Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources is a monthly newsletter that informs readers about environmental issues.
JULY 2006
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES RESPONDS TO SEVERE WEATHER DAMAGE IN EASTERN MISSOURI
Several powerful storm systems hit the St. Louis area and other communities in eastern Missouri from July 19 though 21. These storms scattered debris throughout the city of St. Louis and caused damage to several buildings. Other communities suffered damage to water systems, fuel spills and loss of power. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources continues to work with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local officials to respond to the storm damages.
In an effort to assist the St. Louis area communities impacted by the recent storms, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources transported several truckloads of food from a warehouse in Jefferson City to the St. Louis area the weekend after the storm.
Using two trucks from the department’s Division of State Parks warehouse, staff assisted other agencies in bringing the food to people in need.
Potosi still had 65 percent of the city without power on July 21. Members of the department’s Water Protection Program were working to coordinate deliveries of bottled water from Anheuser Busch, Wal-Mart and the United Way Disaster Relief Warehouse to several communities.
Boil Water Orders
The department issued boil water orders for several communities whose water systems were impacted by the storms. A boil water order is issued by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to public water systems when a threat to the public health exists, or is likely to exist, that boiling the water will remedy. The public water system is then required to notify the public through local media as soon as possible that customers need to boil their drinking water.
Due to storm-related power failures some communities are experiencing low water pressure and, in some instances, complete water outages. Because inadequate water pressure may result in contamination of the water supply, individuals in the affected
communities are encouraged to conserve water and to follow the procedure below to boil their drinking water when service returns.
Boil Water Procedures
- Boil water vigorously for three minutes prior to use. Use only boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth, diluting fruit juices and all other food preparation or consumption. Use of bottled water may be a feasible, though relatively expensive, alternative to boiling tap water when under a boil water order.
- Do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker or use any ice made with unboiled water from this system. Make ice cubes with water that has been boiled or purchase ice.
- Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersing for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
- Allow water to cool sufficiently before drinking. Water used for hand washing or bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing or using backyard pools to ensure they do not ingest water. Boil water advisories typically last about two days, allowing systems to return operating pressure to normal, collect samples for bacteriological testing and receive the laboratory results. If boiling water is not feasible, several procedures for chemical disinfection of drinking water can be found at www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/emerg.html.
The department is encouraging individuals who are experiencing water outages or who have questions about their drinking water to contact the nearest Department of Natural Resources’ Regional Office.
The Department of Natural Resources’ Regional Offices provide field inspections, complaint investigation and front-line troubleshooting, problem solving and technical assistance on environmental issues and emergencies.
St. Louis Regional Office
7545 S. Lindbergh, Suite 210
St. Louis, MO 63125
314-416-2960
314-416-2970 fax
www.dnr.mo.gov/regions/slro.htm
Counties served: Franklin, Gasconade, Jefferson, Lincoln, Montgomery, St. Charles, St. Louis, Warren and St. Louis City.
Southeast Regional Office
2155 N. Westwood Blvd.
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
573-840-9750
573-840-9754 fax
www.dnr.mo.gov/regions/sero.htm
Counties served: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Crawford, Dent, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard, Texas, Washington and Wayne.
In addition, those affected may call the department’s Public Drinking Water Branch at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.
Environmental Emergency Response
Employees from the department’s Environmental Emergency Response team responded immediately to several environmental incidents caused by the storms.
St. Louis City
Union Pacific Railroad contacted the department to report a train derailment had occurred on the MacArthur Bridge that spans the Mississippi River from Illinois to Missouri. Initial reports stated three to four empty coal cars overturned with no release to the river. Union Pacific officials were en route to assess the situation. Union Pacific officials contacted the spill line again with a follow-up report that on-scene investigators reported a 21-car derailment on the bridge, all involving empty coal cars with no hazardous materials involved and no release to the river.
St. Louis County
Missouri American Water contacted the department to report their North County Plant, serving the area north of I-70, had suffered storm damage and was offline. Electricity was off in much of the area and the plant’s back up generator had been damaged in the storm. The areas impacted by this shut down included Hazelwood, Florissant, Ferguson and surrounding communities. Members of the department’s Public Drinking Water Program worked with the plant operators to coordinate repair efforts.
The department also responded to a report of three tractor-trailers that had overturned along highways in St. Louis with no hazardous materials involved and that the roof off of Concourse D at the St. Louis Airport had been blown off and debris from the roof was impacting I-70.
Washington County
The SEMA duty officer contacted the department to report that the mayor of Potosi contacted SEMA to report that the storm had damaged the city’s water supply and that the plant had no power. Lines had maintained pressure, but water reserves were too low to maintain pressure once the morning usage began. Members of the department’s Public Drinking Water Program worked with the plant operators to coordinate repair efforts.
Shannon County
An officer with the Missouri Highway Patrol Troop G contact the department to report that a truck owned by the Frost Saw Mill out of Winona, MO had sustained damage from the storm and was leaking diesel fuel along the side of the road,on Highway 19 north of the Route EE intersection and just south of Akers in Shannon County. The officer reported that the truck had been abandoned and the company would address the situation in the morning. The officer contacted the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). A road crew working on storm damage nearby was immediately dispatched to the scene to contain the spill. Sawdust was placed in the affected spill area to act as an absorbent and MoDOT reported the spill had been contained. The department’s Environmental Emergency Response unit followed up on clean-up efforts. The amount lost was approximately 50 gallons.
Yard Waste Debris Waiver Issued
Following Gov. Matt Blunt’s Declaration of Emergency in the St. Louis area, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued a debris waste waiver for yard waste to facilitate a speedy cleanup in the St. Louis and affected surrounding area.
Yard waste, defined as leaves, grass clippings, yard and garden vegetation, Christmas trees and limbs with a diameter of less than six inches, has been banned from Missouri landfills since 1992. However, Department Director Doyle Childers recognized the need to temporarily lift the ban using the Governor’s emergency declaration.
“We felt that temporarily allowing these materials to be disposed of in landfills would make the cleanup process that much easier,” Childers said. “We would still like to encourage people to compost their organic wastes, but this opens up another avenue for people to clean up and get back to their normal lives as quickly as possible.”
Assistance available on the Web
The department’s Natural Disasters Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm provides information on how to safely dispose of debris from disasters. The page contains links to fact sheets, executive orders, copies of debris waivers, media resources and more. It also outlines financial assistance
opportunities available to communities, disaster response guidance for public water and wastewater operators and disaster recovery for historic buildings.
The department issued several disaster recovery public service announcements to media and on the Web containing information about the following topics:
- Hazardous chemical cleanup
- Asbestos cleanup
- Household hazardous chemicals
- Propane tanks
- Preserving historic buildings
- Natural Disaster Resources
- Water Hauling
Area receives disaster recovery assistance
Gov. Matt Blunt announced President Bush approved Missouri’s request for an Expedited Presidential Disaster request for assistance to help local communities recover from the recent storm damages, power outages and heat related issues.
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is currently working with local governments on cooling centers, generators, water and ice delivery.
The Governor’s official request asked for the following counties: Dent, Iron, Jefferson, St Charles, Washington, St Louis and the City of St. Louis. He request asked FEMA to consider not only the July 19 severe weather, but also heat issues and the possibility of additional severe weather for the following weekend.
Washington State Park
Washington State Park near De Soto has been closed temporarily following the July 19 storm in the area. The park suffered significant tree damage and was still without power as of July 24. Without power, the park does not have a functioning drinking water or wastewater system and is unable to operate its facilities in the campground, swimming pool, or cabins. Crews are continuing to assess conditions related to the tree damage to ensure the park is safe for visitors.
“The decision was made to temporarily close the park for the health and safety of our visitors and because we are not able to provide any level of service to our visitors,” said Doug Eiken, director of the department’s Division of State Parks.
Visitors who have reservations in the campground and for the park’s cabins through Tuesday evening, July 25, have been notified and will receive a full refund.
The park will reopen when power has been restored and tree damage has been cleared away to ensure the safety of visitors. For updated information on the park, check the Department of Natural Resources’ Web site at www.mostateparks.com or call the department toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).
Washington State Park is located nine miles south of De Soto on Highway 21 in Washington County
For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES RECEIVES AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO PERMITTING
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently received a Performance Track Appreciation Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its innovative approach to flexible air permitting techniques.
The department was able to accommodate business manufacturing flexibility needs while ensuring environmental protection and encouraging pollution prevention.
The department’s Air Pollution Control Program helped the 3M Company facility in Nevada obtain a new flexible air permit. The permit is designed to enable 3M to make rapid operational changes in response to shifting market demands in the graphics industry. The permit allows 3M to make changes without reopening the permit for modifications, while ensuring that 3M meets all applicable regulatory requirements.
According to EPA, the Department of Natural Resources was particularly helpful, responsive, creative and willing to explore innovative permitting approaches as part of this pilot project. 3M aims to use the permit to continuously improve the facility’s operational efficiency and to facilitate additional activity as part of the company’s Pollution Prevention Pays program.
The 3M Nevada facility is one of three Performance Track members in Missouri.
Performance Track is a voluntary program designed to recognize facilities that consistently meets its legal requirements and that has implemented high quality environmental management systems. Member facilities are encouraged to improve continuously its
environmental performance while involving the public.
Performance Track debuted five years ago and has about 400 members nationally ranging in diversity from manufacturers, colleges, municipal operations, utilities, medical, transportation and retail facilities.
The Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Environmental Management Partnership (MEMP) is a similar program designed to raise environmental performance beyond compliance through the voluntary application of environmental management systems. Information about the department’s MEMP program is available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/memp/index.htm. EPA’s performance leadership program is available on the Web at www.epa.gov/performancetrack.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MAKES INTERNAL MANUALS AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC
Online Manuals Give Business Community Insight to Permitting and Inspection Processes
Those responsible for ensuring that their operations comply with state environmental requirements have new tools to aid them in their efforts: the how-to manuals used by regulators in writing permits and performing environmental inspections
and investigations.
“Everyone will be able to work off of the same page because these manuals provide the same information to our permittees and to our customers that our staff uses,” said Doyle Childers, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Making these manuals available to the public will promote a better understanding of department procedures. Anything we can do to take the mystery out of our processes saves businesses time and money and saves our own staff resources.”
The Water Pollution Control Permits Manual is a tool for department staff writing permits under the Missouri Clean Water Law. It is intended to help all department offices involved in water pollution control permitting follow the same basic processes and guidelines when drafting permits, helping to ensure consistency.
The department is making this manual available online at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/permits/manual/index.html to assist those who are seeking or are working to comply with department permits. This guide will serve as a good starting point for basic information and a tool to find other resources. Links and contact information for other agencies can be found throughout the guide. This manual is still in progress and will be continually updated.
The department’s Field Services Division is in the process of making its Operations Manual available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/services/opsmanual.htm. This manual also will be updated regularly and provides information on the department’s initial assistance visits, inspections, complaint investigations and other division procedures. Regulated businesses and facilities may find the department’s procedures and checklists helpful for developing their own internal inspections and procedures.
“The public, regulated facilities and the department all benefit by having our procedures transparent and well understood by those we inspect, permit and investigate,” Childers added.
EPA ISSUES UNILATERAL ORDER TO FOUR PARTIES FOR CLEANUP AT NATIONAL MINE TAILINGS SITE IN PARK HILLS
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a unilateral order to the Doe Run Co. of St. Louis; NL Industries; Park Hills, Mo.; and the Park Hills Chamber of Commerce, compelling them to perform cleanup activities at the National Mine Tailings Site in Park Hills, St. Francois County, Mo.
NL is the successor to a former operator at the site, while the remaining parties are current owners of the site who have failed to restrict access to the site and spread the mine waste or allowed the spread of mine waste to other locations.
Contaminated mine waste, commonly referred to as tailings or chat, has been carried off-site by wind and storm-water runoff for many years, resulting in lead and zinc contamination of many surrounding residential properties and the Flat River.
The order requires stabilization of 150 acres of lead-contaminated mine waste at the site to prevent wind and water erosion. Stabilization will be achieved through re-grading, rock covering, soil and vegetation, and property use restrictions at an estimated cost of $17 million.
The order requires that the majority of work be completed within three years of EPA’s work plan approval. Region 7 made the decision to issue an order for work to be performed after negotiations toward an agreement could not be reached.
Exposure of young children to lead can cause irreversible damage to the brain and central nervous system, resulting in impaired growth development, lower IQ levels, and behavioral problems.
Missouri has issued fish consumption warnings because of elevated lead levels found in several species in the Flat River.
All information pertaining to this site can be found at the following information repositories, and at EPA in Kansas City, Kan.
- St. Francois County Health Dept., 1025 W. Main, Park Hills, Mo.
- Desloge Public Library, 209 N. Desloge Drive, Desloge, Mo.
DEKALB AND SALINE COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS COMPLETE PROJECTS
Soil and Water Conservation Districts in DeKalb and Saline counties recently completed projects to reduce runoff and soil erosion. The projects, completed on June 30 were made possible by the one-tenth-of-one-percent parks-and-soils sales tax.
DeKalb County
The DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation Districts recently completed a nine-year conservation project to reduce herbicide run-off into the watershed that supplies Cameron’s drinking water.
The Cameron Watershed Project, one of two recently completed Agricultural Nonpoint Source Special Area Land Treatment (AgNPS SALT) projects statewide, focused on pest management by providing a cost-share incentive to landowners for not applying the herbicide Atrazine. Atrazine, which is used for weed control in corn and sorghum crops, makes its way into the drinking water reservoir and ends up in drinking water treatment plants. Before the project started nine years ago, the drinking water reservoirs in the watershed contained significant levels of Atrazine – exceeding the maximum containment level established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Those levels have been significantly reduced.
As of December 2005 (the most recent reporting period), the overall progress for the project was at 87 percent. By the end of the nine-year project, the district will have claimed approximately $659,000 for Atrazine reduction incentives and
administrative expenses.
The final report on the Cameron Watershed Project should be available by September 2006. This report will outline the goals of the project plan and highlight the final accomplishments. The resources allocated to the program are made possible
For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Conservation Program at 573-751-4932 or toll free at 800-361-4827.
Saline County
The Saline County Soil and Water Conservation District recently completed an eight-year project to reduce soil erosion and herbicide run-off in the Cow Creek watershed.
The Cow Creek project in Saline County targeted highly erodible cropland by highest priority. Pesticide and nutrient leaching and run-off were the main concerns. During the eight-year project, the district provided cost-share incentives to help landowners install conservation practices to reduce gully erosion on crop and pasture land, use less or non-residual, herbicide on 5,000 acres of cropland, and test 100 private drinking water sources for water quality.
As of December 2005 (the project’s last reporting period), the project was at 73.2 percent complete, with 40,966 acres in the project area. The district will have claimed approximately $1.3 million for cost-share incentives and administrative expenses.
For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Conservation Program at 573-751-4932 or toll free at 800-361-4827.
PLAN APPROVED TO CLEAN UP SEDIMENT IN TAUM SAUK LOWER RESERVOIR
In continued efforts to restore water quality in the Lower Black River, the Missouri departments of Natural Resources and Conservation have approved an Ameren UE plan to temporarily lower water levels in the Taum Sauk Plant’s lower reservoir to remove exposed sediments.
Work will begin in the near future and is expected to take three to five months to complete. The plan calls for draining the reservoir to the lowest possible level to expose sediment deposited by the Dec. 14, 2005 breach of the upper Taum Sauk reservoir. The drawdown is expected to take several days, during which time the water levels in the East Fork of the Black River can be expected to rise.
Water being released from the lower reservoir dam will be controlled to avoid downstream flooding; the flow will be approximately half of what was released during the flocculation process, which took place earlier this year. The drawdown will cause higher flows on a few occasions during these releases, but significant high flows are not expected. Water levels in the Black River will not be appreciably affected.
Erosion control measures, including hydroseeding, buffers and silt fencing, will stabilize areas of exposed sediment not subject to immediate excavation. Heavy equipment will excavate sediment deposits in a manner that minimizes sediment movement downstream. However, some release of sediments downstream will be unavoidable, particularly during the early stages of the process.
The departments will ensure Ameren and its contractors take all appropriate measures to prevent further degradation of the river. All removed sediment will be transported to, and disposed of, in an approved location.
This initiative is part of ongoing cooperative efforts to restore the river and the Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, following the failure of AmerenUE’s Taum Sauk Hydroelectric Plant Upper Reservoir. The plan has been reviewed and approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
DEPARTMENT HELPS BUSINESSES CUT DOWN ON DUPLICATE PAPERWOR KB
Electronic Forms Eliminate Need to Reinvent the Wheel
The Department of Natural Resources recently began making permit, license and certification forms available in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Works, Open Office and other word processing software. This change enables businesses to complete these forms electronically and save them so they can easily be updated for future submissions.
“This is another component in our department’s larger, ongoing effort to simplify the way we do business,” said Doyle Childers, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Governor Blunt challenged us to make our process less cumbersome. By easing the paperwork process, we can help our permittees focus on running successful businesses in a way that’s sensitive to our state’s natural resources.”
The department’s Air Pollution Control Program and its Division of Geology and Land Survey are the first offices to make forms available in these formats. Forms are protected so their integrity isn’t compromised, while still allowing customers to type in the fields and save the file for finishing on a later date. When the customer is done filling out the form, he can print and mail the form to the Department of Natural Resources, or he can sign the form and e-mail it to the department.
David Fusselman, president of Fusselman Salvage Company in Moberly, regularly submits an emissions inventory questionnaire, or EIQ, and found the additional formats helpful. “I’ve been filling out annual EIQ forms since 2002. This year, I found out the EIQ forms were available on the department’s Web site. They were very convenient and timesaving. You are able to fill in the forms on the computer, then print them out when finished,” Fusselman said. “It’s a much better setup than having to print forms, then fill them out by hand. I highly recommend the department’s online forms and am grateful to have access to such a service.”
To view the list of electronic forms, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/forms/.
DEPARTMENT ISSUES CONSTRUCTION AIR PERMIT TO CONTINENTAL CEMENT
The Department of Natural Resources recently issued an air pollution construction permit to Continental Cement Company, LLC
in Ralls County.
The permit allows Continental Cement to construct a preheater/precalciner Portland cement kiln, underground limestone mine and associated processes. The kiln system will replace its existing wet process kiln. Until the mine is completed, Continental will operate an existing limestone quarry located just south of Saverton. Increased production capacity will allow the facility to produce 3,300 ton of clinker per day totaling 1.2 million tons of clinker annually.
The department reviewed the construction air permit application, also known as a Prevention of Significant Deterioration application, from Continental Cement Company, L.L.C. The department approved the permit with conditions and determined that Continental, operating within the conditions of the permit, will be in compliance with air quality standards.
Any aggrieved party may appeal the department’s air permit decision. Appeals to this air permit or any of the listed special conditions should be made to the Administrative Hearing Commission (AHC), PO Box 1557, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Those interested must file a petition for appeal with the AHC by Aug. 10, 2006.
A copy of the air permit application, the preliminary determination and other related materials will be available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp/air_permits.htm or at the Hannibal Free Public Library, 200 S. 5th St. or at the following department locations:
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Air Pollution Control Program
1659 E. Elm St., Jefferson City
573-751-4817
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Northeast Regional Office
1709 Prospect Dr., Macon, MO 63552
660-385-8000
For more information concerning the air permit or its process, please call the department’s Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.
DEPARTMENT MAKES INTERNAL MANUALS AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC
Online Manuals Give Business Community Insight to Permitting and Inspection Processes
Those responsible for ensuring their operations comply with state environmental requirements have new tools to aid them in their efforts: the how-to manuals used by regulators in writing permits and performing environmental inspections and investigations.
“Everyone will be able to work off of the same page because these manuals provide the same information to our permittees and to our customers that our staff uses,” said Doyle Childers, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Making these manuals available to the public will promote a better understanding of department procedures. Anything we can do to take the mystery out of our processes saves businesses time and money and saves our own staff resources.”
The Water Pollution Control Permits Manual is a tool for department staff writing permits under the Missouri Clean Water Law. It is intended to help all department offices involved in water pollution control permitting follow the same basic processes and guidelines when drafting permits, helping to ensure consistency.
The department is making this manual available online at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/permits/manual/index.html to assist those who are seeking or are working to comply with department permits. This guide will serve as a good starting point for basic information and a tool to find other resources. Links and contact information for other agencies can be found throughout the guide. This manual is still in progress and will be continually updated.
The department’s Field Services Division is in the process of making its Operations Manual available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/services/opsmanual.htm. This manual also will be updated regularly and provides information on the department’s initial assistance visits, inspections, complaint investigations and other division procedures. Regulated businesses and facilities may find the department’s procedures and checklists helpful for developing their own internal inspections and procedures.
“The public, regulated facilities and the department all benefit by having our procedures transparent and well understood by those we inspect, permit and investigate,” Childers added.
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION ANNOUNCES NEW COMMISSIONER
The department’s Hazardous Waste Program is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. James T. “Jamie” Frakes to the Hazardous Waste Management Commission.
Dr. Frakes is a lifelong resident of Missouri. He grew up in Portageville and attended the Portageville and New Madrid County
public schools.
Dr. Frakes has worked in higher education, economic and business development for a combined 15 years. He has professional experience in governmental relations and legislative advocacy from his job duties as a college administrator and as director of a small business development center. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, a Master of Science degree from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. Through his professional duties he has successfully facilitated and taught supervisory leadership and management training to several Fortune 500 companies. He presently serves on the Legislative Affairs Committee for the Association of Small Business Development Centers, and was recently chosen to serve on the Small-Medium Enterprises Board for the Financial Services Volunteer Corporation.
Dr. Frakes is married to the former Susan Hayes. They have three children: Molly (age 9), Maggie (age 4), and Thomas (age 1 year).
For more information on the Hazardous Waste Management Commission, call the department’s Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176.
DEPARTMENT MONITORING RADIONUCLIDES AT CALLAWAY NUCLEAR PLANT
Radioactive isotopes are below levels for a public health threat
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is monitoring elevated levels of radionuclides discovered in small amounts of soil along the discharge pipeline at AmerenUE’s Callaway Nuclear Power Plant in Callaway County. The contaminated soil, which does not appear to be a public health threat because of its location, was found within seven subsurface manholes that cover relief air valves along the pipe that transports discharge water from the plant.
The higher than normal levels were discovered as part of a new sampling program begun in June after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) directed all nuclear plants to search for possible tritium contamination following a leak at Illinois’ Braidwood Plant. AmerenUE conducted two rounds of sampling and discovered tritium in the manholes. Representatives of AmerenUE indicate the company is taking preliminary corrective actions. It is possible these actions will be modified based on further test results.
Tritium is a radioactive hydrogen isotope in water. It is a reactor fission product that emits beta particles and has a half-life of 12.2 years. The levels found by AmerenUE are below those that would have required notice to the NRC prior to the incident at the Illinois plant. The National Institutes of Health indicate the primary risk of human exposure to tritium’s radiation occurs if tritium is ingested into the body.
AmerenUE met with representatives from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to brief the agencies on the company’s actions and to solicit input on the sampling and monitoring plans. The pipe periodically discharges water with allowable levels of radiation. These levels must be low enough to meet drinking water health standards at a downstream monitoring station. AmerenUE officials believe that discharge water dripping from the air relief valves over the years resulted in a buildup of soil contamination found within the manholes. To date, there is no indication that contamination exists beyond the manholes.
Department of Natural Resources staff will work with AmerenUE to collect soil and groundwater samples at various locations within 50-feet of the contaminated sites. The Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Health and Senior Services will conduct an independent analysis of the samples collected by AmerenUE.
No detectable levels of radionuclides have been found in samples collected from known private wells near the plant or in drinking water from the city of Portland. The Department of Natural Resources has asked AmerenUE to do a more extensive search of wells in the area, including undocumented irrigation wells that might exist near the discharge line. AmerenUE will continue to sample drinking water wells on a monthly basis.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827.
WATER CONSERVATION RECOMMENDED FOR KANSAS CITY AREA
The area around and southeast of Kansas City has degraded from a Phase 2 - drought alert stage, to a Phase 3 - water conservation phase. The counties of Johnson, Pettis, Henry, Benton, St. Clair and Hickory remain dry and are still at the Phase 3 level. Buchanan County near St. Joseph has degraded from a Phase 1 - advisory phase to a Phase 2 - drought alert stage based upon lack of recent rainfall.
The Climate and Weather Subcommittee of the Missouri Drought Assessment Committee made this recommendation during its meeting June 26. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Water Resources Center coordinates the efforts of the Missouri Drought Assessment Committee, a group of 14 state and federal agencies that coordinates planning for, assessment of and mitigation of drought in Missouri.
“Drought is among the most difficult events to plan for,” said Doyle Childers, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, “but preparing for and tracking drought conditions is critical to minimizing the devastating effects this form of natural disaster can take on Missouri’s economy.”
The counties of Macon and Linn in central Missouri have improved from a Phase 2 – drought alert to a drought advisory. Twelve Missouri counties now are in Phase 3; 57 counties are in Phase 2; and 22 counties are in Phase 1. In southeast Missouri, 23 counties are in a no-drought status.
Stream flow levels across Missouri have been variable due to several localized storms. Turnback Creek and areas near Stockton Reservoir have remained below normal for close to a year. Truman Reservoir is about 0.7 feet above conservation pool. Fort Stockton Reservoir has improved slightly and is now 4.25 feet below normal stage. Most White River and Osage River reservoirs are
almost full.
For more information, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wrc/droughtupdate.htm or contact the Department of Natural Resources’ Water Resources Center at 573-751-2867 or toll free at 800-361-4827.
DEPARTMENT WORKS WITH EPA AND COMMUNITIES IN PILOT EFFORT TO REDUCE SEWAGE DISCHARGES
Communities across Missouri produce millions of gallons of wastewater that must be properly conveyed and treated before being released to waterways. However, some communities are facing challenges in accomplishing this. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognize that the releases of untreated sewage from sewer systems, known as sanitary sewer overflows or SSOs, into basements or out of manholes onto city streets, playgrounds and streams are a significant threat to health and the environment.
SSOs occur for several reasons. As sewer systems age they develop openings where excessive rainfall or snowmelt can enter and cause the water and sewage to exceed the sewer’s capacity.. SSOs also occur when a community has an undersized sewer system, which means the sewers and pumps are too small to carry sewage from newly developed subdivisions or
commercial areas.
It is important that communities eliminate or at least reduce SSOs and to protect human health and the environment. Backups into basements carry disease-causing bacteria and viruses into homes, threatening health and causing property damage. SSOs also contaminate lakes and streams, causing serious water quality problems.
The department is working alongside EPA to help communities address SSOs. The department and EPA collaborated to develop a strategy for working with communities with SSOs to reduce the public health risk and bring the wastewater treatment systems into compliance with the federal Clean Water Act and Missouri Clean Water Law. Developing a strategy together helps ensure consistency and quicker resolution of the problem.
This strategy includes discussions with each community to develop a plan and timeline for correcting the deficiencies, while taking into consideration the financial challenges the community may face. Based on these discussions, the plan will outline the specific actions the city will take according to a mutually agreed to schedule, including tracking and reporting criteria for all overflow events.
Currently five communities are participating in this effort. Over the next year, the department will identify additional communities with historic SSO problems and work with them in a partnership. Solving SSO issues requires collaboration by the communities, state and federal agencies and the citizens. This pilot project will be a model for cooperation in future efforts.
EPA and the department will continue to work in partnership with the local communities.
For more information on sanitary sewer overflows or other water quality issues, contact the department’s Water Protection Program at 573-751-1300.
BROWNFIELDS/VOLUNTARY CLEANUP PROGRAM OVERSEES SUCCESSFUL CLEANUP IN CHESTERFIELD
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program (BVCP) has issued a Certificate of Completion to the Valley Cleaners Off-Site Property located immediately west of 111 Long Road in Chesterfield, Missouri, for cleanup of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
This site is an undeveloped, vacant lot that has historically only been used for farmland or pasture. In preparation for development of the property, a site assessment was conducted and found VOC contamination in soil and groundwater, apparently originating from an adjacent dry cleaning facility. Additional site assessment, groundwater monitoring and a Tier 1 risk assessment evaluation was conducted. It was determined that the VOC contamination met the Missouri Risk-Based Corrective Action target levels for unrestricted land use. A Certificate of Completion was issued by BVCP on June 12, 2006. The site will be developed as an
office complex.
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.
This site is the 292nd site cleaned up in the BVCP since 1994.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Section at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-8913.
DEPARTMENT EXHIBITS AT THE MISSOURI STATE FAIR IN SEDALIA, AUG. 10 - 20
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will participate in the annual Missouri State Fair to be held August 10 through 20 in Sedalia. Each day of the fair, discover the services offered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at displays and exhibits about the environment, state parks, geology, energy and state history inside the historic Woman’s Building.
- Emergency Response Truck
See how the department responds to environmental emergencies using a state of the art emergency truck stocked with materials to respond to hazardous spills and illegal drug
lab cleanups. - Air Quality
Find out how everyday activities can cause
air pollution. - Water Quality
See a display about Missouri’s water quality. - Drought
Find out about the department’s services available to combat Missouri’s drought. - Missouri Geology
See the display of rocks and minerals from the Division of Geology and Land Survey
in Missouri. - Missouri Soil
Free information for farmers and the public about soil erosion practices to protect land while using maximum resources. Find out about the Special Area Land Treatment (SALT) program and SALT project funding available. - Missouri Archaeological Society
The Missouri Archaeological Society will promote a better understanding of Missouri archaeology with a display of artifacts found in Missouri. Members of the society will provide scientific advice on artifacts that fairgoers might bring to the exhibit for identification. - Missouri State Historic Preservation
See historic photos and find out about the activities of the Missouri State Historic
Preservation Office. - Energy on the Farm Information
Find out how what you do everyday can save energy on the farm and in the home and office and lower your utility bills. - Assistance
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has many services for farmers, residents, teachers, businesses and local governments. Find out about assistance, technical advice, help filling out forms, publications, videos and more e-services available from the department. - Haz-Town
See the newly updated and interactive Haz-Town display that shows the various hazardous substances that can be found in your hometown. - Job Information
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources requires a diverse workforce to support outreach and assistance, water protection and soil conservation, air and land protection, geological surveying and resource assessment, administrative support and jobs in the state park system. Find out how you can apply for the job that fits your interests and qualifications. - Energy Hog Games
Play Energy Hog videogames and learn how you can save energy. - Energy Bicycle
Take a ride on the energy bicycle and discover how much energy it takes to light a light bulb. - Front Porch Presentations
See special presentations on the front porch of the Woman’s Building throughout the fair, ranging from information about stream teams and household hazardous waste to the contents of a civil war trunk. - Free Entertainment
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources presents live music on the front porch of the Woman’s Building as part if its mission to preserve the cultural resources of the state. - Missouri State Parks
Special Missouri State Parks displays, maps and free literature.
Other attractions including the Worm Tunnel , in which children can crawl through to see how worms help the soil, an Illegal Dumping video presentation, an exhibit of products made from recycled materials and a mini-movie about the department.
For more information, call Van Beydler at the Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-522-2343 or visit
www.dnr.mo.gov/statefair/.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ANNOUNCED AT WEST LAKE LANDFILL SUPERFUND SITE, BRIDGETON, MISSOURI
This news release is reprinted from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web site.
A public meeting was hosted by EPA on Thursday, June 22, 2006, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bridgeton Community Center.
Staff members involved at the site were available to discuss site activities and answer questions raised by the community.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 has released the Proposed Plan for the West Lake Landfill site. The Proposed Plan is intended to inform the affected community of the proposed remedy and elicit comments.
The Proposed Plan is now available for public comment. EPA is issuing this Proposed Plan as part of its public participation responsibilities under Section 117 (a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, (CERCLA), and Section 300.430(f)(2) of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). Following the comment period, EPA, in consultation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will select a final remedy after reviewing and considering all comments and information submitted during the public comment period.
Background
The West Lake Landfill site is located on a 200-acre parcel about one mile north of the I-70 interchange within the city limits of Bridgton, Mo. The site consists of the Bridgeton Municipal Landfill, which stopped receiving waste in 2005, and several old inactive areas with sanitary and demolition fill. The site was used for a limestone quarrying and crushing operation, which began in 1939. Beginning in the early 1950s, portions of the quarried areas and adjacent areas were used for landfilling municipal refuse, industrial solid wastes, and demolition debris.
Two areas of the site were radiologically-contaminated in 1973 when soils mixed with leached barium sulfate residues were used as daily and intermediate cover in the landfill operations.
The site is divided into two operable units (OUs). OU-1 consists of the radiological areas (Areas 1 and 2) and OU-2 consists of the other landfilled areas, which did not receive any of the radiologically-contaminated soil.
Preferred Remedy
The preferred remedy includes installing a landfill cover consistent with Missouri requirements for landfills. For the radiologically-contaminated landfill areas (Areas 1 and 2), the cover will incorporate a rock/concrete rubble layer to minimize the potential for bio-intrusion and increase longevity of the cover. The requirements also provide for routine inspection, maintenance, monitoring and corrective action. Land use will be restricted to ensure future uses do not impact the effectiveness of the remedy.
Public Comment Period
The EPA is now accepting comments from the public until Aug. 14, 2006. Upon completion of the public comment period, the agencies will review all comments and determine whether any modification to the preferred remedy should be made.
Availability Of Documents
The Proposed Plan, administrative record and site-related documents for the West Lake Landfill site are available for review at
The Bridgeton Trails Branch of the St. Louis County Library
3455 McKelvey Road
Bridgeton, Missouri
EPA Record Center
901 North 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas
The Proposed Plan is also available at www.epa.gov/region07. Click on the West Lake Landfill Fact Sheet, and then click on the Proposed Plan link. Other site documents can be found on the Department of Natural Resources Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/news/news.htm
Comments
Written comments on the Proposed Plan should be submitted to
Daniel R. Wall
Project Manager
EPA Region 7
901 North 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
Wall.daniel@epa.gov
Debbie Kring
Community Involvement Coordinator
EPA Region 7
901 North 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
Kring.debbie@epa.gov
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.
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.
SOIL AND WATER DISTRICTS COMMISSION TO MEET AUG. 10
The Soil and Water Districts Commission will hold a public meeting at 8 a.m., Aug. 10 at the Department of Natural Resources’ Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.
For more information, call the department’s Soil and Water Conservation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4932.
NUTRIENT CRITERIA DEVELOPMENT WORKGROUP TO MEET AUG. 15
The Nutrient Criteria Development Workgroup will hold a public meeting at 1 p.m., Aug. 15 at the U.S. Geological Survey, 4700 New Haven Road in Columbia.
For more information, call the department’s Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION TO MEET AUG. 17
The Hazardous Waste Management Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Aug. 17 at the Department of Natural Resources’ Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176.
SMALL BUSINESS COMPLIANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO MEET AUG. 23
The Small Business Compliance Advisory
Committee will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., Aug. 23 at the Department of Natural Resources’ Southwest Regional Office, 2040 W.
Woodland, Springfield.
For more information, call the department’s Air Pollution Control Program at 800-751-4817.
WELL INSTALLATION BOARD TO MEET
AUG. 25
The Missouri Well Installation Board will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., Aug. 25 at the Department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey office, 111 Fairgrounds Road, Rolla
For more information, call the department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey at 573-368-2115.
AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO MEET AUG. 31
The Missouri Air Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m. Aug. 31, at the Governor’s Office Building, 200 Madison St., Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817
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 |
Control of Nox Emissions From Upwind Sources |
| Rule Number: 010-06.345 – To address large sources of nitrogen oxides that are upwind and outside the St. Louis 8-hour ozone nonattainment area that are expected to have the potential to affect the air quality in the nonattainment area. | |
| Public comment ends: July 27, 2006 |
Public hearing: July 20, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control Program |
Submission of Emission Data, Emission Fees and Process Information |
Rule Number: 010-06.110 – Establishes emission fees for Missouri facilities as required annually by state statute and changes the calendar year deadline for paying fees and submitting emission inventory questionnaires. |
|
| Public comment ends: July 27, 2006 |
Public hearing: July 20, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-368-2115 |
Air Pollution Control Program |
Submission of Emission Data, Emission Fees and Process Information |
Rule Number: 010-06.110 – Establishes emission fees for Missouri facilities as required annually by state statute and changes the calendar year deadline for paying fees and submitting emission inventory questionnaires. |
|
| Public comment ends: July 27, 2006 |
Public hearing: July 20, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-368-2115 |
Air Pollution Control Program |
New Source Performance Regulations |
Rule Number: 010-06.070 - Adopts by reference updates to previously adopted 40 CFR Part 60 subparts finalized between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004. |
|
| Public comment ends: July 27, 2006 |
Public hearing: July 20, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-368-2115 |
Air Pollution Control Program |
Maximum Achievable Control Technology Regulations |
Rule Number: 010-06.075 - Adopts by reference new 40 CFR Part 63 subparts finalized between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004. Additionally, this amendment updates previously adopted subparts. |
|
| Public comment ends: July 27, 2006 |
Public hearing: July 20, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-368-2115 |
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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