Quality at www.dnr.mo.gov/env

Air Pollution Control Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp

Division of Geology and Land Survey at www.dnr.mo.gov/geology/

Energy Center at www.dnr.mo.gov/energy

Environmental Services Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/esp

Gateway Clean Air Program at www.gatewaycleanair.com

Hazardous Waste Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp

Historic Preservation at www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/index.html

Land Reclamation Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/lrp

Soil and Water Conservation Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swcp

Solid Waste Management Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp

State Parks, Division of at www.mostateparks.com

Water Protection Program - Drinking Water Branch at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp

Water Protection Program - Water Pollution Branch at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp

SUBSCRIBE ON THE WEB TO READ PROTECTING MISSOURI'S NATURAL RESOURCES NEWSLETTER ONLINE

Sign up now to receive a monthly e-mail reminder and link to the online version of Protecting Missouri’s Natural Resources newsletter. A subscription form is now available on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/pmnr/subscribe_pmnr.htm. People who subscribe will receive an e-mail containing a link to the latest issue of the newsletter.

If you subscribe to receive the online newsletter, please let us know to cancel your current hard copy subscription to save printing and mailing costs associated with the newsletter.

Contact us at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-6892 or send an e-mail to cancel your hard copy subscription to elisha.bonnot@dnr.mo.gov.

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