Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources is a monthly newsletter that informs readers about environmental issues.
November 2006
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ISSUES PERMITS TO AMERENUE TO BEGIN PILOT PROJECT AT TAUM SAUK RESERVOIR
AmerenUE, Taum Sauk Plant will begin a pilot project to determine the feasibility of reusing
on-site materials in the event a decision is made to rebuild the
upper reservoir.
AmerenUE’s Taum Sauk Plant is located in Reynolds County. This pilot project would determine how AmerenUE would proceed with rebuilding, should the company decide to rebuild the Taum Sauk Upper Reservoir after the Dec. 14 breach released 1.3 billion gallons of water through Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and nearby properties.
The department issued a water-operating permit last month that allows AmerenUE to discharge to waters of the state. AmerenUE shall control, limit and monitor such discharges as set forth in the permit. The discharges allowed includes storm water runoff and vehicle and equipment wash water without added detergents, acids, caustics, solvents or other additives. The department also issued a temporary air pollution permit to the facility in September.
In the test of on-site materials, AmerenUE will use the rock from the existing site. The rock will be transported offsite to a commercial quarry operator and crushed to design specifications before its delivered back to the site. The crushed rock will be mixed with cement, fly ash and water in a mixer to produce concrete. The permit allows AmerenUE to construct concrete pads to test the feasibility of the Roller Compacted Concrete Mix Design Program developed to rebuild the Taum Sauk upper reservoir.
Consistent with this issue’s importance, the department reviewed these applications as expeditiously as possible, according to Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. For more information on the permits issued to AmerenUE’s Taum Sauk Plant, contact the Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1010.
OZONE SEASON COMES TO AN END FOR KANSAS CITY
AND ST. LOUIS
The 2006 ozone season recently ended (Oct. 31), and Department of Natural Resources’ analyses shows air quality in the Kansas City area has maintained the standard and St. Louis air quality has improved.
Kansas City
The Kansas City area maintained the air quality standard during the 2006 ozone season. It is possible, however, that the Kansas City area will be in violation of the federal ambient air quality standard by next summer. The monitoring averages for the 2004 through 2006 period were uncharacteristically low because of the unusually cool summer temperatures in 2004. If the area experiences a typical summer in 2007, the new three-year monitoring average may result in violations of the standard.
Kansas City is designated as a “maintenance area” due to previous violations of the federal ozone standard. A maintenance area is an area that has achieved compliance and has proven to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that the standard was achieved through enforceable controls and has shown through computer modeling that it will continue to maintain the standard.
The Kansas City area will have contingency control measures that can be put into place in the event the area violates the ozone standards. These conditions will be included in a maintenance plan.
Local governments, industry and citizens will have opportunities to voice their opinions on the plan.
Effectively reducing ozone precursors, such as oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) will be necessary to keep the region in attainment. That is why the Kansas City community is also working on a plan to implement voluntary efforts to reduce pollution, known as the Clean Air Action Plan. These voluntary efforts include industries using best management practices, drivers refueling later in the evening, homeowners and businesses delaying lawn maintenance, and using mass transportation at a reduced cost on high ozone days.
“The department hopes to develop a fair and reasonable combination of measures so that one group does not have to carry the entire weight of the reductions,” said David Lamb, Operations Section Chief with the Air Pollution Control Program.
“If we can not document sufficiently to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that our maintenance plan will avoid future violations of the standard, then EPA could elect to redesignate the area to nonattainment.”
If redesignation occurs, the department will have to develop a much more detailed State Implementation Plan for the area, which would include more stringent rules.
St. Louis
The St. Louis area experienced 40 days where meteorological conditions were likely for ozone formation. Of those, the department recorded exceedances of the 8-hour ozone standard on only
15 days.
The St. Louis region is currently in violation of the ground level ozone standard. Emissions of ozone precursors, which include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), have continued to decline. Reformulated gasoline, gasoline vapor recovery nozzles, solvent cleaning and other industrial regulations, and the mandatory inspection and maintenance of automobiles in the St. Louis area have helped to reduce emissions.
While these emission reduction strategies have been effective in St. Louis, additional controls will need to be implemented to bring St. Louis into compliance. The department continues to work on control measures that will ensure the St. Louis area sees attainment of the ozone standard by 2010. The department is developing a St. Louis Ozone State Implementation Plan (SIP).
The SIP will include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). The rule will permanently cap emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from electric utilities in the eastern United States. CAIR will help Missouri meet the federal standard for ozone and fine particles. According to EPA’s computer modeling analyses, the St. Louis area will be able to meet the ozone standard based on CAIR and other currently planned or implemented control measures.
When the St. Louis area attains the 8-hour ozone standard, the department will develop an “attainment demonstration” and “maintenance plan” and submit them to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval. If control measures and contingency plans project continued compliance with the standard, the area can be redesignated as a “maintenance area.”
A “maintenance area” is an area that has achieved compliance and has proven to EPA that the standard was achieved through enforceable controls and has shown through computer modeling that it will continue to “maintain” the standard.
Ozone season begins April 1 and ends Oct. 31. Throughout the season, monitors in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas record the ozone levels at 16 sites in Missouri, three sites in Kansas and six sites in Illinois.
Ground-level ozone is produced when volatile organic compounds mix with oxides of nitrogen on warm, sunny days with little or no wind. Man-made sources of VOCs and NOx include power plants, automobiles and trucks and other business and industries.
Exposure to ground-level ozone, or smog, can attribute to health problems. Those who suffer from asthma, heart disease, emphysema and other respiratory diseases could experience increased breathing difficulty. Long-term exposure to high levels of ozone can even cause healthy adults to experience breathing difficulty, especially those who exercise or work outdoors.
For more information on ozone, contact the department’s Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED FOR WEST LAKE LANDFILL CLEANUP PLAN IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY
The public comment period for the proposed plan to remediate the West Lake Landfill in St. Louis County has been extended to Dec. 29, 2006. The comment period was originally scheduled to end Oct. 14, however, requests from local government officials and the community prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend the deadline. EPA held public meetings June 22 and Sept. 14 to inform the community of the remedial alternatives available for the landfill.
The West Lake Landfill site is a 212-acre facility, located in Bridgeton in St. Louis County. The landfill is situated on the northeastern side of the Earth City Business Park, which is located approximately two miles east of the Missouri River off Interstate 70. This site, originally a quarry and then a “pre-law” municipal and demolition solid waste landfill, was added to the National Priority List in 1990.
This listing was done mainly as a result of contamination from hazardous waste and constituents from area industry. In addition, the site contains 47,000 tons of uranium ore processing residues. The radioactive waste originated from properties that are now part of the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, St. Louis sites. The site is divided into two operable units. Operable Unit 1 contains the portions of the landfill that have been contaminated with radiological material, and Operable Unit 2 contains the remaining non-radiological landfill areas.
EPA considered six alternatives for remediation of Operable Unit 1. They include everything from no action, to isolating the waste in place with an
appropriate cap, to removing areas with higher levels of radioactive waste. EPA’s preferred alternative involves isolating the contamination in place and installing a protective cover. Once all the comments have been submitted by the public, the department will have the opportunity to weigh the public concern and offer its final position on the proposed plan to EPA. EPA will then finalize a Record of Decision (ROD) for the department’s concurrence after all comments have been addressed in the Responsive Summary. The ROD will specify how the selected alternative will be implemented for the West
Lake Landfill.
The proposed plan alternatives for Operable Unit 1 (the radiological portion of the site) include
- Alternative 1 - No Action
- Alternative 2 - Cover Repair and Maintenance, Additional Access Restrictions, Additional Institutional Controls and Monitoring
- Alternative 3 - Soil Cover to Address Gamma Exposure and Erosion Potential
- Alternative 4 - Regrading of Radiological Areas 1 and 2 (minimum slope of 2 percent) and Installation of a modified design similar to a Subtitle D Cover System
- Alternative 5 - Regrading of Radiological Areas 1 and 2 (minimum slope of 5%) and Installation of a modified design similar to a Subtitle D Cover System
- Alternative 6 - Excavation of Material with Higher Levels of Radioactivity from Radiological Area 2 and Installation of a modified design similar to a Subtitle D Cover System
Under all remedial alternatives, the site will remain as a closed landfill and hazardous substances will remain on- site at levels that do not allow for unlimited use and unrestricted exposure.
To view the proposed plan and accompanying documents, please visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/news/news.htm.
Submit comments on the proposed plan to
Daniel Wall, Remedial Project Manager
Superfund Division
U.S Environmental Protection Agency
901 North 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-7710
wall.daniel@epa.gov
For more information about the West Lake Landfill or other federal facilities in Missouri, contact the Federal Facilities Section of the Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3907. Information is available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/fedfac/ffs.htm.
LT. GOV. KINDER RECOGNIZES WEATHERIZATION MILESTONE WITH VISIT TO PROJECT DEMONSTRATION IN JEFFERSON CITY
Low-Income Assistance Program Weatherizes 150,000th Home
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder applauded the state program that helps low-income families conserve energy and saves public tax dollars that would otherwise go to aid those same families in paying their utility bills.
Speaking at the Jefferson City home of Larry Meek, whose home was improved through the Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program (LIWAP) in 2005, Kinder remarked on the program’s efficiency and recognized the weatherization of the 150,000th home under LIWAP.
"After energy-efficiency improvements are provided through the weatherization program, families whose homes were weatherized needed less help paying utility bills,” Kinder said. “So, this program is helping reduce the need for public tax dollars to help families pay utility bills.”
An analysis of recent program participants found that families whose homes were weatherized through LIWAP needed 47 percent fewer tax dollars to help pay their utilities. Because weatherization is a long-term solution, these savings repeat annually.
Administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Energy Center through 18 regional action agencies, the program, started in 1977, helps low-income clients improve their homes’ energy efficiency. Meek’s home was weatherized by
Central Missouri Community Action, a regional action agency that serves Cole, Boone and six other
surrounding counties.
The typical Missouri household spends five percent of its income on energy, while low-income families pay an average of 16 percent. Making low-income homes more energy efficient not only saves the families money, it saves government assistance programs money as well, according to a Department of Natural Resources study.
The weatherization process generally includes checking for air leaks, carbon monoxide detection, heating system analysis, insulation check and infrared diagnostics and then addressing these needs through work that makes the home more energy efficient.
For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Energy Center at 573-751-3443 or the department toll free at 800-361-4827.
DEPARTMENT’S FIELD SERVICES DIVISION PUTS ASSISTANCE WITHIN
EASY REACH
North, south, east or west, wherever you are, chances are, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources
is nearby.
The Department of Natural Resources has increased its compliance assistance efforts, working to put tools, information and support within easy reach of citizens, communities and businesses. The items are available through the department’s Field Services Division, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.
Creation of this division brought together the department’s regional and satellite offices, Environmental Services Program and environmental education efforts. In the first year since its creation, this division has added several programs and services designed to help Missourians take a proactive approach to protecting the state’s natural resources. Expansion of its network of satellite offices, for example, reduced staff travel time and expenses, while also ensuring the department is able to fully participate in local efforts to protect and improve the environment.
“The addition of satellite offices in Rolla, Portageville, Maryville, Warsaw, Willow Springs and Carthage puts our staff where it’s most needed,” said Doyle Childers, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “It is a continuing priority of our department to improve and maintain customer service to our clients, and these satellite offices help us accomplish that.”
The department’s Field Services Division also recently implemented initial assistance visits, which have become another important component of the agency’s compliance assistance efforts. During these visits, department staff visit permitted sites and walk permittees through their unique requirements. During these informal visits, compliance assistance is provided with the expectation that corrections will be made if the department discovers any problems. In a recent survey nearly 99 percent of respondents reported they felt well served by Department of Natural Resources’ staff who visited their operations as part of the initial assistance visits.
The Field Services Division also introduced new technology to help staff in conducting inspections. This technology has resulted in better and more timely service to the regulated community.
The division also developed an Operations Manual for staff that has helped ensure consistency in decision making. The manual allows the public and staff to review the department’s processes for conducting inspections, making the agency more transparent and easier to access. This manual is available to the public on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/services/opsmanual.htm.
Regulated businesses and facilities also may find the department’s procedures and checklists helpful for developing their own internal inspections and procedures.
“We all want our regulated partners to succeed,” said Jim Macy, director of the department’s Field Services Division. “It is good for Missouri and the environment to have our industrial and small business partners in compliance with our regulations.”
DEPARTMENT’S INITIATIVES ADDRESS WATER SUPPLY ISSUES
THROUGHOUT STATE
From expansion of the state’s groundwater monitoring system to coordination of a regional drinking water planning commission, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is actively addressing Missouri’s water availability issues, said Ryan Mueller, director of the department’s Water Resources Center (WRC).
“Through groundwater and surface water monitoring the Department of Natural Resources has been carefully tracking water availability and closely watching issues that affect the state’s quantity of quality water,” Mueller said.
Gov. Matt Blunt’s budget for the current state fiscal year, which runs through June 2007, includes nearly $1.6 million to enhance water resource assessment and monitoring statewide, a key step in assessing the quantity of the state’s water resources.
The department’s current expansion of its groundwater monitoring system will eventually add 80 new observation wells during the next two years, allowing department experts to see real-time water level data from a total of 157 sites throughout the state. This up-to-the-minute information will allow officials to make the most informed water-related decisions possible.
"Real-time data collected by the network is served to the public online and provides local, regional and state officials the necessary information to make both short-term and long-term decisions about water supply issues,” Mueller said.
The department has been monitoring groundwater levels throughout Missouri since the mid-1950s. Its groundwater monitoring network currently consists of 77 wells in 58 counties that vary from less than 30 feet deep to more than 1,800 feet deep. Working with the U.S. Geological Survey, the department will soon be monitoring stream flows at nearly 250 locations around the state as a way to gauge that water resource.
In November 2005, the department co-hosted a regional water planning conference at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. The conference, which included officials from a 12-county area, has led to continued cooperation among municipal and county agencies throughout the region to address long-term water needs and issues.
The Water Resources Center provides technical advice and assistance on water use, comprehensive water supply and use planning, and groundwater and surface water monitoring. In addition, the center provides leadership on drought efforts in Missouri, leads negotiations and defends the state’s interest in interstate waster issues and approves applications and inspects regulated dams in the state.
For more information on the groundwater-level monitoring network and for additional water resource topics, visit the Water Resources Center’s Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wrc/.
RECREATIONAL REUSE OF THE FORMER RIVERFRONT LANDFILL IN KANSAS CITY
The Department of Natural Resources and the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department have hired a contractor to develop conceptual ideas for future recreational reuse of the former Riverfront Landfill in Kansas City. The departments have issued a $40,000 contract to Brian Clark and Associates Inc. of Kansas City. Brian Clark and Associates will develop a master plan for the reuse of the former Riverfront Landfill. Reuse of the site began in 2003 when the city constructed a river access.
The master plan will provide concepts to the city on potential recreational uses that would be consistent with the former landfill area. These uses may include green space, trails, river uses, marina and camping facilities.
Establishing a plan for appropriate reuse of this former landfill will put the property back into productive use, provide recreational opportunities and provide potential increased economic benefits. Often managing health and environmental risk through use controls is more effective than constructing a fence to restrict all access.
In 2005, the department contracted with SCS Engineers of Kansas City to conduct further investigations in the landfill to assist in the reuse of the area. Contractors detected lead in the soils in some areas, however, through proper use controls, these areas should not pose a health problem in the redevelopment of the area for recreational use. The landfill site is currently fenced to restrict access.
The 500-acre landfill site extends approximately three miles along the south bank of the Missouri River, from west of the Chouteau Bridge to east of the
I-435 Bridge. The landfill accepted domestic and industrial waste from 1950 until 1972. Since that time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the city have completed sampling of surface and subsurface soils and groundwater.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Program will fund the development of the master plan. Those funds were also used to conduct sampling events during the investigations
in 2005.
Though many Brownfield sites are minimally contaminated, they can be redeveloped for some uses, as long as they remain protective of human health and the environment. Because of the large number of these sites, their economic impact , especially in heavily industrial areas, is substantial.
For more information about this project, contact Don Van Dyke with the department’s Hazardous Waste Program at 573-522-3351.
LOETTA MILLER WORKS TO UPDATE THE DEPARTMENT’S
SAFE DRINKING WATER INFORMATION SYSTEM
Loetta Miller works in the department’s
Water Protection Program in Jefferson City.Loetta Miller is helping Missourians keep informed about safe drinking water. Miller works in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Public Drinking Water Branch, a part of the Water Protection Program. “In my job with the department I enter new data or update data for the Safe Drinking Water Information System/ State, among other duties,” said Miller.
"I update information about every public drinking water system in the state,” Miller continued, “It is important to keep the Safe Drinking Water Information System as current and correct as possible. I enter information into the system if there are any changes, such as a new owner, new employees, a new well, added treatment or a variety of other updates. I work with employees from all five of the department’s regional offices, as well as the citizens of those regions. Keeping the Safe Drinking Water Information System current is a privilege and a commitment to the environment and resources of Missouri.”
Miller started her state career over 12 years ago with the Department of Corrections, Fulton Reception Diagnosis Center. She transferred to the Probation and Parole Violator’s Unit. After a year with Probation and Parole, Miller started working at the Department of Natural Resources. “I love telling people I’m out of prison, off parole and saving the planet. The Department of Natural Resources inspires me to be a better earth keeper.”
For more information about the Safe Drinking Water Information System/State visit www.dnr.mo.gov and type in SDWIS.
If you are interested in environmental careers with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, job listings link are available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/hr/registerandjobs.htm.
For more information, call toll-free at 800-361-4827.
THE UNIVERSAL WASTE RULE
IN MISSOURI
What are Universal Wastes?
Universal wastes are hazardous wastes, but not all hazardous wastes can be universal wastes. In order to be a universal waste, a hazardous waste must meet certain criteria established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In general, to qualify as a universal waste a hazardous waste must be
widespread, commonly found in medium to large volumes, exhibit only low-level hazards or be easily managed. It is important to note that disposal of hazardous wastes in Missouri sanitary landfills
(except by households or de minimis amounts from conditionally exempt generators ) has been illegal since Jan. 1, 1994 (Section 260.432 RSMo). Universal wastes in Missouri’s rule include the following items:
- Batteries, such as nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, mercury, silver or lithium “button” batteries and small, sealed lead-acid batteries found in electronic equipment, mobile telephones, portable computers and emergency backup lighting. Those who generate lead-acid vehicle batteries have the option of managing their uncracked lead-acid batteries under the provisions of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 266.80 or the Universal Waste Rule, in 40 CFR Part 273;
- Pesticides that have been recalled or banned from use, are obsolete, have become damaged or are no longer needed due to changes in cropping patterns or other factors. These have often been stored for long periods of time at businesses or in sheds or barns. In Missouri, pesticides cannot be sent to other universal waste handlers, but may be sent to a universal waste pesticide collection program, to a Missouri Certified Resource Recovery Facility or to a Universal Waste Destination Facility. Missouri does not allow transmission of pesticides between handlers due to the high toxicity level of these wastes and the belief that additional controls are necessary to assure adequate protection of human health and the environment when these wastes are handled. In addition, universal waste pesticide collection programs in Missouri must comply with the Standard Operating Procedures for Universal Waste Pesticide Collection Programs in Missouri that are referenced in the rule. Pesticides may be transmitted between pesticide collection programs that are in compliance with the rule. Missouri also added an option for allowing Missouri Certified Resource Recovery Facilities to accept pesticides if their certifications allow;
- Thermostats, mercury switches and mercury containing thermometers and manometers that are found in homes and commercial, industrial, agricultural and community buildings; and
- Mercury containing lamps that include fluorescent, high-pressure sodium, mercury vapor, metal halide and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps.Mercury switches, mercury-containing thermometers and manometers were added
by Missouri to the original list of wastes (i.e., thermostats, batteries and pesticides) that may be managed under the provisions of the Universal Waste Rule. Hazardous incandescent lamps were added to federal universal waste regulations adopted by Missouri effective Nov. 30, 2001.
What is the Universal Waste Rule?
The Universal Waste Rule is a set of federal
environmental regulations adopted with modifications by Missouri. The effective date of the rule in
Missouri was Jan. 31, 1999. The rule can be found in Chapter 16 of the Missouri Hazardous Waste
Management Regulations, which references portions of 40 CFR Part 273. This rule identifies all universal wastes in Missouri and states how they can be handled in a lawful manner. To completely understand the rule, you should read both state and federal
regulations, because the state often references the federal standards. The rule was designed to give generators of certain types of hazardous wastes an option to manage those wastes under less stringent Universal Waste Rule requirements rather than by the more stringent existing hazardous waste regulations. This alternative is offered to help reduce the
regulatory burden on businesses and others that generate certain common hazardous wastes and to encourage collection, recycling and proper disposal of these wastes.
By reducing administrative requirements, this rule is expected to save companies compliance costs and to reduce the amount of time spent on paperwork. The rule is expected to encourage collection and recycling programs, that will result in more options to businesses, farmers and households for legal and cost-effective management and disposal of universal wastes.
The wastes covered under this rule are described in the What are Universal Wastes at the beginning of this article.
Note: The management options noted in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ fact sheet, Waste Fluorescent Lamp Management for Businesses and Institutions previously published in 1996, ended on Jan. 31, 1999. The options allowed by the Universal Waste Rule make the guidance in this older version of the lamp bulletin obsolete. The Department requests individuals and businesses to recycle their copies of this fact sheet and replace it with the current version dated 7/2003, entitled Fluorescent Lamps - Mercury-containing lamps including fluorescent, neon, high-pressure sodium outdoor, high intensity and metal halide lamps fact sheet PUB24.
The lamp fact sheet for households and farmers is also being revised to include guidance for managing other universal wastes and will state that households and farmers also have the option of managing their wastes according to the provisions of the Universal Waste Rule if they wish.
What are the Basic Requirements for Managing Universal Wastes?
Anyone who wants to manage one or more of the universal wastes noted above under the Universal Waste Rule must determine his or her handler status. Large quantity handlers accumulate 5,000 kilograms (equivalent to 11,000 pounds) or more of universal waste (batteries, pesticides, mercury containing thermostats, switches, lamps, thermometers, and manometers, calculated collectively), at any time (approximately five to six tons), and small quantity handlers accumulate less than 11,000 pounds. The handler counts only those wastes that will be managed as universal wastes. All other hazardous wastes are calculated separately and determine the “hazardous waste generator status” of the business. The
designation as a large quantity handler remains through the end of the calendar year in which the 11,000 pounds is accumulated.
Large and Small Quantity Handlers
- Must not dispose of a universal waste into the environment.
- Must not dilute or treat a universal waste or break or crush mercury containing lamps without a Missouri Resource Recovery Certification or permit.
- Must follow the waste management requirements stated in the rule for the particular waste(s) being managed.
- Small quantity handlers generating only universal wastes that they manage under this rule do not need to register or obtain an EPA identification number; large quantity handlers must register and obtain an EPA identification number if a number has not previously been obtained.
- Must prevent releases to the environment.
- Must label waste as a “universal waste” as described in the rule.
- May accumulate universal wastes on-site for up to one year.
- May accumulate universal wastes for more than one year for the sole purpose of facilitating proper recovery or disposal.
- May accept universal wastes from off site and keep them for up to one year (except for universal waste pesticides).
- Must train employees on proper handling and emergency procedures.
- Must respond to spills and manage the spill residue as hazardous waste.
- May self-transport the universal waste to an authorized destination facility or Missouri Certified Resource Recovery Facility (or for pesticides, to a Missouri Pesticide Collection Program). If self-transporting, the handler is required to meet universal waste transporter requirements in the rule.
- Small quantity handlers need not keep records of universal wastes received or shipped; large quantity handlers have recordkeeping requirements.Must comply with export requirements for foreign shipments if applicable.
Transporters
- • Must not dispose of universal waste into the environment.
- Must not dilute or treat except to respond to spills.
- Must comply with the requirements of the Universal Waste Rule for the particular waste being managed as well as U.S. Department of Transportation regulations in 49 CFR part 171 through 180 for all universal wastes being shipped that meet the definition of hazardous material in 49 CFR 171.8.
- Are not required to use hazardous waste manifests (shipping papers or bills of lading are acceptable).
- May store universal waste at transfer facilities for up to 10 days.
- Must respond to releases and spill residue must be managed as a hazardous waste.
- Must only transport universal waste to a universal waste handler, Missouri Certified Resource Recovery Facility with authorization to accept the waste in question, destination facility or foreign destination. Pesticides must be taken to a universal waste pesticide collection program, to a destination facility, sent back to the registrant conducting the recall or to a Missouri Certified Resource Recovery facility with authorization to accept the waste in question.
- Must comply with export requirements for foreign shipments if applicable.
Destination Facilities
- Due to revisions in federal regulations which were effective in Missouri Nov. 30, 2001, all destination facilities, including Missouri certified resource recovery facilities, must have a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act permit
for storage. - Must have an appropriate hazardous waste storage, treatment or disposal facility permit and comply with the terms of the permit for the management of universal waste received.
- Must obtain and comply with the terms of a Missouri Certified Resource Recovery Facility authorization, if the destination facility recycles universal waste.
- Must send waste off site only to another destination facility or a foreign destination.
- Must keep records.
Who is affected by this rule?
Businesses
Universal wastes are generated by small and large businesses. In the past, businesses were required to manage universal wastes as hazardous waste. The Universal Waste Rule offers another option that eases the regulatory burden on businesses that generate these wastes by streamlining the administrative requirements.
For example, certain small businesses that generate only universal wastes and manage them under this rule do not need to notify the state of their activities or pay hazardous waste fees and taxes on that waste. Further, the rule extends the amount of time that businesses can accumulate universal wastes on site to a year or more, as explained below.
It also allows companies to transport the wastes with a common carrier (universal waste transporter), instead of a hazardous waste transporter, and it no longer requires companies to prepare a hazardous waste manifest (the transporter prepares a
shipping paper).
In Missouri, this rule does not apply to any business that generates or accumulates less than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of hazardous wastes per month or at any one time. Such generators are considered
“conditionally exempt” from hazardous waste regulation. However, these small businesses are encouraged to participate voluntarily by using handlers and collection centers that legitimately recycle or dispose of their universal wastes. This rule will make it simpler for companies to establish collection programs and to participate in manufacturer take-back programs. Many large manufacturers and trade associations are already planning national and regional collection programs for their products.
Households
Households are not subject to hazardous waste management standards and are allowed to dispose of wastes covered under the universal waste rule with their trash. “Household waste” is defined in 40 CFR Part 261.4(b)(1). The department encourages
residents to take their universal wastes to local collection centers or events when these are available for recycling or disposal.
Communities
Local communities can work with businesses and residents to encourage proper recycling or disposal of universal wastes. By easing the regulatory burden on businesses, more collection centers may become available. Communities can establish collection programs or help local businesses set up collection programs in their area based on the guidance in
the rule.
How may I obtain copies of hazardous waste laws and regulations?
Copies of the Revised Statutes of Missouri are available through the Revisor of Statutes at
573-526-1288, or are available online at www.moga.state.mo.us.
Copies of the Missouri Code of State Regulations are available through the Missouri Secretary of State at 573-751-4015, or are available online at www.sos.mo.gov.
Federal regulations may be viewed at federal depository libraries, may be purchased from the U.S. Government Bookstore, the U.S. Government Printing Office, or from a commercial information service such as the Bureau of National Affairs. Federal Regulations are also available online at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/index.html.
For more information on the Universal Waste Rule, please contact
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Hazardous Waste Program
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176
www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp
The Universal Waste Rule in Missouri (PUB2058) is available as a fact sheet on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2058.pdf.
WELDON SPRING SITE REMEDIAL ACTION PROJECT RECOGNIZED WITH A GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR QUALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY
Front row, left to right: John Smith (MDC), Julia Eckstein
(DHSS), Gov. Blunt, Yvonne Deyoe (representing the
U.S. Dept. of Energy), Myrna Rueff (DNR); second row:
Mimi Garstang (DNR), Paul Mydler
(chair-Weldon Spring
Citizen Committee), Branden Doster (DNR),
Peter Price
(DNR); third row: Doyle Childers (DNR Director),
Gene Gunn (EPA), Dan Wall (EPA), Bob Geller (DNR),
fourth row: Gale Carlson (DHSS), Larry Erickson (DNR),
Joe Ortwert (St. Charles County Executive),
John Vogel (MDC).The Weldon Spring Site Remedial Action Project was recognized with a Governor’s Award for Quality and Productivity in the arena of
Innovation. The team of state agencies consisted of the departments of Natural Resources, Health and Senior Services, and Conservation.
The Department of Natural Resources, and many local, state and federal agencies and private citizens, worked to clean up the Department of Energy’s Weldon Spring site in St. Charles County.
Contamination of this 17,000-acre site included hazardous and radioactive materials from a World War II explosive manufacturing plant and later a uranium processing facility.
This revitalized area now serves the community in a new way. An on-site interpretive center shows the history, cleanup and current status of site monitoring. Native prairies in the area have been re-established, and the Hamburg hike-and-bike trail was opened to the public this year. This area now provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about history and enjoy nature.
SOUTHERN MISSOURI GOVERNMENTS TO HELP STREAMS AFTER
ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES
This news release is reprinted from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web Site
Two local governments in south-central Missouri that illegally bulldozed streambeds are required by EPA
to perform nearly $30,000 in mitigation for the
significant environmental harm they caused, and adopt safeguards to prevent such damage in
the future.
EPA settlement agreements with the Reynolds County Road Commission, dated Sept. 20, 2006, and Pierce Township in Texas County, dated July 16, 2006, both addressed activities that damaged streams between 2004 and 2006 in violation of the Clean Water Act. The two governments failed to obtain the necessary permits required by the Act.
These illegal activities damaged the streams’ ecosystems by altering established stream bottoms where fish and other animals normally breed and thrive, destroying habitats for aquatic life.
Reynolds County and Pierce Township used bulldozers extensively in an attempt to clear stream gravel upstream of low-water crossings, resulting in discharges of fill and dredged material within waters of the U.S.
Altering natural streams or placing fill material into streams is allowed by the Clean Water Act only when other alternatives are evaluated and found to be unfeasible, and a mitigation plan is carried out to restore the lost resources. In these two cases, other alternatives were not evaluated and no mitigation projects had been performed.
The Reynolds County violations occurred from 2004 to 2006 when the county repeatedly damaged several hundred feet of Bill’s Creek and Sinking Creek, both tributaries of the Black River. The Pierce Township violations occurred during at least three occasions in 2004 along a total of nearly 1,900 feet of tributaries of the Jacks Fork River.
As part of the settlement with Reynolds County, the county agreed to perform $15,275 in mitigation projects to compensate for the environmental damage they caused. Similarly, Pierce Township agreed to perform $14,500 in mitigation. The cost of the required mitigation is based on the number of linear feet of stream damaged by each party.
Both agreements provide a framework for preventing such Clean Water Act violations from occurring again by requiring annual meetings with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. To further discourage similar violations, EPA Region 7 also intends to conduct outreach efforts for other local governments and take additional enforcement actions, if appropriate.
ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The department's Environmental Emergency Response provides daily support and protection for the citizens of Missouri. On-scene coordinators are located throughout the state and available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to respond to hazardous substance spills. Some of the protection and services the department provides are:
- emergency response training and planning;
- advice on hazardous chemicals and technical expertise used to provide spill cleanup advice and oversight;
- coordinate private contractors to clean up hazardous material spills;
- ensure a proper environmental cleanup is completed;
- drug lab seizure assistance;
- Chemical Accident Prevention Program for businesses that use hazardous chemicals;
- Homeland security issues.
Environmental Emergency Response staff use specially designed vehicles that contain protective gear, air monitoring instruments, sampling equipment and spill cleanup equipment. The department's Environmental Emergency Response Team is funded from a hazardous waste generator fee. To report a hazardous substance spill call 573-634-2436.
DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO PETROLEUM SPILL IN ROLLA
Rolla Mayor Bill Jenks III (pictured far left) joins members
of the Rolla Fire Department, Missouri Department of
Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation
and Environmental Works Inc., who worked late into the
evening cleaning up the petroleum oil spill that happened
on November 16. Photo by Jaime Baranyai - Courtesy of
The Rolla Daily News.On the afternoon of Thursday, Nov, 16, 2006, the department’s Environmental Emergency Response spill line received an initial report of a minor (less than 10 gallon) gasoline release at an MFA Petro-24 station in Rolla, located in Phelps County.
Rolla Fire and Rescue contacted the spill line to update the release amount to approximately 500 gallons and further relayed a nearby storm sewer and recreational lake had been impacted. This storm sewer discharges to a recreational lake behind the city’s recreational complex at 10th Street and Holloway Road, approximately 10 blocks from the original point of release. Due to the significant volume of gasoline released, explosive levels reported in the storm sewer and the impact to waterway, an Environmental Emergency Responsewas requested.
An Environmental Emergency Response State On-Scene Coordinator was immediately mobilized to assist local officials and the responsible party in mitigating the release. Rolla Fire and Rescue had constructed two underflow dams along the migration pathway, effectively stopping further gasoline from entering the lake.
Though the lake was impacted, the fire department’s rapid and effective response kept a majority of the gasoline from entering the lake. One bluegill and a few frogs were observed dead as the apparent result of the release.
Environmental Emergency Response, local officials and a contractor for the responsible party successfully undertook efforts to diminish explosive levels in the sewer and recover the gasoline by flushing the sewer with water from nearby hydrants, establishing a collection point and recovering the gasoline and contaminated water with a vac truck.
Small boats, blowers and absorbent materials were used to contain and recover product from the lake. Impacted gravel and soil at the original point of release were also excavated and properly disposed.
For more information contact the department’s Environmental Services Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-3315.
DEPARTMENT AWARDS $32,000 TO OZARK FOR BROWNFIELDS ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Department of Natural Resources presented Ozark with $32,000 to assess potential
environmental issues at several sites being considered for redevelopment.
Ozark sees a great opportunity to build a combination park and retail center in an area currently underused. The properties are located on the bank of the Finley River, in the heart of the city. Several properties in the redevelopment tract have potential environmental issues.
The city will use the subgrant funds to pay for Phase I and II environmental site assessments at up to six brownfields properties in Ozark. The city will enroll the Tractor Repair Shop property located at 306 W. Jackson St. into the department’s Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program’s and use the funds to pay for technical oversight during the Phase II assessment.
“Successful completion of the assessments will provide the city with valuable information on the extent of contamination and assist with the cleanup and redevelopment of the properties,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. “The department’s brownfields program helps communities put property back into productive use, encourage redevelopment and increase economic development in distressed areas.”
Known or suspected contamination may hamper redevelopment and reuse of previously developed properties, otherwise known as brownfields. While many brownfield sites are minimally contaminated, potential environmental liability can be a problem for owners, operators, prospective buyers and financial institutions. Because of the large number of these sites, their economic impact, especially in heavily industrial areas, is substantial.
The Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program can help resolve these issues so redevelopment and reuse can proceed.
For more information about the Ozark’s project, contact the department’s Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program at
800-361-4827 or 573-526-8913.
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.
SMALL BUSINESS COMPLIANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO MEET DEC. 6
The Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., Dec. 6 at the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Dr., in Jefferson City.
For more information, call Lucy Thompson of the Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-2414.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY BOARD TO MEET DEC. 7
The Environmental Improvement Authority Board will hold a public meeting at 11 a.m., Dec. 7 at the ARC (Activity and Recreation Center), 1701 W. Ash St., in Columbia.
For more information, call Jessie West of the Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4919.
MISSOURI AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO MEET DEC. 7
The Missouri Air Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Dec. 7 at the Department of Natural Resources’ Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., in Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION TO MEET DEC. 21
The Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Dec. 21 at the Department of Natural Resources’ Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., in Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-2747.
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 |
Clean Air Interstate Rule Annual Nox Trading Program |
| Rule Number 010-06.362 - Establishes emissions banking and trading program for nitrogen oxides. | |
| Public comment ends: Dec. 14, 2006 |
Public hearing: Dec. 7, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control Program |
Clean Air Interstate Rule Seasonal NOx Trading Program |
| Rule Number 010-06.364 - Establishes emissions banking and trading program for nitrogen oxides. | |
| Public comment ends: Dec. 14, 2006 |
Public hearing: Dec. 7, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control Program |
Clean Air Interstate Rule SO2 Trading Program |
| Rule Number 010-06.366 - Establishes emissions banking and trading program for nitrogen oxides. | |
| Public comment ends: Dec. 14, 2006 |
Public hearing: Dec. 7, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control Program |
Control of Mercury Emissions From Electric Generating Units |
| Rule Number 010-06.368 - Control of mercury emissions from electric generating units. | |
| Public comment ends: Dec. 14, 2006 |
Public hearing: Dec. 7, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control Program |
Emissions Limitations and Emissions Trading of Oxides of Nitrogen |
| Rule Number 010-06.350 - Emissions limitations and emissions trading of oxides of nitrogen. | |
| Public comment ends: Dec. 14, 2006 |
Public hearing: Dec. 7, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Air Pollution Control Program |
Control of NOx Emissions From Electric Generating Units and Non-Electric Generating Boilers |
| Rule Number 010-06.360 - Control of NOx emissions from electric generating units and non-electric generating boilers. | |
| Public comment ends: Dec. 14, 2006 |
Public hearing: Dec. 7, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Water Pollution Prevention |
Wellhead Protection - Disciplinary Action and Appeals Procedure |
| Rule Number 023-01.075 - This rule amendment contains procedural regulations for contested cases heard by the commission or assigned to a hearing officer by the commission. | |
| Public comment ends: December |
Public hearing: |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-368-2115 |
Water Pollution Prevention |
Wellhead Protection - Application for Permit to Drill, Deepen, Plug-back or Inject |
| Rule Number 050-02.030 - This rule would allow submission of oil and gas well locations as determined by utilization of a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. | |
| Public comment ends: December |
Public hearing: |
| 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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