Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources is a monthly newsletter that informs readers about environmental issues.
DECEMBER 2005
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ISSUES EMERGENCY HAZARDOUS WASTE PERMIT TO DOE RUN’S VIBURNUM FACILITY
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued an emergency hazardous waste management facility permit to The Doe Run Company - Viburnum Mine/Mill Facility #28, Casteel Dr., Viburnum until February 1. The department previously issued a permit to Doe Run on August 12. The permit allows for an extension of the effective dates of the permit with verbal approval by the department.
The Doe Run Company Viburnum Mine/Mill Facility is closed and substantially inactive. The emergency hazardous waste permit allows Doe Run to store lead-contaminated soil from the Viburnum Trend Lead Haul Roads site at the Viburnum facility. The Viburnum Trend Lead Haul Roads site includes sections of highways located within Dent, Iron and Reynolds counties.
Trucks use the highways to haul lead ore concentrate between the various lead mines, mills and smelters in and around the Viburnum trend. The department investigated the highways to determine whether lead ore concentrate blown out of the haul trucks had deposited along the haul routes and caused significant soil contamination. Sampling detected high lead concentrations throughout the entire site along the highway right-of-ways and several private properties.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) negotiated an administrative order for a time-critical removal of lead-impacted soils at the Viburnum Trend Lead Haul Roads site to four mining and metals companies who formerly operated in the area. Emergency storage was allowed at the Viburnum facility while EPA prepared a remedial action plan (RAP) to allow Doe Run to permanently treat and dispose of the soil. The purpose of the emergency permit was to allow Doe Run to store the soil at the Viburnum facility until EPA approved the RAP. EPA has not yet completed the process of preparing the RAP, but anticipates doing so in the near future.
Therefore, the circumstances required an extension of the effective dates of the August permit.
The emergency permit is available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/permits/notices.htm.
Supporting documents are not available on the department’s Web site due to its size. The public can review and copy the emergency permit and supporting documents at the following locations:
Ozark Regional Library - Viburnum Branch
Missouri Ave.
Viburnum, MO
Hours: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Monday and Wednesday
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Thursday
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Saturday
or by appointment at either of the following department offices:
Poplar Bluff, MO
Phone: 573-840-9750
Hazardous Waste Program
1738 East Elm Street (lower level)
Jefferson City, MO
Phone: 573-522-3345
Anyone affected by this decision can appeal to have the matter heard. The appeal must be requested by Dec. 30. The person requesting the appeal must file a written petition, according to the procedures outlined in Section 621.250, RSMo, with the Administrative Hearing Commission, P.O. Box 1557, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The department also asks those filing an appeal to copy the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Attn: Robert Geller, Hazardous Waste Program Director, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176.
For more information, please contact Brian McCurren at the department address listed above or by calling 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3553. Hearing and speech-impaired persons may reach McCurren through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966.
DEPARTMENT DELIVERS HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT LAND SURVEY DOCUMENTS TO SECRETARY OF STATE
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geology and Land Survey (DGLS) delivered a number of significant maps and land surveys to Secretary of State Robin Carnahan. These included the official state boundaries between Missouri and Iowa, portions of Missouri and Arkansas, and the Tri-State intersection of Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, as well as the boundaries between St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve counties and Platte and Buchanan counties.
These documents will be placed in the rare documents vault along with other fundamental Missouri documents, such as the Missouri Constitution, original land surveys, all bills passed by the state legislature and other foundational documents. Each of these documents is historically significant because they define the statutory location for our state and county boundaries.
Official land surveys have had an important place in our state’s history. In 1838, the “Honey War” for example, developed over disagreements as to where an 1816 land survey designated the Missouri and Iowa border. The dispute escalated when two “revenuers” cut down a tree harboring a large beehive as partial payment for what they claimed was an uncollected state tax.
The landowner, taking particular offense to this assault, argued that the tree stood in Iowa and not Missouri. Militias from both sides gathered as tempers flared, culminating in Iowans kidnapping a Missouri sheriff. The standoff was abated when the two governors agreed to allow the U.S. Congress to settle the land survey issue.
Land survey records have also played an important role in the economic growth of Missouri, though many are unfamiliar with their significance. “Missouri’s boundaries were partially created prior to statehood and were modified and re-surveyed during the early history of our state. The location of both the river and land boundaries define land ownership and political subdivisions such as cities or counties,” according to State Land Surveyor Mike Flowers. “These maps and surveys provide for the permanent marking and delineation of those common boundaries between our neighboring states and counties.”
The Land Survey Program develops and provides information required for the accurate and economical location of property boundaries throughout Missouri. Maintaining consistent and dependable land boundary information avoids boundary disputes and errors in land transfers. This often involves the reestablishment of old markers, referred to as monuments, originally established for the U.S. Public Land Survey System (USPLSS). These monuments locate the boundaries of land surveys dating as far back as the early 1800s.
The USPLSS in Missouri, is an extension of the system adopted by Congress in 1785. Between 1816 and 1855, Missouri was surveyed into one mile squares called sections. Thirty-six sections in a block of land measuring six miles on each side are called a township. These surveys created the basis for the transfer of land from the U.S. government to private owners and are the basis for all land transfers and ownership in the state today. Technology, through the global positioning system (GPS), has enhanced the ability to locate and remark these monuments, thereby assuring their accuracy and permanence.
To learn more about land surveying of yesterday and today, visit the Land Survey Program’s Web pages at www.dnr.mo.gov/geology/. For information on specific maps or surveys delivered to the Secretary of State, contact Mike Flowers at 573-368-2301.
EXTEND THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT, “TREECYCLE” YOUR HOLIDAY TREE
After the holidays are over, it’s time to consider what to do with your Christmas tree. If it is a natural tree, it can only stand around so long before the needles start falling and it becomes a fire hazard. If it is a metallic or plastic tree that appears worn out by one too many Christmas parties, it might be time to “treecycle.”
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ How to Dispose of Christmas Trees brochure has several tips on how to reuse a natural Christmas tree or find a beneficial use for an artificial tree after the holiday ends.
With a little imagination, retired trees of each type can be used to extend the Christmas spirit. Since January 1992, it has been illegal to dispose of natural Christmas trees in landfills. Lights, glass ornaments, tinsel and other decorations should be completely removed before starting a “treecycle” project.
- To help out your neighborhood birds and wildlife, set the old tree up in the backyard as a banquet table. Hanging edible decorations such as suet, peanut butter balls, ears of corn or clusters of birdseed may attract a colorful and entertaining gathering of birds and squirrels to your backyard. The tree will still be waste material in the spring, but you can squeeze a little use from it before it has to go to the chipper.
- Weighed down by stone, a collection of trees at the bottom of a pond can be a fish habitat by providing cover for small fish and places for their food species to cling until feeding time.
- If you have the room, you may discard natural trees to create brush piles. Stacked trees can provide shelter against winter winds and ice for small animals and birds.
- Over time, brush piles break down and decay into compost that can enrich the soil. You can speed up the composting process by running the tree through a chipper and using the mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture and reduce water use in the summer.
Many communities offer a Christmas tree collection and chipping service after Christmas. Check with your local government or your solid waste management district for the location and schedules of these services. For district contact names and numbers visit the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/swmd/swmdinfo.htm, or call the department’s Solid Waste Management Program at 573-751-5401.
Although artificial trees last much longer, disposal is more difficult. Ultimately a worn out artificial tree must go to a landfill. Or you may want to consider using it as an outdoor Christmas lighting decoration next year.
For copies of the How to Dispose of Christmas Trees brochure, contact the department’s Outreach and Assistance Center by calling 800-361-4827 or visit the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pubs.htm.
BROWNFIELDS/VOLUNTARY CLEANUP PROGRAM OVERSEES SUCCESSFUL CLEANUPS
The Department of Natural Resources has issued certificates of completion for several Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program (BVCP) sites.
Brownfields are abandoned or underused industrial or commercial sites, located primarily in urban areas, that are either contaminated or thought to be contaminated. Through the BVCP, private parties agree to clean up a contaminated site and are offered some protection from future state and federal enforcement action at the site in the form of a “No Further Action” letter or “Certificates of Completion” from the state.
Allied Oil and Supply in Kansas City
The former Allied Oil and Supply site at 200 East 14th Avenue in North Kansas City received a Certificate of Completion from the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program after completing remediation of soil contamination. Allied Oil entered their former property, now owned by Oliver Building Corporation, into the BVCP in October 2003. The site remediation required removal and disposal of the oily-sludge material from all building drains and 13.2 tons of petroleum contaminated soil outside the building.
C and D Auto Salvage
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program issued a certificate of completion to C and D Auto Salvage located at 814 East 19th Street in Kansas City, Missouri. C and D Auto Salvage worked to cleanup petroleum and lead contamination resulting from various site operations, including maintenance, demolition and storage of derelict and wrecked automobiles.
This site has been an auto salvage business for over 60 years. The site consists of a two-story building used for parts storage and administrative office space, a small maintenance shed and a gravel lot used for storage of wrecked automobiles. Site assessments indicated the presence of petroleum and lead contamination in the soil and groundwater resulting from site operations. The site applied to BVCP to address these issues. Assessment and cleanup of asbestos containing materials and lead based paint in the site buildings was not conducted as part of this project.
Additional site characterization was done to mark out the contamination and limited excavation of surface soil was conducted to remove “hot spots.” Results from the site characterization and excavation were used to complete a risk assessment in accordance with the Missouri Risk Based Corrective Action petroleum guidance document. The risk assessment indicated that the petroleum and lead contamination does not pose a threat and that the site may be used for residential or non-residential purposes. Therefore, a certificate of completion was issued by BVCP. The owner of the site intends to sell it and it is anticipated that it will be developed for commercial use.
D’s Complete Auto Repair
Sansone Group received a Certificate of Completion for the Northland Shopping Mall D’s Complete Auto Repair site from the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program after completing cleanup of soil contaminated with gasoline, diesel, metals and other petroleum-related chemicals.
Located at 16 Northland Shopping Center in Jennings, Missouri, the 0.1-acre property has been the location of Western Auto, Goodyear Tire and Rubber, Northland Goodyear Tire Center, Northland Brakes, Soft Touch Auto Detailing and Rick’s Auto Repair. Past auto repair operations resulted in contamination of soils under the facility. The site entered the BVCP in February 2005 for oversight of cleanup as a result of planned redevelopment.
Over 513 tons of contaminated soil was excavated and disposed properly. The property now is safe for unrestricted use. This parcel is a small part of a larger redevelopment of the former Northland Shopping Mall location, to be called the Plaza on the Boulevard.
Welsh Baby Carriage site in St. Louis
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program issued a Certification of Completion Letter for the Welsh Baby Carriage site in St. Louis, 1535 South 8th Street in St. Louis.
Based on available historical information the site has been developed since at least 1875 and has been occupied by an institution for the insane, the Hamilton-Brown shoe factory and the Welsh Baby Carriage factory. Since 1994, the site was used as a warehouse for a horror novelties company and a portion of the building was used seasonally as a haunted house attraction.
urrently the site is being redeveloped into 132 apartments and more than 23,000 square feet of commercial space.
Initial site assessments revealed diesel range petroleum hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chromium in the soil, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminated concrete and asbestos containing material (ACM) within the building. SITEX Environmental, Inc. removed and properly disposed of approximately 10,213 tons of petroleum contaminated soil, 20 tons of chromium contaminated soil, 40 tons of VOC contaminated soil, 20 tons of PCB contaminated concrete and soil and 160 cubic yards of ACM to remediate the chemicals of concern in accordance with a department-approved risk management plan.
The BVCP has determined that the levels of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination remaining in the soil, which are above the unrestricted residential use levels (single-family residential homes), do not pose a health threat due to the use of engineered caps, a soil management plan and a restrictive covenant limiting the use of the property to restricted residential (multi-family residential use such as apartments). The restrictive covenant was filed in the property’s chain of title.
Wyandotte Investors Building in Kansas City
The Wyandotte Investors Building at 2120 Wyandotte in Kansas City received a Certificate of Completion from the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program after completing closure of a 15,000-gallon underground heating oil tank. Wyandotte Investors, LLC, entered the three-story building into the BVCP in October 2005. The site cleanup required removal and disposal of the oily-sludge material from the tank and back-filling the empty tank with concrete.
Historical uses of the building included Levin Iron and Metal Company (1932), Cody Boiler Works (1941), Westinghouse Electric (1932-1950), and Natkin Fabrication (1963). The most recent tenant, Western Extralite, vacated the site in 1995. Wyandotte Investors is redeveloping the structure into loft apartments. Due to the age of the structure, Wyandotte Investors received State Historic Tax Credits from the Department of Natural Resources for the renovation.
UPDATE ON TIRE RULEMAKING
The department’s Solid Waste Management Program and stakeholders have been working on updating the rules dealing with tires in the Missouri Code of State Regulations.
According to Senate Bill 225, which went into effect Aug. 28, 2005, several changes to the rules need to be made. Many of the changes are grammatical, as “waste” tires are now referred to as “scrap” tires. Additionally, Financial Assurance Instruments will be included for tire processors and end-users.
Other updates include adding a Missouri vendor preference to the clean-up contract rule for contracts approved by the department and clarifying the language of other rules.
To date there have been two stakeholder meetings held. One on October 29, to discuss the changes and one on November 9, to discuss options for the language of the revised rules. Due to lengthy discussions, only one half of the rules have been completely covered in the meetings. Once the meetings are complete, the proposed rules will be brought to a larger advisory group for discussion prior to continuing with the rulemaking process.
If all goes according to plan, the new and revised rules will go into effect in May 2007.
STATE LOOKS FOR FAST ANSWERS ON RESERVIOR FAILURE
Assessment Begins on Damage to Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers called on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to quickly answer a question on the mind of many Missourians: What caused the failure of the Taum Sauk Reservoir on December 14?
Childers and State Parks Division Director Doug Eiken joined the agency’s environmental emergency response and parks staff in Reynolds County to learn more about the impacts from flooding. A major breach in the upper reservoir of AmerenUE’s Taum Sauk Hydroelectric Plant flooded Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and nearby roads.
“Gov. Blunt has asked me to push for a rapid response to our request for information from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on what happened here yesterday,” Childers said. “Our folks will be working closely with the federal commission as it begins its investigation today.”
The State of Missouri does not regulate this type of dam. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission inspects AmerenUE’s Taum Sauk Hydroelectric Plant, located near Lesterville in Reynolds County, on an annual basis. Approximately 1.3 billion gallons of water from the plant’s upper reservoir flooded Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and nearby roads on December 14.
The Department of Natural Resources provided escorted access into the park for the U.S. Geological Survey. The department has asked the survey to conduct a flood study, which will show the extent and volume of water discharged over the area and will document the actual event.
The department is also working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service for technical assistance on options to prevent additional sediment from entering the Black River.
A team from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has begun an assessment of damage to Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park near Lesterville following the failure of the nearby Taum Sauk Reservoir. Water from the reservoir flooded the state park. The park will remain closed until further notice.
Preliminary reports indicate the majority of the damage was in the area adjacent to the East Fork of the Black River, which flows through the park. Extensive damage was reported to the superintendent’s residence, the campground, the park’s water plant and the boardwalk to the shut-ins, the park’s signature natural feature. The park store and office were flooded but are still standing.
The team will evaluate the impact from the flooding to the park’s natural and cultural resources, the park’s structures and infrastructure and any environmental issues.
Department officials also are continuing efforts to support the park superintendent and his family, who lost their home in the flood. Jerry and Lisa Toop’s three children were hospitalized in St. Louis.
Once the assessment of the park is complete, the department will have a clearer picture on what must be done to repair the park and cleanup effort will begin. Campers who have made reservations in the campground have been notified that their reservations have been cancelled, and full refunds will be made.
People interested in the status of the state park are urged to visit the department’s Web site at www.mostateparks.com. Any updates on the status will be posted on the Web site as well as provided through the media.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is one of the state park system’s most popular state parks. With approximately 8,550 acres, the park draws nearly 250,000 visitors yearly. Much of the visitation is concentrated in the area along the East Fork of the Black River, which was where the flooding impact was most significant.
SIGN-UP TO RECEIVE E-MAIL NEWS FROM THE MISSOURI DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES
The Department of Natural Resources offers several e-mail lists that you can subscribe to online. The department uses these short e-mail announcements to notify subscribers about a variety of topics.
You can choose the topics you are interested in receiving. Currently, you can sign up to receive the following broadcast e-mail:
- Business Assistance
- Educator Resources
- Energy Bulletin Announcements
- Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
- Enforcement and Compliance Assistance - Updates on departmental environmental issues
- Enforcement and Compliance Assistance for Hazardous Waste Generators - Updates on environmental issues for hazardous
waste generators - Local Government Notifications
- Operator Certification Trainers
- Protecting Missouri’s Natural Resources
- Redevelopment and Brownfields Cleanup
- State Parks and Historic Sites e-Friends
- Water Quality Coordinating Committee
These short e-mail announcements let subscribers know about upcoming application or permit deadlines, updates to rules, financial opportunities, workshop announcements, topics that have a short deadline to register and much more. For example, about six to eight times each year we get notice of grants that are available to local governments that have a 30-60 day window to apply. We can’t get such announcements out to you quickly enough using traditional newsletters. As an e-mail subscriber you receive the information quickly, which gives you more time to prepare an application.
It is easy to sign up or to remove your address from the list. Visit www.dnr.mo.gov/broadcastlists.htm to sign up.
Media news also available on e-mail
Radio, television and newspaper outlets, and those who create newsletters, can sign up to receive e-mail notification of department news releases, audio public service announcements and media alerts. To add yourself to the media e-mail list, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/subscribe-regions.htm.
DEPARTMENT TO HOLD PUBLIC AWARENESS SESSION ON LANDFILL PERMITTING PROCESS JAN. 9 IN NORBORNE
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will hold a public awareness session at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, at the Goppert Community Center, 201 South Pine St. in Norborne.
Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc (AECI) has obtained Preliminary Site Investigation Approval to construct a utility landfill in Carroll County. The proposed site is located approximately three miles northeast of Norborne. The landfill would receive utility solid wastes.
The department will explain the landfill permitting process during the public awareness session. Representatives from the department’s Solid Waste Management Program, Division of Geology and Land Survey and Northeast 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. Other technical factors that protect Missouri’s environment are also examined.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 utility landfill 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 Rod Ellis 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 RECEIVES SETTLEMENT PENALTY FROM ROYAL CANIN USA, INC. IN PHELPS COUNTY
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to negotiate a settlement with Royal Canin USA, Inc. located at 1700 Bridge School Road in Rolla. The facility violated the Missouri Clean Water Law when an estimated 3,000 gallons of liquid chicken fat ran off the facility into the Little Beaver Creek watershed. Royal Canin is a Missouri corporation that manufactures dog and cat food.
Royal Canin entered a guilty plea Dec. 13 in federal court agreeing to pay $35,000 in Natural Resources Damages to the state and a $35,000 civil penalty. The department will use the Natural Resources Damages payment to purchase water test kits for stream teams to monitor water quality in streams around the state.
Royal Canin agreed to reimburse the Department of Natural Resources $6,727 in restitution for the costs it incurred during the investigation. The facility voluntarily reimbursed the Rolla Fire Department $17,125. Royal Canin agreed to pay a $125,000 federal fine under the Clean Water Act and $41,383 fine for failure to abide by its spill control plan.
In response to a complaint, the department’s Environmental Emergency Response team investigated a release of liquid chicken fat from the Royal Canin facility on April 4, 2005. Staff observed chicken fat at the storm water outfall below the facility on rural pasture property and in an unnamed tributary of Little Beaver Creek for at least 1,800 feet.
The Rolla Fire Department contained the release by installing an interceptor trench, two earthen dams and two absorbent booms. The fire department’s actions helped the liquid solidify when held in contact with the cool water of the creek.
The Department of Natural Resources provided oversight during the incident and instructed Royal Canin to remove the fat. Royal Canin cooperated with the department during the cleanup. The site cleanup was substantially complete by April 8. The department performed a biological stream investigation of the macroinvertebrate community in the creek to assess the impact of the chicken fat and found no major evidence of impact to the aquatic community.
DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES ISSUES AIR PERMIT TO BUZZI UNICEM IN JEFFERSON COUNTY
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued an air pollution permit to Buzzi Unicem USA River Plant in Jefferson County on December 9.
The permit is for a new kiln system to replace the two existing clinker production systems and its attending raw mill systems. The new system will increase production capacity and allow the River Plant to produce 2.2 million tons of clinker annually. The replacement of the two older kilns will result in a net decrease for emissions of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen. The final air permit is available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp/PermitPublicNotices.htm.
For more information concerning the permit process, please call the Air Pollution Control Program’s New Source Review Unit at 573-751-4817.
DEPARTMENT TO HOLD PUBLIC AWARENESS SESSION ON LANDFILL PERMITTING PROCESS IN LA GRANGE ON JAN. 3
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will hold a public awareness session at 7 p.m., Jan. 3, 2006, at the LaGrange City Hall, 118 South Main St. in LaGrange.
BFI Waste Systems of Missouri, LLC, a subsidiary of Allied Waste North America, Inc., has obtained Preliminary Site Investigation Approval to expand its existing sanitary landfill in Lewis County. The proposed site is located at the intersection of Missouri Route 61 and Business 61 and approximately 2.5 miles southwest of La Grange. The landfill would receive municipal solid wastes, bulky waste, demolition and construction wastes.
The department will explain the permitting process for landfills during the public awareness session. Representatives from the department’s Solid Waste Management Program, the Division of Geology and Land Survey, and Northeast Regional Office will be available to answer questions.
The department reviews all applications submitted by cities, counties and private owners to ensure that solid waste landfills are properly designed and constructed. Other technical factors that protect Missouri’s environment are also examined.
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 at 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.
SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS TRAINING CONFERENCE
The 57th annual Soil and Water Conservation Districts Training Conference gave district employees, supervisors and other conservation partners from across Missouri the opportunity to attend several workshops and recognize several individuals for their achievements. Missouri’s soil and water conservation districts work with the public to help put conservation on the ground and educate people about soil and water conservation.
The three-day conference, which was held Nov. 28 to 30 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, offered more than 20 workshops to the 711 attendees. The theme for this year’s training conference was Posturing for Progress, and workshops focused on promoting district resources, strengthening outreach programs and providing technical information.
Workshop topics included updates on federal conservation programs, improving communication skills, improving information and education programs, finding the right employee, how to help in a disaster, information on soils data, understanding streams and informing people of new practices.
Elizabeth Brown, Soil and Water Districts Commission Chair, welcomed everyone to the conference and keynote speaker, Andrew McCrea, spoke of the difference between ordinary and extraordinary, urging the audience to go a step further in all that they do. Doyle Childers, Missouri Department of Natural Resources director, also spoke at the conference, discussing the role of the parks-and-soils sales tax in funding programs that help prevent erosion and improve water quality.
During the conference, several individuals were also recognized for their accomplishments in soil and water conservation. The Missouri Soil and Water Conservation District Employees Association recognized several outstanding district employees. The 2005 Grassland Farmer of the Year, James Catron of Bates County, and the 2005 Cooperator of Year, Wesley and Calvin Struewe of Jackson County, were recognized for their use of conservation on their farms.
Nancy Elliott of Livingston County received the 2005 Teach of the Year award. The 2005 Grassland Evaluation Team, Fulton FFA of Callaway County and the 2005 Missouri Envirothon Team, Norborne High School of Carroll County, were also recognized for their achievements.
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National Association of Conservation Districts’ National Conservation Poster contest winners. L to R, Shelby Hood, Kelcie Brunnert, Ben Bachler, Justin Gloe and Brittany Sicard. |
The Missouri winners of National Association of Conservation Districts’ National Conservation Poster Contest were presented with awards. The theme of this year’s poster contest was Celebrate Conservation. One hundred and eighty-nine posters were submitted from 64 Missouri counties, but there could only be five winners. The winners of the poster contest were Shelby Hood of Polk County, Ben Bachler of Osage County, Kelcie Brunnert of Maries County, Justin Gloe of Gasconade County and Brittany Sicard of Polk County. Their winning posters have advanced to the national level. To view the posters go to www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swcp/pcontest/pcontest-2005.htm.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Districts Commission, and the Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts sponsor the training conference.
EPA ORDERS NIXA TO CLEAN UP SEWAGE SPILL, NOTIFY RESIDENTS, DEVELOP PLANT SAFEGUARDS
EPA has issued an administrative compliance order to the city of Nixa, Mo., to address continued removal and other follow-up actions related to the discharge of wastewater sludge from the City’s wastewater treatment plant.
On Nov. 28 and 29, about 400,000 gallons of wastewater sludge overflowed from one of the plant’s basins. The city began clean-up activities after it discovered the release November 29. The release impacted about two-thirds of a mile of an unnamed tributary of Finley Creek.
EPA has been in communication with the city, the Missouri of Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Christian County Health Department regarding clean-up activities and possible human health impacts.
The order issued by EPA requires the city to continue its clean-up efforts, protect public health and the environment and take measures to ensure that this type of release does not happen again.
EPA is pleased the city initiated such a quick response to the release and plans to coordinate closely with the City and county and state agencies to ensure that the sludge release has been adequately cleaned up.
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.
DEPT. RESPONDS TO TEXAS COUNTY GASOLINE RELEASE
The Environmental Emergency Response Team was notified Saturday, October 8 of a gasoline release at Johnson’s Fuel Stop in Plato, Missouri. The gasoline reportedly leaked from a flex joint under a dispenser. A State On-Scene Coordinator from the department’s Environmental Services Program was immediately dispatched to the scene to provide technical assistance. The Department of Agriculture also responded to investigate.
The owner of Johnson’s Fuel Stop reported he had been having difficulty reconciling inventory control records for at least 7 days. Dead grass and gasoline floating on a tributary to the Roubidoux Creek downhill from the facility confirmed the leak had been going on for some time. On arrival, the department made sure the above ground storage tank system was shut down to prevent any further release, and initiated efforts to absorb gasoline floating on the tributary.
A hazardous substance emergency declaration was made, and after discussions with the responsible party the decision was made to secure the services of a State of Missouri cleanup contractor. The contractor arrived Sunday morning and began action to cut off the flow of gasoline to the tributary. Three recovery wells were installed in an interceptor trench. Underflow dams were constructed in the tributary to allow more efficient recovery of gasoline floating on the water. Contaminated soil was excavated from several hundred yards of the stream bank. By weeks-end, the situation had stabilized to the point where a continued on-site presence was no longer necessary.
Bedrock outcroppings, unique surface geology and the existence of a loosing stream/tributary to the Roubidoux Creek were all causes for concern. Department staff performed subsurface investigations using Ground Penetrating Radar to determine pathways for the movement of gasoline underground. The department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey (DGLS) also responded and conducted a subsurface investigation using an Electromagnetic Resistivity system. The result was a clear picture of the subsurface bedrock, which helped guide the cleanup. Groundwater monitoring wells are being installed by the DGLS to serve as an early warning sign if gasoline should migrate from the site. No evidence of contamination in the Roubidoux Creek has been observed.
The amount of gasoline released may be as high as 10,000 gallons. Department staff members continued providing technical assistance and cleanup oversight.
The department provides daily support and protection for the citizens of Missouri during environmental emergencies such as this gasoline 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 Kerry Cordray with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-4220 or visit the department’s Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov.
Visit Calendar of Events at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do for a complete list of Department of Natural Resources' events through the end of the calendar year.
BACKRIDGE PUBLIC AWARENESS SESSION TO BE HELD JAN. 3 IN LAGRANGE
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Management Program will hold a public awareness session at 7 p.m., Jan. 3, at 118 South Main Street in LaGrange, MO. The public awareness session will be about the permitting process for new landfill expansions.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-3935.
SOLID WASTE ADVISORY BOARD TO MEET JAN. 4
The Missouri Solid Waste Advisory Board will hold a meeting from 1 to 4 p.m., Jan. 4, at the Bennett Spring public meeting room at 1738 East Elm Street in Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-3900.
MISSOURI CLEAN WATER COMMISSION TO MEET JAN. 4
The Missouri Clean Water Commission will hold a meeting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jan. 4, at the Holiday inn South Couty Centre, 6921 S. Lindbergh Blvd. in St. Louis.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-6721.
PUBLIC AWARENESS SESSION TO BE HELD JAN. 9 IN NORBORNE
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Management Program will hold a public awareness session at 7 p.m., Jan. 3, at the Goppert Community Center, 201 South Pine Street in Norborne, MO. The public awareness session is about the landfill permitting process for a proposed utility solid waste landfill for fly ash in conjunction with a proposed new power plant near Norborne.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-3921.
SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD JAN. 18
The Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Districts Commission meeting will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 18, at the department’s public meeting rooms at 1738 East Elm Street in Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Conservation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4932.
AIR PROGRAM ADVISORY FORUM TO BE HELD JAN. 26
An Air Pollution Control Program Advisory Forum will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 26, in the Roaring River Conference Room at 1738 East Elm Street 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 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 |
Construction Permit Exemptions |
| Rule Number: 010-06.061 – Makes rule organization format consistent with other rules and clarifies the exemption for grain handling, storage, and drying facilities. Record keeping requirements will be easier to identify when located in the rule organization forma found in other rules. Clarifying the exemption for grain handling, storage and drying facilities will make the requirements clear and easier to enforce. | |
| Public comment ends: Feb. 9, 2006 |
Public hearing: Feb. 2, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Land Reclamation Program |
Bond Requirements |
Rule Number: 040-07.011 – Rule amendment requires that a coal mining company post a “full cost” bond prior to receiving a surface mining permit. Under current regulation coal operators are required to post a performance bond in addition to a monthly payment into a “bond pool”. |
|
| Public comment ends: Feb. 2, 2006 |
Public hearing: |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4041 |
Land Reclamation Program |
Duration and Release of Reclamation Liability |
Rule Number: 040-07.021 – Rule establishes procedures for release of bonding at surface coal mining operations with respect to timing and criteria to be met for phases of release. |
|
| Public comment ends: Feb. 2, 2006 |
Public hearing: |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4041 |
Land Reclamation Program |
Permit Revocation, Bond Forfeiture |
Rule Number: 040-07.031 – Rule sets procedures for permit and bond revocation and sets forth requirements for the state to expend monies collected in the fund for the reclamation of coal mined lands. |
|
| Public comment ends: Feb. 2, 2006 |
Public hearing: |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4041 |
Land Reclamation Program |
Form and Administration of the Coal Mine Land Reclamation Fund |
Rule Number: 040-07.041 – The rule sets the requirements for the administration of the fund which is used by the land reclamation program to reclaim coal mined lands in the event of a failure on the part of the coal operator to do so. |
|
| Public comment ends: Feb. 2, 2006 |
Public hearing: |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4041 |
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:
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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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