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

JULY 2005

DEPARTMENT MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING 'SWIMMABLE' USE DESIGNATION

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has reviewed, posted and made its recommendations on all Use Attainability Analyses (UAAs) submitted to the department under the Water Quality Rulemaking being considered by the Missouri Clean Water Commission. The commission will make its final decision on the rulemaking, including the UAAs at its September meeting.

A Use Attainability Analysis helps the department determine how the public is using the state's waters. Of particular concern is the Whole Body Contact or "swimmable" use designation. Some streams are used for swimming but others are not. Those that are designated for swimming in the final rule must meet more stringent bacteria standards.

An internal committee reviewed hundreds of UAAs and has made a recommendation on each as to whether the 'swimmable use' designation is appropriate.

For information on the UAAs and staff recommendations please visit the following pages on the department's Web site:

. To view the individual UAAs and staff recommendations by county, visit: /env/wpp/wqstandards/uaa/uaa_county.htm

. For statewide listings of UAA's received and staff recommendations, visit links for targeted water bodies on the UAAs page at: /env/wpp/wqstandards/uaa/

The public will now have an opportunity to review and comment on the department's recommendations. "Our success depends on input and participation from all of our stakeholders," said Ed Galbraith director of the department's Water Protection Program. "Whether from farmers, landowners, municipalities, environmental groups or the general public - we are committed to giving everyone an opportunity to help us develop common-sense solutions regarding water quality."

Prior to making its final decision on the rule, the Clean Water Commission has set the following deadlines.

• . July 25 - August 24: This 30-day period is provided for the public to review and comment on the UAAs and stream use recommendations.
• . August 25 - August 31: The department will review all comments.
• . August 31: The department will post all findings on its Web site.
• . September 7: The Clean Water Commission will meet in Jefferson City to review, accept, reject or amend the final order of rulemaking.

For more information about the Water Protection Program, please visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpcp.

DEPARTMENT TO HOST PUBLIC AWARENESS SESSION AUGUST 2 ON LANDFILL EXPANSION IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will hold a public awareness session at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the new commons in the Orchard Farms High School, 12165 Hwy V, St. Charles.

Ameren Services has obtained Preliminary Site Investigation Approval to expand its existing coal ash landfill in St. Charles County. The proposed site is located at the Sioux Power Plant approximately one mile east of Portage de Sioux. The landfill would receive coal ash waste from the existing power plant.

The department will explain the permitting process for landfills during the availability session. Representatives from the department's Geological Survey and Resource Assessment Division, Air and Land Protection Division, and the St. Louis Regional Office will be available to answer questions.

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

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

Questions and comments regarding the proposed landfill expansion or the department's role in regulating solid waste landfills may be sent to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Solid Waste Management Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or phone Frank Dolan 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.

DEPARTMENT OFFERS TIPS FOR KEEPING GREEN ON YARD, IN POCKETBOOK

When it comes to lawns, it seems the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence-the neighbor's fence, that is. If you find yourself green with envy, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has some tips for keeping your landscaping top-notch, saving money on your water bill and protecting and preserving your community's natural resources.

The Ten Commandments of Lawn Care

1. Just A Trim, Please: Mow cool-season grass such as tall fescue, bluegrass, perennial rye and creeping fescue at no shorter than three inches in height, and warm-season grass such as bermuda and zoysia no shorter than two inches. This helps develop a deep root system that will improve the lawn's drought tolerance. Weeds will be less competitive in taller grass and the grass roots will stay cooler. Mow again when grass grows an additional 1 to 1.5 inches. Use a mulching lawn mower or set up a compost area and compost grass clippings. Pick up fallen tree leaves with a bagging mower and compost them with grass clippings to make free mulch for flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs.
   
2. Nothing Beats A Sun-Loving Grass: Select a drought-tolerant grass variety. Tall fescue varieties, zoysia and bermuda are the most drought tolerant of common lawn species. Sun-loving buffalo grass is even more drought tolerant, very slow growing and can be mowed twice a month or managed without mowing but requires special management as explained in University of Missouri Extension guide G6730, which can be found at muextension.missouri.edu/explorepdf/agguides/hort/G06730.pdf.
   
3. A Drip Here, A Drop There, It All Adds Up: Directing rooftop, driveway and lawn runoff to rain gardens will detain rainwater and recharge ground moisture, which also will minimize the need for supplemental watering. For information on building rain gardens, see the Mid-America Regional Council Rain Garden brochure at www.marc.org/water/raingardens.pdf.
   
4. Sprinkler Refresher: Start watering established lawns only when temperatures rise into the upper 80s and there has been inadequate rain for two weeks or more. Apply about one inch of water each time you water and water no more than once a week, and less frequently if you have rain gardens. Do not water if rain provides an inch or more of moisture during a week. Avoid watering from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to decrease the amount of water lost to evaporation.
   
   Mulched gardens and shade plantings require little additional water. When establishing sod, newly planted grass or new ornamentals, follow watering instructions from the supplier. For more information on watering lawns visit the University of Missouri Extension's "Home Lawn Watering Guide" at muextension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/hort/g06720.htm.
   
5. Even Automatic Sprinklers Need a Little Attention Now and Then: Owners of automatic sprinkler systems should override scheduled watering if adequate rain falls. Set sprinkler systems to apply an inch of water and operate once a week. Prevent water waste by checking the system frequently for broken sprinkler heads and sprinklers that are improperly aimed. Try to avoid water running off the lawn and into a ditch or storm drain. In clay soils, two half-inch applications separated by several hours may help to prevent run off.
   
6. Finer Fertilizing: Before fertilizing, have soil tested by submitting a sample to the University Extension Center in your county; visit extension.missouri.edu/regions for more information. Fertilize according to the test result recommendation. Split fertilizer into two smaller treatments and apply several weeks apart, rather than in one large application; this will help to minimize fertilizer runoff into Missouri's waterways.
   
7. Rascally Weeds, Pesky Pests: If weeds, diseases or insects cause damage, identify the pest at your lawn and garden store or University Extension Center. Research the pest through the local extension center or use the University of Missouri Explore Web site muextension.missouri.edu/explore for pest-control options.
   
8. CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER, POISON! What Does It All Mean? When buying a product intended to treat the pest, buy the smallest amount that will do the job. Buy ready-to-use products rather than concentrates to help eliminate expensive product waste and mixing errors. Use signal words on the container to select a less toxic product. CAUTION means lower toxicity. WARNING is more toxic and DANGER or POISON signal highly toxic products. Read and follow all label instructions on how to mix and apply pesticides.
   
9. Leaving it to the Professionals: Anyone in the business of applying any kind of pesticides including common "weed and feed products" should be licensed as a commercial pesticide applicator by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. When selecting a lawn care service, use the Missouri Department of Agriculture's database at www.kellysolutions.com/MO/Applicators/index.asp to verify that the service personnel are licensed commercial pesticide applicators. Select a service that is willing to provide the product brand name, signal word on the label, amount and label instructions of any pesticide they propose to use on the property. More suggestions are available through University of Missouri Extension at muextension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/pests/g07501.htm
   
10. Grow Native! Minimize lawn area and mowing requirements by planting native grasses and wildflowers. Likewise use native plants to create gardens that are drought tolerant and naturally bug resistant. Visit the Missouri Departments of Agriculture and Conservation's "Grow Native" Web site at www.grownative.org for help with choosing and locating plants.

"A beautiful lawn and landscaping enhances the attractiveness and value of a home. Healthy grass and ornamental plants also prevent soil erosion, decrease sediment in streams and keep houses cooler," said Vicky Kugler, an environmental specialist with the Department of Natural Resources. "These environmental benefits are compatible with water conservation and pollution prevention when owners follow these simple and low-cost principles for maintenance."

For more information, call the department at 800-361-4827 and request PUB611, "Nature Scapes: Environmentally Sound Landscape Management."

DEPARTMENT OPENS TEMPORARY OFFICE IN CARTHAGE

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will open a temporary office in Carthage on or before August 1. The department will rent an office from the City of Carthage in Memorial Hall.

"Opening an extra office in Carthage will enable staff to provide routine odor surveillance throughout the day," said DNR Director Doyle Childers. "The department will also have the opportunity to address compliance issues with Carthage area industries. We have a satellite office in Neosho. However, this additional office in Carthage will give us the ability and opportunity to respond more quickly to odor complaints."

Odor issues are a continuing concern in the Carthage area. In late March, the department and city officials from Carthage met with ConAgra, ADM Milling, Schreiber Foods and Renewable Environmental Solutions to discuss the odor issues in the industrial area.
Daily surveillance of the Carthage area began on April 1. In recent months, the department issued a Notice of Excess Emissions to Schreiber Foods and also issued five NOEEs to RES. Three of the NOEEs to RES were upgraded to Notice of Violations. The Schreiber NOEE was found to be the result of equipment malfunction.

On April 20, investigators conducted compliance inspections of RES, ConAgra, ADM Milling and Schreiber Foods to evaluate each facility for water or air pollution compliance concerns. Reports on those findings were submitted to each facility.

MISSOURI DROUGHT EFFECTS FELT IN 106 COUNTIES

Missouri's Drought Assessment Committee has declared a Drought Alert for 52 Missouri counties, while another 54 counties are under a drought advisory. Recent rainfall has helped moderate conditions in southeast Missouri, but prolonged dry weather persisting over much of Missouri has expanded the overall area of drought concern.

The counties under drought advisory and drought alert as of July 13 are listed below:

Phase 1 - Advisory phase (54 counties)

Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Barry, Bates, Bollinger, Buchanan, Butler, Caldwell, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cedar, Clark, Clinton, Dade, Daviess, DeKalb, Douglas, Dunklin, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Iron, Johnson, Lafayette, Lawrence, Madison, Mercer, Mississippi, New Madrid, Nodaway, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Putnam, Ray, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Schuyler, Scotland, Scott, Stoddard, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Vernon, Wayne, Worth, and Wright.

Phase 2 - Drought Alert (52 counties)

Audrain, Benton, Boone, Callaway, Camden, Carroll, Chariton, Christian, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dallas, Dent, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Howard, Howell, Jefferson, Knox, Laclede, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Maries, Marion, Miller, Moniteau, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Oregon, Osage, Pettis, Phelps, Pike, Polk, Pulaski, Ralls, Randolph, St. Charles, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Saline, Shannon, Shelby, Texas, Warren, Washington and Webster.

To view the current drought status map, visit the department's Drought Information Web page at: www.dnr.mo.gov/geology/droughtupdate.htm.

Missouri's Drought Response Plan defines four phases of drought status. These are levels of increasing concern based on the severity of the lack of moisture and corresponding impacts. These phases and their impacts are:

Phase 1 - Advisory phase - below normal rainfall has occurred for several months. This is the beginning of a county's monitoring by the Climate and Weather Committee of the Drought Assessment Committee.

Phase 2 - Drought Alert - plants begin to show stress, stream levels drop, and rainfall is below normal for many months. Pond levels begin to noticeably fall.

Phase 3: Conservation phase - streams are dry, river and lake levels are falling below what is expected to occur once every 10 years, soil moisture is approaching wilting point for plants and dry weather is expected to continue. Groundwater recharge has stopped. Water supplies should begin supplementing and conserving.

Phase 4: Emergency phase - many ponds and streams are dry, river stages at record daily lows, crops cannot recover, trees begin to wilt, shallow and high use water levels drop below pumps, water rationing and hauling is needed.

The Missouri Drought Assessment Committee is responsible for assessing drought conditions across the state and recommending actions to ease the drought's adverse effects. Agencies represented on the committee include the state departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, Public Safety, Health and Senior Services, Conservation and Economic Development; the U.S. departments of Commerce, Agriculture and Interior; the U.S. Army; the University of Missouri-Columbia; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

For more information, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or contact the department's Water Resources Program at 573-751-2867.

DEPARTMENT SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENTS ON A CONSENT DECREE SIGNED BY WESTINGHOUSE

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Attorney General's Office have entered into a consent decree with Westinghouse Electric Company LLC. This consent decree pertains to the Hematite Radioactive Site. The site is a former nuclear fuel manufacturing facility currently owned by Westinghouse, but previously owned and operated by other parties. The Hematite Radioactive Site is located at 3330 State Road P, Hematite in Jefferson County.

The consent decree states Westinghouse will reimburse the state for past and future costs of oversight of response actions at the Hematite Radioactive Site. Westinghouse will also perform studies and response work consistent with the National Contingency Plan, 40 C.F.R. Part 300, including a remedial investigation and feasibility study, with a baseline human health risk assessment and ecological risk assessment.

The Department of Natural Resources invites the public to review and offer written comments on the consent decree from now until the end of the 30-day public comment period that ends August 29, 2005. Send comments to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Federal Facilities Section, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176.

The consent decree is available on the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/news/news.htm. The public can review the consent decree on the Web site or at the local document repository located at the Festus Public Library located at 222 North Mill St. in Festus. The document is also available by appointment at the department's Hazardous Waste Program located at 1738 East Elm St. in Jefferson City and at the Westinghouse Plant located in Hematite.

Plant operations at the Hematite Radioactive Site began in 1956. Primary functions at the facility throughout its history have included the processing of uranium metal and uranium compounds from natural and enriched uranium for use as nuclear fuel. These products were manufactured for use by the federal government and government contractors, commercial power plants and research reactors. During the time that these manufacturing operations were ongoing, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, and then the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulated plant operations. Currently, the site is subject to regulation primarily by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Natural Resources.

Upon acquiring the Hematite Radioactive Site operating facility in 2000, Westinghouse began the process of completing any work in progress, shutting down operations at the site, and starting an environmental remediation and plant decommissioning. Westinghouse is conducting these activities with oversight by the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

For additional information on those locations or for more information on this site, contact the department's Federal Facilities Section at
800-361-4827 or 573-751-3907.

CITY OF LA PLATA REQUESTS WATER SUPPLY EXEMPTION

The City of La Plata has requested additional time from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to meet the drinking water requirement for disinfection by-products. The city will construct a water line and purchase water from Adair County Public Water Supply District #1. The additional time would be in the form of an exemption, which would give the city until February 2006 to construct water system improvements and complete the connection to the water district. The exemption would also include time needed for Adair County PWSD #1 and the city of Kirksville to construct new water lines to enable an adequate supply of water to serve La Plata. The improvements would enable the city to provide drinking water with less trihalomethane (THM), haloacetic acid (HAA), and total organic carbon (TOC).

THMs and HAAs are formed in the treatment process when chlorine reacts with naturally-occurring organic matter present in the source of water, such as algae or decomposing leaves. TOC is a measure of the amount of naturally-occurring organic matter in the water and is an indicator of other currently unregulated disinfection by-products that may be in the water.

La Plata has exceeded the standards for these disinfection by-products. The most recent annual average levels of THMs and HAAs were 52 parts per billion (ppb) and 79 ppb in the system's drinking water. The standards for these contaminants, which became effective in 2004, are 80 ppb for THMs and 60 ppb for HAAs. Although THM levels are currently below the standard, the city exceeded the THM standard in the past and may do so again in the future due to the limited capability of the existing water treatment plant.

Disinfection by-products in public water systems have been determined to be 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 construct water system improvements and connect to Adair County PWSD #1. If an exemption were granted, the city would have until February 2006 to make those modifications and to 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, HAA, and TOC levels as much as possible, make relevant information available to the public, and 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 Aug. 12.

• 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, Department of Natural Resources, Public Drinking Water Branch, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102. For more information, call Price at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1035.

DEPARTMENT SEEKS COMMENTS ON PROPOSED RULEMAKING FOR DRY CLEANING ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE TRUST FUND

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has prepared regulatory impact reports regarding proposed rulemaking for the Dry Cleaning Environmental Response Trust (DERT) fund. Those rules include 10 CSR 25-17.010 through 10 CSR 25-17.170. The department prepares regulatory impact reports for new or amended regulations that set or define environmental standards or conditions. The report evaluates the effects of the new regulations and compares the probable environmental and economic benefits and costs associated.

The department has completed regulatory impact reports for six of the DERT fund rules. These are 10 CSR 25-17.050, 10 CSR 25-17.060, 10 CSR 25-17.070, 10 CSR 25-17.080, 10 CSR 25-17.090 and 10 CSR 25-17.140.

The public is invited to review and offer written comments on the regulatory impact reports regarding the DERT fund proposed rules from now until the end of the 60-day public comment period that ends Sept. 17, 2005.

Send comments to Dry Cleaning Environmental Response Trust (DERT) Fund, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176, or by e-mail to hazwaste@dnr.mo.gov.

The draft regulatory impact reports for the DERT fund are available on the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/dert/dert-rules-regs.htm. The public can review and copy the regulatory impact reports for the DERT fund and supporting documents at public libraries throughout the state.

The documents are also available by appointment at several department offices. For information on those locations, contact the department at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-8913 or visit the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/regions/regions.htm or www.dnr.mo.gov/shared/map-jeffcity.htm.

For more information, please contact the department's DERT fund at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-8913.

GOVERNOR SIGNS SENATE BILL 225 PROVIDING PROTECTION AND SUPPORT FOR STATE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Governor Matt Blunt recently signed Senate Bill 225, which will go into effect on Aug. 28. SB225 reinstates, renews and extends fees for environmental services that benefit the citizens and businesses of Missouri. This bill provides direction and funding for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' management of scrap tires, solid waste, hazardous wastes and dry cleaners contamination.

Scrap Tires: SB 225 reestablishes the scrap tire fee until Jan. 1, 2010. The previous fee expired Jan. 1, 2004 and was known as the Waste Tire Fee. SB 225 changed the fee name to the Scrap Tire Fee. There are more than 2.5 million scrap tires remaining across the state awaiting cleanups. The 50-cent per scrap tire fee will generate about $2.1 million annually for tire cleanups, grants, educational outreach and staff to administer and assist the tire efforts. The bill includes a Missouri vendor preference that may provide a competitive advantage to Missouri businesses that would want to participate in tire site cleanups. Missouri is one of the few states that has had its tire fee reinstated after it expired.

Solid Waste: SB 225 provides for a redistribution of the solid waste tonnage fee until Dec. 31, 2011. The bill provides funding for the department's solid waste efforts include statewide planning, pollution prevention, permitting, compliance assistance efforts, inspection, enforcement and management of financial assistance to the solid waste management districts and its constituents.

Overall, the bill reduces the amount of funding available to the department and increases the amount available to local solid waste districts. The local solid waste management districts must arrange for independent annual or biennial financial audits depending upon the amount of district grant money they receive. The department, subject to available resources, will conduct performance audits of the districts at least once every three years. The department will receive about $4 million and the districts about $6.3 million.

This proposal enables the state to maintain its EPA "approval" for implementing Subtitle D landfill regulations giving the state the authority to review and hopefully approve new landfills and expansions of existing landfills throughout the state. Adequate in-state landfill capacity helps to keep the cost of solid waste management affordable for Missouri citizens.

Hazardous Wastes: SB 225 extends the Hazardous Waste fee bill until Dec. 31, 2011 with some modifications and additions. The bill reduces overall fee funding to the department's Hazardous Waste Program. The bill also reduces paperwork and fees for many hazardous waste facilities and adds a new 50-cent fee on lead-acid batteries purchased in Missouri, except batteries purchased for agricultural purposes, which are exempt. The bill reduces the burdens on Missouri businesses, especially cement kilns, by reducing the requirements and fees on the out-of-state generators of the waste. The bill simplifies requirements for Missouri Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities. These facilities will submit to the department a $2 per ton fee for all hazardous wastes received from outside the state. The bill also simplifies the in-state generator schedule of paying $5 per ton and increases the maximum threshold for the fee paid to $52,000 per year, which replaces the current formula used to calculate fees.

The bill also requires the department to request general revenue every year. The general revenue request would equal the state's match obligation to EPA for federal Superfund cleanups. Missouri's current match share ranges from $3.6 million to $9.8 million, depending on cleanup timeframes.

Dry Cleaners: SB 225 continues the dry cleaner fund to provide monies for the assessment, investigation and remediation of dry cleaner sites that are contaminated with dry cleaning solvents. SB 225 excludes dry cleaners using petroleum-based solvents and extends the enrollment date for dry cleaning sites until July 1, 2009.

This bill allows cleanups, reuse and redevelopment of these sites to proceed. This fund supports soil, groundwater and surface water cleanups associated with dry cleaning solvent contamination.

For more information on SB 225, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4465.

SCRAP TIRE FEE RENEWED

New Tire Purchases should include a 50-cent per tire fee

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is moving forward to reestablish its scrap tire program. The state's Waste Tire Fee previously expired Jan. 1, 2004. Beginning Oct. 1, retailers again will collect a 50-cent fee for every new tire purchased in Missouri. The scrap tire fee will generate approximately $2.1 million annually.

The 2005 Missouri General Assembly passed Senate Bill 225 in mid May. The bill reinstates the tire fee. Governor Matt Blunt signed the bill today, which will go into effect Aug. 28. Previously known as the Waste Tire Fee, legislators changed the name to the Scrap Tire Fee as well as added a few provisions.

Senate Bill 225 includes a Missouri vendor preference that provides a competitive advantage to Missouri businesses that participate in tire site cleanups. The bill also gives the director of the Department of Natural Resources authority to use scrap tire funds for public health, environmental and safety projects in response to environmental emergencies such as tire fires.

"The department's waste tire program was one of the top ten in the nation," said Doyle Childers, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "The department is ecstatic to see the state's scrap tire fee renewed and being able to reestablish the scrap tire program."

The department will continue to use the money generated from the fee to clean up scrap tires from Missouri's landscapes and countryside. In addition, the department will again be able to provide grants to communities for recycled rubber playground surfaces, support educational outreach opportunities and reestablish staff to administer, investigate and enforce the states' scrap tire efforts.

When waste tires are not disposed of or recycled properly they pose serious threats to human health and the environment. Water sitting in waste tires creates an ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes, which can equal 10,000 to 1 million mosquitoes per tire during a breeding season. Mosquitoes are known to carry diseases such as the West Nile virus, Equine Encephalitis, and the St. Louis and La Crosse strains of human encephalitis. Fires from waste tires release hazardous substances into the air and possibly into groundwater sources and can burn for months or even years.

When Missourians dispose of or recycle waste tires properly they can provide several beneficial uses including: an alternate source of fuel for power plants; raw material for new tires; playground surfaces; and other recycled rubber products.

The Scrap Tire Fee is set to expire Jan. 1, 2010. The department will report the status of the tire cleanups to the General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2009 so they may consider renewal options for the fee.

For more information on Missouri's scrap tire fee effort visit the department's Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp, or call the department's Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.

DEPARTMENT ISSUES UNHEALTHY OZONE STATEMENTS FOR KANSAS CITY AND
ST. LOUIS AREAS ON SEVERAL DAYS IN JUNE

In June, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources recorded several days of high concentrations of ground-level ozone in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas. The department recorded the high readings from June 21 through June 30.

The National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone is .085 ppm averaged over an eight-hour period. From June 21 to June 25, monitors in Kansas City exceeded the ozone standard 10 times. St. Louis also exceeded the standard 29 times from June 21 to June 30 and monitors south of the St. Louis nonattainment area recorded 4 exceedances on June 22, 23 and 24.

High concentrations of ozone are considered unhealthy and can cause problems for those with existing heart or respiratory conditions, or even healthy individuals spending extended periods of time outdoors. In the general population, an elevated ozone level can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and make breathing difficult.

Emissions from automobiles and industry containing volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides create urban ground-level ozone in the presence of sunlight. Higher levels of ozone are most likely to form on summer days with temperatures above 85 degrees, little or no precipitation, lots of sunshine and light winds. When several of these days occur in a row, the risk of unhealthy ozone levels is significantly increased.

St. Louis and Kansas City residents can help reduce ground-level ozone by following these simple tips:

• Use mass transit, carpool, bike or walk to work, school or on errands.
• Keep your car properly maintained, and see a repair technician if your "Check Engine" light is on.
• Refuel after 7 p.m., and don't top off your gas tank.
• Avoid using gasoline-powered yard machines. Use an electric or push lawn mower.
• Avoid using lighter fluid when barbecuing. Use a chimney or electric starter to light your coals.
• Become more energy efficient. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs, and turn the air conditioner up a few degrees.

Ozone monitoring data is available from the Missouri Air Quality Data System on the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/AQDS/index.do.

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

MISSOURI REPORTS 47 PERCENT OF MO'S WASTE WAS DIVERTED FROM LANDFILLS IN 2004

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently announced that Missouri kept an estimated 47 percent of its trash out of landfills in 2004.

When distributed across Missouri's population per person, nearly 1 ton of waste was not thrown away and about 1.07 tons of waste was disposed of in landfills.

"Missourians have continued to exceed the statewide goal of 40 percent," said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. The 40 percent diversion goal was established by Senate Bill 530, signed into law in 1990. "Support from government officials, residents, solid waste management districts and businesses have helped Missouri become a state that values the conservation and protection of our natural resources for future generations," Childers said.

During the past 14 years, the department and Missouri's 20 solid waste management districts have helped to create and sustain recycling services across the state. Comprehensive waste prevention, public education efforts, material recovery facilities and composting operations all play a part in improving the way Missourians manage their solid waste.

Economic growths along with increasingly busy lifestyles, food habits and changes in living standards have contributed to an increase in waste generation. Paper and paperboard products are still the largest percentage of solid waste that ends up in landfills. Some factors that play a role in the paper waste stream include the increase in on-line shopping and catalog purchases, much of which contain paper and bulky packing materials. Also, our food habits and lifestyles have led us to actions of convenience such as getting dinner from take-out establishments that usually includes waste materials. We pay for these extra materials and then pay again to dispose of them.

If you would like to reduce the amount of waste you generate, here are a few steps to follow

• Avoid purchasing over-packaged products.
• Buy concentrated products.
• Reuse cardboard boxes, plastic bags and paper sacks.
• Invest in durable, quality products rather than disposable ones.
• Remove your name from the mailing lists of materials you no longer wish to receive.
• Avoid on-line purchases that can be purchased locally.
• Buy reusable containers while avoiding containers that can only be thrown away.
• Use sealable storage containers rather than plastic wrap.

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

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

MISSOURI NEWSPAPERS CONTINUE TO USE MORE RECYCLED PAPER

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has determined that 85 newspapers in Missouri met the state goal for recycled content in its newsprint during 2004. Out of 199,759 tons of newsprint these publications used in 2004, recycled content averaged 58 percent.

Under Missouri law, newspapers and similar publications with an average daily distribution of 15,000 or more must report how much recycled content newsprint they use each year. To encourage and support the use of recycled content newsprint, the department set a recycled content usage goal of 10 percent in 1993. For the last five years, the state's goal has been set at 50 percent recycled-content usage.

The recycled content usage of Missouri newsprint publications steadily rose from 36 percent in 1996 to 52 percent in 2003, further increasing to 58 percent for 2004. "The increase in recycled newsprint usage shows that Missouri newspaper and newsprint industries continue to make recycling a priority and view it as a benefit to the economy and environment," said Doyle Childers, director of the Department of Natural Resources.

If reporting publications do not meet the goal of 50 percent, they must claim an exemption explaining why it did not use recycled content. For 2004, 19 percent of the reporting publications sought exemptions citing supply, quality or cost issues.

Why is it so important to recycle paper? Approximately 17 trees are saved for every ton of paper made from recycled material," said Childers. "Recycling paper also uses 60 percent less energy than manufacturing paper from virgin timber." In 2003, over 73 percent of all old newspapers were recycled in the United States.

A complete report on recycled content newsprint used by Missouri publications is available online at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/rrr/newspaperRecycling.htm.

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

RESULTS SHOW ASBESTOS LEVELS BELOW HEALTH-BASED STANDARD FOR EXPOSURE

Air samples show minimal off-site migration of asbestos from Praxair explosion

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources found results from air sampling around the Praxair facility in St. Louis showed minimal off-site migration of asbestos, following a fire and explosions at the site that stored packaged gases, or cylinder gases.

Products packaged at the plant include oxygen for medical and industrial uses; acetylene used for metal cutting; nitrogen for food freezing; argon used for welding; specialty gases for laboratory calibration. In addition, other gases, such as propane used in backyard grills, are stored at this facility.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources hired NPN Environmental, an asbestos abatement contractor, to collect air samples from the residential area surrounding the Praxair facility in St. Louis.

NPN set up seven asbestos samplers on Thursday, June 30, to monitor the air quality and health affects from the asbestos. The samplers were located at the perimeter of the facility, downwind about a block away from the facility and the surrounding neighborhood.

The department received test results from the seven air samples collected. Five of the air samples detected no asbestos. Two samples detected asbestos material at levels that are below the health-based standard for exposure. Both samples are down wind from the facility, one on the facilities property and the other one block north of Chouteau Ave. on Papin St.

Asbestos-containing filler material was present on the inside of some older acetylene gas cylinders located at the Praxair facility. Given the extent of the explosions on Friday, June 24, it is difficult to know how many of these cylinders were on-site or involved in the fire. The department also analyzed pieces of the filler material collected off-site and verified asbestos is present. Cleanup efforts are on going to remove scattered material debris from the explosion to ensure all asbestos material is removed.

The Department of Natural Resources will work with health officials to validate that the risk from exposure to these fibers should not be a concern for area residents. The department will also continue working with the city, Praxair and federal officials to monitor and address the cleanup.

If residents find debris from the incident they are urged to call the City of St. Louis at 314-622-4800.

For more information, call the department's Environmental Services Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-3315.

CLEANUP CONTINUES AROUND PRAXAIR FACILITY AFTER EXPLOSION

Gaining access to surrounding properties is vital to the cleanup efforts

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is urging local businesses, industry and homeowners to provide access to contractors working to remove scattered material debris remaining near the Praxair facility.

The explosion at the facility on June 24 threw chunks of material and debris several blocks. The debris includes asbestos-containing filler material used on the inside of some older acetylene gas cylinders. Praxair hired an asbestos contractor to clean up the asbestos material. The contractor has removed material from rooftops and parking lots from several facilities in the area and will continue to canvass the downwind area looking for other potentially affected businesses. If cleanup crews find additional debris, it is vital property owners grant access to properly remove the debris.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will also continue working with the city, Praxair and federal officials to monitor and address the cleanup. If residents find debris from the incident, they are urged to call the City of St. Louis at 314-622-4800.

DEPARTMENT RECEIVES APPLICATION FOR DISPOSAL AREA IN NEW MADRID CO.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has received an application from Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. to construct the New Madrid Combustion Waste Landfill. The proposed site would be located nine miles south of New Madrid, one mile east of Interstate Highway 55 exit 40, and 2 miles south of the St. Jude Industrial Park on County Road 403 in New Madrid County.

The business would receive non-hazardous coal combustion byproduct waste such as fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, coal wastes and flue gas desulfurization material.

The Department of Natural Resources reviews all applications submitted by cities, counties and private owners to ensure that solid waste disposal areas 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 Lilbourn Memorial Library, 210 East Lewis, Lilbourn, Mo., for public review.

Questions and comments regarding the proposed disposal area or the department's role in regulating solid waste disposal areas may be sent to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Solid Waste Management Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or phone Steve 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.

BROWNFIELDS/VOLUNTARY CLEANUP PROGRAMS ISSUES CLEANUP CERTIFICATES

Known or suspected contamination may hamper redevelopment and reuse at commercial properties, otherwise known as Brownfields. While many brownfield sites are minimally contaminated, potential environmental liability can be a problem for owners, operators, prospective buyers and financial institutions. Because of the large number of these sites, their economic impact - especially in heavily industrial areas - is substantial.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program can help resolve these issues so redevelopment and reuse can proceed. When the department's Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program is satisfied that the cleanup has met the objectives, the department provides the applicant with a Certification of Completion or "No Further Action Letter". Brownfield cleanups put property back into productive use, encourage redevelopment and increases economic development in distressed areas.

For more information on the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-8913.

SHERWIN WILLIAMS - BROD DUGAN STORE IN ST. LOUIS

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued its 238th Certificate of Completion to Sherwin Williams - Brod Dugan Store,
2145 Shuetz Road in St. Louis. The certification for the site addressed possible contaminants from a paint-mixing tank.

Sherwin Williams previously owned the property and used a paint-mixing tank at the site. The tank leaked into the subsurface beneath the warehouse floor. Brod Dugan now operates the property as a retail paint store. Sherwin Williams entered in the department's Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program to address the potential contamination at the site.

The contractors for Sherwin Williams completed a site characterization and found soil contaminated with beryllium, petroleum and solvents. However, the contaminant levels found under the warehouse were not high enough to require cleanup. To protect future occupants to the site, the Certificate of Completion is included with a Deed Notice in the property chain of title.

CUPPLES STATION IN ST. LOUIS

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has issued its 239th Certificate of Completion for the Cupples Station, City Block 435 in St. Louis. The certification for the site addresses contaminants including petroleum hydrocarbons and lead in the surrounding soil, mercury in the soil beneath the building and lead-based paint in the building.

This site is part of the historic Cupples Station warehouse complex built in the late 1800s. The site includes a seven-story building and adjacent parking area. Historically, the building was used for sales offices and warehouse space. Developers are currently converting the building to residential apartments.

The participant's consultant, Environmental Operations, Inc. removed lead-based paint from interior walls and windows, and properly disposed of fluorescent light bulbs and light ballasts. The consultant addressed the mercury in the soil below the basement floor and installed engineered barriers over elevated levels of lead, mercury and petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil. The consultant also removed 3,943 tons of impacted soil from around the building. Of this material, 328 tons of soil was reused on-site and 3,615 tons of soil was disposed of as a special waste.

The department's Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program determined the levels of contamination remaining in the soil do not pose a health threat based on the practices used for the cleanup. Those practices included using engineered caps, a soil management plan and a restrictive covenant limiting the use of the property to restricted residential such as apartments. To protect future occupants to the site, the Certificate of Completion is included with a Deed Notice in the property chain of title.

DEPARTMENT WORKS WITH ROYAL OAK ENTERPRISES TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY

Residents living near the Royal Oak Enterprises' plant near Van Buren may have noticed a change in the air quality, no more smoke. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been working with Royal Oak Enterprises to control its air pollution. Royal Oak Enterprises is the largest operator of charcoal kilns in Missouri and its Ellsinore plant, located 25 miles west of Poplar Bluff, was its last remaining uncontrolled facility.

In 1997, EPA found that Royal Oak had violated two major pollution-reporting rules. In return for suspension of a $750,000 fine, Royal Oak agreed in 1998 to begin phasing out its uncontrolled charcoal kilns by either closing plants or installing afterburners. July 1 was the deadline for completion of this phase-out.

Royal Oak has consolidated production in Salem, Mountain View and Ellsinore and closed its other production facilities. Royal Oak installed afterburners at each of its remaining production sites. Air pollution tests conducted under the supervision of the department's Air Pollution Control Program have found that the new afterburners are more than 99.9 percent effective in eliminating air pollution from the kilns.

"Before controls were installed, charcoal kilns were the largest and most toxic air pollution sources in the state," said Doyle Childers, Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "With afterburners, even the largest charcoal plant qualifies for the lowest level of operating permit issued by the department."

Royal Oak has improved air quality by replacing its 48 rusty, steel box kilns, with 32 large concrete kilns. The kilns are arranged around four 50-foot tall, high-tech afterburners. An afterburner is an air pollution control device that burns off pollutants. The afterburners operate at 1,500 degrees to destroy the white smoke that previously drifted across the highway next to the plant. Currently, 16 kilns and two afterburners are operational and the other 16 kilns are under construction.

Although Royal Oak had to complete control of its charcoal kilns by July 1, other Missouri charcoal producers have until the end of 2005 to phase in controls. Most independent producers have completed their afterburner installations, but a few plants will continue to operate their uncontrolled kilns until the end of the year while their afterburners are under construction.

For more information on the new charcoal kiln regulations, see the "From the Hills to the Grills" article in the Spring 2000 Missouri Resources at www.dnr.mo.gov/magazine/2000_spring/from_the_hills_to_the_grills.htm or call the department's Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.

ATTORNEY GENERAL SUES INDEPENDENCE MAN WHO ILLEGALLY DUMPED WASTE TIRES IN CLINTON COUNTY; SEEKS COST OF CLEANUP

Attorney General Jay Nixon has asked the Clinton County Circuit Court to order an Independence man to pay for the cost of cleanup for 60,000 waste tires he illegally dumped in a rural area near Plattsburg.

A lawsuit Nixon filed with the court alleges that Mike Libeer dumped multiple loads of tires on property in Clinton County owned by Robert Devling, of Wathena, Kan. Devling entered into a consent judgment with Nixon's office earlier this year, and agreed to pay $11,000 to cover a portion of the cleanup. In addition, Devling paid a $3,000 penalty, with another $3,000 suspended provided he commits no violation of Missouri's Solid Waste Management Law for two years.

"The property owner has agreed to pay his share, now it's time for the individual who actually dumped these tires to pay for the cleanup," Nixon said. "Twice this year, we've seen massive fires at illegal tire dumps that have blackened our skies, polluted our soil, and sullied our groundwater. It's time this site is cleaned up, and the burden should be on the transgressors, not the taxpayers."

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources first became aware of the illegally dumped tires in 1993, when flood waters washed several hundred tires into Smithville Lake. Devling has agreed to give the Department of Natural Resources access to his property to clean up the dump, which is expected to cost up to $135,000. Nixon is asking the court to order Libeer to pay a portion of that cost.

In addition, Nixon is asking the court to order Libeer to pay civil penalties for violating Missouri's Solid Waste Management Law, which can range up to $1,000 a day for each day the tires were illegally stored on the Clinton County site.

DEPARTMENT REVIEWS EAGLEPICHER TECHNOLOGIES LLC PERMIT APPLICATION FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has begun a technical review of a hazardous waste permit application submitted by EaglePicher Technologies LLC. The facility is located at C and Porter streets in Joplin. EaglePicher Technologies submitted this application for renewal of its current hazardous waste permit. State regulations allow the current hazardous waste permit to continue while the department reviews the permit application.

EaglePicher is an active battery manufacturing facility. It manufactures special purpose batteries for commercial and governmental applications. The battery manufacturing process produces hazardous waste. Some of this hazardous waste is stored on-site for more than 90 days. EaglePicher's current hazardous waste permit allows them to store the hazardous wastes on-site before shipping it off-site for treatment and disposal. Other activities covered by the current hazardous waste permit include investigation, cleanup, and long-term monitoring and maintenance activities for a former lead chemicals surface impoundment. These activities will continue under the new permit.

The Department of Natural Resources invites the public to review and offer written comments on the permit application. Comments are most effective if they point out legal or technical issues in the permit application. Please send written comments to David Walker, Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Hazardous Waste Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176. The department will consider and accept comments on the application during the technical review until the department reaches a decision to issue a draft permit or to deny the application.

The public can review and copy the permit application and supporting documents at the following locations:

Joplin Public Library 300 South Main St., Joplin, Mo.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.-Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.-Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.-Sunday

or, by appointment at either of the following department offices:

Southwest Regional Office 2040 West Woodland, Springfield, Mo. Phone: 417-891-4300

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

Interested parties can have their names placed on EaglePicher's mailing list by writing or calling Walker at any time. By doing this, they will receive notice from the Department of Natural Resources or EaglePicher on any major permitting and cleanup activities at the facility. For more information, call Walker at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3553.

FULTON DRY CLEANER WILL SHIFT TO MORE ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY PROCESS IN AGREEMENT WITH ATTORNEY GENERAL

A Fulton industrial dry cleaning business will adopt a process that is more environment friendly as part of an agreement with Attorney General Jay Nixon to settle a lawsuit alleging violation of Missouri's hazardous waste laws.

In a consent judgment filed in Callaway County Circuit Court, Circle Environmental agreed to convert one of its two dry cleaning machines to use Techtride, a non-hazardous cleaning agent. As a result, $7,350 of a $9,800 civil penalty will be suspended provided the conversion is implemented.

"This agreement certainly represents a multiple-win situation in dealing with a significant environmental concern," Nixon said. "A local business will be allowed to make significant improvements in lieu of a civil penalty, a potential environmental hazard will be eliminated, and any potential threat to public health will be drastically reduced. This is the kind of agreement we like to see."

The consent judgment was reached as part of Nixon's Supplemental Environmental Performance Projects (MOSEPP) program, which emphasizes the mediation of potential environmental threats over other types of penalties in cases involving violation of the state's pollution and hazardous waste laws.

As a result of an inspection by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in October 2002, investigators alleged that Circle Environmental was operating as a hazardous waste storage and disposal facility without a permit; was storing hazardous waste in excess of 90 days; was in violation of storage and shipment requirements; and personnel were not properly trained.

Circle Environmental admitted no wrong doing in the consent judgment, but agreed to spend more than $15,000 to upgrade its facility as part of its agreement with Nixon's office.

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ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE

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

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

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

DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO DIESEL FUEL SPILL IN TRENTON

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources immediately dispatched staff with the Environmental Emergency Response Team to the scene of a diesel spill in Trenton.

The City of Trenton Municipal Utilities reported the release of diesel fuel to the department's Environmental Emergency Response spill line on the afternoon of July 25, 2005. A malfunctioning transfer pump had released nearly 9,000 gallons of diesel fuel from the municipal electrical generating station.

City staff and an environmental contractor worked late last night to recover 2,025 gallons of fuel. The contractor constructed several recovery trenches to collect the product. Removing the contaminated diesel fuel and soil from the facility is difficult due to the numerous high voltage lines buried at the site. However, most of the released fuel appears to be contained within the sand and gravel filled trenches that contain the power lines. The surrounding native soil consists mainly of very tight clay. The clay along with the site's flat surface are helping to prevent contaminates from migrating. Therefore, no waterways or drinking water supplies are threatened are impacted at this time.

The department's environmental emergency response staff will continue providing assistance and oversight during the cleanup and determine the extent of the contamination.

The department provides daily support and protection for the citizens of Missouri during environmental emergencies such as this diesel fuel leak. 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. The 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 page at www.dnr.mo.gov.

DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO TIRE FIRE IN KANSAS CITY

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources immediately mobilized a staff member of the Environmental Emergency Response Team late yesterday to a tire fire in the west bottom area of Kansas City.

The fire reportedly started around 4 p.m. yesterday in a one story building owned by ABC Tire, 1410 Intercity Trafficway in Kansas City. The warehouse and two semi-trailers used to store tires were involved in the fire and contained approximately 1,800 to 2,200 tires onsite.

The Environmental Protection Agency, local Haz-Mat Team, the Kansas City Fire Department and the Department of Natural Resources responded to the incident. EPA conducted air monitoring at the site and reported very low levels of particulate matter in the air. The department's environmental emergency staff will continue to monitor the site during the initial cleanup phase.

ABC Tire is permitted by the state to haul waste tires. The facility hauls and sorts scrap tires as well as sells used tires. The department inspected the facility on Dec. 31, 2003, and found the facility in compliance with Missouri laws. With the renewal of the scrap tire fee, the department will soon reestablish staff to begin inspecting permitting facilities across the state.

The department provides daily support and protection for the citizens of Missouri during environmental emergencies such as this tire fire. 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 incidents. The 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 page at www.dnr.mo.gov.

DEPARTMENT CONTINUES INVESTIGATION AND OVERSIGHT AT A DIESEL FUEL LEAK AT THE FULTON STATE HOSPITAL

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Emergency Response Team continues its investigation and oversight after a diesel fuel spill occurred at the Fulton State Hospital.

The department's Environmental Emergency Response Team was called on June 17 after a citizen noticed diesel fuel in an unnamed tributary leading to Stinson Creek along a walking trail near Route O and Hillcrest Street. The department and local fire officials immediately responded to the scene to assess the situation. The department hired an environmental contractor to clean up the diesel fuel in the unnamed tributary. The department determined the diesel fuel did not affect Stinson Creek.

After addressing the unnamed tributary, officials from the Fulton State Hospital, environmental contractors and the department continued to work to locate the source of the leak. Line tightness tests were conducted on the aboveground storage tank system containing diesel fuel and gasoline. The Fulton State Hospital used the fuel for its backup generator, vehicles and other equipment. The line tightness tests failed. Crews isolated the tanks from the piping and began removing nearly 80,000 gallons of diesel fuel from the tanks as a precaution. An environmental contractor then began digging to install interceptor trenches to cut off the underground movement of diesel fuel to the sewer system and began recovery of free product.

Upon further investigation, the department determined a leaking pipe leading from one of the diesel fuel tanks. The fuel had been leaking from the piping into the secondary containment, migrated through the ground, seeped into the sewer system and discharged into the unnamed tributary. The length of time the piping has been leaking diesel fuel or the quantity released is unknown.
The department's environmental emergency response staff will continue providing assistance and oversight during the cleanup and determine the extent of the contamination. The department is also coordinating with the Mental Health Department's Fulton State Hospital and the Office of Administration to address issues on the cleanup.

The department provides daily support and protection for the citizens of Missouri during environmental emergencies such as this diesel fuel leak. 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. The 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.

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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.

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO MEET AUG. 4

The Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting at 9:30 a.m., Aug. 4 at Eckles Hall, University of Missouri in Columbia.

For more information, call the department's Soil and Water Conservation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1172.

CONTROL STRATEGY WORKGROUP TO MEET AUG. 5

The Control Strategy Workgroup will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., at the East-West Gateway, One Memorial Dr., Ste. 1600 in St. Louis.

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

STATE OIL AND GAS COUNCIL TO MEET AUG. 9

The Missouri State Oil and Gas Council will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., Aug. 9 at the Department of Natural Resources' Kansas City Regional Office, 500 NE Colbern Rd., Lee's Summit.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-368-2115.

HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING AUG. 11

The Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Aug. 11 at the Department of Natural Resources' 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.

MISSOURI STATE FAIR AUG. 11 - 21 IN SEDALIA

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will present activities at the Woman's Building during the 2005 Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. The Woman's Building will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit the department at the state fair to see exhibits about state parks, air, land, water, geology, archeaology, and historic and cultural preservation plus, games, demonstrations and live entertainment on the front porch.

WELL INSTALLATION BOARD TO MEET AUG. 29

The Missouri Well Installation Board will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., Aug. 29, at the Department of Natural Resources' Geological Survey and Resources Assessment Division office, 111 Fairgrounds Rd., Rolla.

For more information, call the department at 800-361-4827 or 573-368-2450.

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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 at www.dnr.mo.gov/regs/index.html.

Air Pollution Control Program	Ambient Air Quality Standards
Rule Number: 010-06.010 - Updates ambient air quality requirements to the new and revised ozone and particulate matter standards.
Public comment ends: Oct. 6, 2005	Public hearing: Sept. 29, 2005
Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published	Department contact: 573-751-4817

Air Pollution Control Program	Definitions and Common Reference Tables
Rule Number: 010-06.020 - Amends definitions to include a definition for particulate matter of the 2.5 micron size, clarify particulate matter definitions and corrects technical titles listed in the common reference tables.
Public comment ends: Oct. 6, 2005	Public hearing: Sept. 29,. 2005
Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published	Department contact: 573-751-4817

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