Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources Newsletter - March 2006

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON METHODS USED TO IDENTIFY IMPAIRED WATERS
Department hosts public meetings March 31 and April 11
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on methods used to identify impaired waters in Missouri.

The department’s Section 303(d) Listing Methodology Document sets the procedures for identifying streams and lakes that do not comply with the state’s water quality standards. These bodies of water may be eligible for placement on an impaired waters list, denoting its need for water quality restoration.

The list, which is required by the Clean Water Act, may require those who conduct activities near the impaired water to reduce the pollution entering the water. The document is the previous Listing Methodology Document, with proposed revisions.

The deadline for public comment is May 5. Comments can be mailed to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Attn: John Ford, Water Pollution Control Branch, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176; faxed to 573-522-9920; or e-mailed.

The department is hosting three public meetings to provide an opportunity for additional comments. The first meeting was held on March 17. The next two meetings are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following facilities in Jefferson City:

• Friday, March 31, Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Dr., Jefferson City
• Tuesday, April 11, Department of Natural Resources’ Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City

A copy of the draft Methodology for the Development of the Section 303(d) List for Missouri is available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/waterquality/303d.htm. A copy can also be requested in writing or by calling the department’s Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.

People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meetings can make arrangements by calling 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300. Hearing-impaired individuals may contact the program through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966.

DROUGHT ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE INCREASES DROUGHT DESIGNATION FOR 12 SOUTHWEST MISSOURI COUNTIES
The Missouri Drought Assessment Committee today declared 12 counties in southwest Missouri to be in a Phase 3 - or “conservation phase” - drought.

Still dry from last year’s drought, and having received no relief from the recent warmer and drier winter, the area is experiencing decreasing streamflows, reservoir levels and seasonal ground water levels. Forecasts heard by the committee indicated that average conditions were likely to continue through the next 30 days but the drought is expected to carry through the May planting season.
The conservation phase is the third of four levels of drought conditions identified in the Missouri Drought Plan, and is second in severity only to a drought emergency.

The drought conditions experienced in 2005 continue to affect much of the state, and leave many counties susceptible to a dry spring, said Committee Chairman Mike Wells, who is the Missouri Department of Natural Resources deputy director for water
resources. “We wanted to start bringing the public awareness back up,” Wells said. “The drought is not over.”

Those counties considered to be in the conservation phase are Barry, Barton, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Stone, Taney and Vernon.

An additional 42 counties were considered to be in a drought alert, with 27 more under drought advisories. The remaining 33 Missouri counties were considered to be at or above average levels of moisture and were not considered in drought.

For more information, including the current drought map, the Missouri Drought Plan and information on the Drought Assessment Committee, see the drought Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wrc/droughtupdate.htm.

DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES MERCURY DISPOSAL OPTIONS, SPILL HAZARDS AND PROPER CLEANUP
Schools, businesses, organizations and households can reduce the risk of mercury exposure and possible health concerns by identifying and properly disposing of possible sources, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
An increase in mercury incidents thus far in 2006 has the department warning of the health effects of improper storage or handling of the element.

Elemental mercury is used in many items such as thermometers, barometers, switches, thermostats, fluorescent lamps, bulk elemental mercury and laboratory reagents in school science labs. Dangerous and costly mercury spills occur from improperly storing and mishandling these items.

The department is encouraging all Missourians to prevent spills by discontinuing the use of elemental mercury compounds and mercury-containing equipment. Businesses, schools and homes should consider removing these materials and disposing of them in accordance with state and federal regulations. Most items that contain mercury can be replaced with mercury-free (or lower-mercury) alternatives such as: alcohol or other spirit filled or digital thermometers, electronic thermostats and switches; aneroid blood pressure devices; and digital barometers and other gauges.

The amount of mercury contained in a fever thermometer or school science lab thermometer is small and does not present an immediate threat to human health. However, if broken and not properly cleaned up and disposed of, it may present a health risk over time. Risks particularly affect children less than 12 years old, pregnant women, women who plan to become pregnant and nursing mothers.

Short-term exposure to high levels of mercury vapors may cause serious health effects including lung damage, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as increases in blood pressure or heart rate, skin rashes and eye irritation. Symptoms from chronic or long-term exposure can develop in just a few weeks. Tremors, decreased eye-hand coordination, memory problems, insomnia and irritability can develop quickly. If these symptoms are not correctly identified and exposure is not prevented, then permanent nervous system damage can occur. For more information on health risks, contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at 573-751-6102.

Metallic mercury is liquid at room temperature and has no odor. When spilled, some of the metal will evaporate into the air and can be carried long distances. Mercury is toxic when inhaled. Improper clean up with a vacuum, paintbrush or household cleaner increases exposure by dispersing the mercury into the air.

The department encourages citizens to use household hazardous waste facilities as the first option to properly disposal of unwanted devices that contain mercury. For a listing of permanent household hazardous waste facilities in Missouri, visit the department’s Web site. It is legal, however, for households to dispose of those devices in their trash destined for a sanitary landfill. Double bagging is recommended to help limit human exposure during handling. Such items include thermometers, thermostats, barometers, manometers and mercury-containing lamps.

Businesses are required to manage wastes noted above, as universal or hazardous waste and sanitary landfill disposal is not an option. Mercury containing laboratory chemicals and jars of elemental mercury cannot be classified as universal waste and must be managed as hazardous waste.

For more information about hazardous waste, universal waste, disposal options, Mercury Risks - What Missouri Schools Can Do technical bulletin and Mercury Audit Checklist, visit the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pubs.htm#HazardousWaste.

The Thermostat Recycling Corporation is a not-for-profit corporation that facilitates the HVAC wholesalers’ collection of all brands of used, wall-mounted mercury-switch thermostats from contractors. The mercury is then purified for re-use. For a list of contractors in Missouri visit www.nema.org/gov/ehs/trc.

Call the department’s Environmental Emergency Response 24-hour hotline at 573-634-2436 for technical assistance with any mercury cleanup or disposal questions.

DEPARTMENT UPDATES AT YOUR SERVICE PHONE AND ADDRESS GUIDE
The Department of Natural Resources recently updated the At Your Service publication. The guide is organized alphabetically by topic. It contains addresses and phone numbers for those interested in information about the services offered by the
department. The online guide also includes a full color map with addresses, phone and fax numbers for all the department’s offices and Ombudsmen.

The department has a range of services available to help Missourians protect the air, land and water resources that we all share. The department provides Missourians many opportunities to learn more about Missouri’s natural and cultural history at one of our many state parks and historic sites.

The guide also provides contact information for many of the department’s partners. Whether you’re interested in reporting illegal dumping, finding out more about open burning regulations, leaning how to reduce your transportation costs or simply hearing about what’s happening this weekend in a state park near you, the contact information you need can be found in this guide.

At Your Service is PUB99 and is available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub99.pdf. The online version of the document includes links to more information on the department’s Web site.

For more free publications online, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pubs.htm. For more information, call 800-361-4827.

DEPARTMENT IDENTIFIES WATER SYSTEMS THAT FAIL TO COMPLY WITH TESTING REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Natural Resources has released a list of 26 drinking water systems that have chronically failed to do required bacteriological testing.

The department requires all public water systems to test for bacteria at least once a month to verify these systems are providing safe drinking water to the public. While failing to monitor does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe, routine testing is a crucial part of maintaining a safe water supply. The systems on the list have had at least three major monitoring violations in a 12-month period.

The vast majority of community and non-community public water systems in Missouri complies with all monitoring requirements and meets all drinking water standards. Chronic violators are the exception rather than the rule, as this current list of 26 systems represents less than one percent of the approximately 2,700 public drinking water systems in Missouri.

Bacteriological testing can be the first step in identifying and correcting a problem. The next step is to investigate the cause of any bad samples and begin correcting by disinfecting and flushing the system. When a public water system has both a record of failure to monitor and a history of violations, this may raise concerns about the unknown quality of the drinking water.

If a water sample test positive for total coliform bacteria, further testing is then performed for fecal coliform or E. coli, bacteria, which can directly cause gastrointestinal illness. Most samples that test positive for total coliform test negative for fecal coliform or E. coli. The total coliform positive samples that are listed tested negative for fecal coliform or E. coli, unless specifically stated otherwise.
To view more details on the violators listed, visit the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/chronic/index.html.

(County) - (Public Drinking Water System)
• Barry - Dell Apartments, My Mother’s Place, Rapid Roberts #106
• Benton - Headwaters Motel, Lake Hills Motel and Restaurant, Sun Valley Subdivision
• Camden - Angie’s Memory Lane Restaurant, Knoockers, The Hill
• Franklin - Charmwood Subdivision
• Greene - Springfield Skateland, Wimpy’s/The Corner Store
• Jasper - Modern Day Veterans Chapter 312
• Jefferson - Lake Forest Properties
• Laclede - Sign Fab Inc.
• Lawrence - Youngberg Estates Mobile Home Park
• Maries - Martin Subdivision, Ray Rays LLC
• Montgomery - Loutre Shore Country Club
• Morgan - Lucky Point, Smoke on the Water
• St. Francois - Farmington Manor
• Stone - Bearded Clam Restaurant, Cove Resort, Starlight Village, Stormy Point Campground and Resort

These systems’ owners have been sent multiple violation notices in addition to certified letters informing them that chronic failure to monitor is unacceptable. Representatives of the Department of Natural Resources also routinely make on-site inspections and attempt to reach an agreement with the responsible parties to ensure sampling requirements will be met. If these parties continue to fail to comply with Missouri’s drinking water law, the department pursues more stringent enforcement action through legal channels.

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

ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION CONTINUES AT CARDWELL
Department issues NOV to City of Cardwell, Places Files at Library
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources began a public water system study last week in Cardwell as part of its environmental investigation.

The department continues to test the drinking water distribution system in Cardwell. All results indicate the city’s water main sampled for chemical and bacterial constituents had no contaminants at levels of health concern.

The department did issue, however, a Notice of Violation to the City of Cardwell on Feb. 27. The department responded to complaints regarding low water pressure. The city’s system pressure dropped to less than 20 pounds per square inch (20 psi) during flow testing. The department checked the water storage tank level and found it was not filling to an adequate level to provide safe system pressure at all times. The department notified the city of the violation. The department is requiring the city to take immediate action to prevent any further repeat occurrences. Low water pressure can pull water out of the homes back into the service main or can possibly cause infiltration of shallow groundwater into the service main.

The public water system study will help the department evaluate the adequacy of Cardwell’s facilities for producing and distributing safe drinking water. The department evaluated the water sources, facilities, equipment, operation and maintenance of the public water system in Cardwell. In previous investigations, the department found contamination in soil and shallow groundwater in areas near the water lines. The department has not found any chemical or bacterial constituents of health concern in the water lines.
The department began the study by reviewing departmental records for Cardwell’s Public Water Supply system. The review included results of water monitoring, inspections and previously submitted engineering plans for water system improvements.

The department followed the record review with an on-site inspection of water sources. The water sources inspected included active, inactive and abandoned wells. The department also inspected connections to other water systems, storage facilities (active and abandoned), treatment processes and visible distribution system components.

The department estimates it will complete the final report of the study in mid to late March. The department’s report will outline any unsatisfactory features found and present recommended solutions to significant problems.

The department also placed a copy of the public file of the Cardwell investigation at the Dunklin County Library, Cardwell Branch, at 113 Main St. in Cardwell. The files include information on drinking water, underground and above ground petroleum storage tank, and potential hazardous waste issues. The files are available Monday and Wednesday, noon to 5 p.m. and Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For information on the department’s efforts in Cardwell, contact the department at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4465.

DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL ASSURANCE INSTRUMENT TEMPLATES AVAILABLE AT NEW ONLINE ADDRESS
The Department of Natural Resources’ Hazardous Waste Program recently changed the Web address location for the Financial Assurance Instrument (FAI) templates. You can now download the templates at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/permits/fai.htm. Please change your bookmarks.

These documents provide required language to assist hazardous waste resource recovery, interim status and treatment, storage and disposal facilities that must provide financial assurance.

Both the federal and state laws have requirements for providing financial assurance. The majority of the requirements are contained in federal law, and the Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Law and Regulations add some state modifications.

Copies of the federal and state laws can be viewed at the departments’ regional offices, the Missouri State Library, the U.S. Depository Libraries and most public libraries.

Missouri Revised Statutes, including the Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Law, RSMo Chapter 260, Section 350 through Section 430, are available online through the Missouri General Assembly Web site at www.moga.mo.gov.

Missouri Code of State Regulations, including the Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Regulations, 10 CSR 25 (Chapters 1-16), are available online through the Secretary of State’s Web site at www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/10csr/10csr.asp
Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR 264 Subpart (H) and 40 CFR 265 Subpart (H), are available online at www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/index.html.

For more information, contact Jacki Hicks in the department’s Hazardous Waste Program, at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3553.

DEPARTMENT MAKES GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE TO PROTECT MISSOURI’S IMPAIRED WATERS
Grant funds are available to educational institutions, local governments and not-for-profit organizations to help protect Missouri’s waters from nonpoint source pollution. Those interested may apply to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The grant funding provides an opportunity for local groups to work on waters most important to their communities. Grant awards typically range from $5,000 to $400,000 and projects can last up to four years. The deadline for optional one-page pre-proposals is March 10. Final applications must be postmarked by June 19.

The department will give highest priority to projects directed toward solving nonpoint source pollution problems in waters listed on the 303(d) impaired water list for 1998 or 2002. The department will also consider other high priority waters and additional proposals in other areas. Research projects are not eligible.

“I would like to encourage groups and organizations to help protect and improve Missouri’s most precious natural resources, our waterways,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. “Projects that take a step back and look at all issues within a watershed can be extremely beneficial to addressing nonpoint source pollution.”

In general, nonpoint source projects may provide education, demonstration, project-specific monitoring, installation of best management practices, riparian enhancement and water quality restoration or protection.

Nonpoint source pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground, carrying natural and human-made pollutants into lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and other waters, including groundwater. Nonpoint sources such as storm water runoff, snowmelt and irrigation can carry pollutants like garden fertilizers, sediment and pesticides into nearby waters.

These “319” nonpoint source grants are provided through the federal Clean Water Act (Section 319). Funding for the grant program comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

For a copy of the Request for Proposals or an application packet, contact Theresa Libbert, Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-1599.

For more information or questions about the application, contact Greg Anderson with the Water Protection Program at 573-751-7144.

For more information on the Water Protection Program, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/wp-index.html.

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES RETURNS TO REGULATING COAL MINES IN MISSOURI
Return brings nearly $2 million in federal grants to Missouri
Governor Matt Blunt’s petition to the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining (OSM) brings nearly $2 million in federal grants back to Missouri and returns state oversight of Missouri’s coal mining industry.

On June 2, 2005, Governor Blunt petitioned OSM to return to Missouri the coal regulatory authority and abandoned mine land programs the state lost in 2003 because of budget shortfalls. The state’s reduced funding and staff left no option but OSM to resume authority to regulate coal mines in Missouri. Missouri first received approval from the federal government to begin regulating coal-mining sites in 1980.

“Due to the State of Missouri’s improving financial situation, we are now in a better position to enforce our coal and abandoned mine land programs,” Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers said. “This is a critical service performed for Missouri citizens by the Department of Natural Resources. I’m very pleased that we can reinstate the service and continue to protect Missouri citizens.”

Published in the Federal Register, the Office of Surface Mining returns oversight of Missouri’s coal regulatory and abandoned mine land programs back to the Department of Natural Resources.

The department will use approximately $200,000 in state fee funds matched by $200,000 in federal grant funds to implement the coal regulatory program. The $200,000 investment of state fee funds will bring $1.95 million in federal award grants to Missouri, according to Childers.

The department estimates there remains approximately $40 million in reclamation work in Missouri to restore old coal mines back to their original conditions. Coal companies mined these lands before 1977 when mining laws required companies to reclaim lands disturbed by coal mining.

States operating a coal regulatory program are eligible for a $1.5 million federal grant to clean up old coal mine lands. Missouri is eligible for at least $50,000 of federal emergency funds to properly close collapsed mineshafts as they are discovered. In addition, approximately $200,000 in federal funds is available to clean up streams degraded by runoff from old coal mine lands.

Upon reviewing Missouri’s petition, OSM found the state had demonstrated sufficient resources, capability, policy, procedures and commitment to assure proper implementation of the program.

For more information about coal mining, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Land Reclamation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4041.

MISSOURI CONSERVATION POSTER WINNER RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Ben Bachler’s national award winning poster depicted “50 years of Growth” in soil conservation. The Missouri poster contest winner took second place in the second and third grade category of the annual 2005 National Conservation Poster Contest. After winning the Osage County Soil and Water

Conservation district poster contest for his age category, Bachler advanced to the state and then the national competition.
The theme of this year’s poster contest was Celebrate Conservation. Bachler, son of April and Sam Bachler, is a third grader at St. George Elementary School in Osage County.

The poster contest is used by soil and water conservation district as a tool to educate students about soil and water conservation. The theme for the 2006 poster contest is Water Wise, www.nacdnet.org/outreach/awards/poster.htm.

The Department of Natural Resources works with the Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and local soil and water conservation districts to coordinate district and state poster contests. Missouri’s soil and water conservation districts are funded by the one-tenth-of-one-percent parks-and-soils sales tax.

View the 2005 National Conservation Poster Contest winners at http://2006.nacdnet.org/awards/posters and the state winners at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swcp/pcontest/pcontest-2005.htm.

For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Conservation Program at 573-751-4932 or the department toll free at 800-361-4827.

BROWNFIELDS/VOLUNTARY CLEANUP PROGRAM OVERSEES SUCCESSFUL CLEANUPS
The Department of Natural Resources has issued certificates of completion for several new Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program
(BVCP) sites.

Brownfields are abandoned or underused industrial or commercial sites, located primarily in urban areas, that are either contaminated or thought to be contaminated. Through the BVCP, private parties agree to clean up a contaminated site and are offered some protection from future state and federal enforcement action at the site in the form of a “No Further Action” letter or “Certificates of Completion” from the state.

Majestic Stove Lofts – St. Louis
The Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program (BVCP) has issued a certificate of completion for the Majestic Stove Lofts site in St. Louis for the cleanup of asbestos and lead-based paint within the buildings.

The Majestic Stove Lofts project consists of four buildings including the original two five-story buildings that were the original home of Majestic Stove, a company that built and sold oven ranges until the 1950’s. The two remaining buildings are the Leavitt Box Building at 2019 Lucas and the Adler Frame Building at 2035 Washington. In March 2004, Majestic Lofts, LP, the developer, entered the BVCP for the cleanup and redevelopment of the Majestic Stove Lofts. The four buildings are located on the north side of Washington Avenue between 20th and 21st Street.

The buildings are being redeveloped into a mixed-use development, including a restaurant, commercial office space, a business center and apartments. The development received $900,000 in Brownfields tax credits through Missouri’s Department of Economic Development’s Brownfield Redevelopment Program. The Brownfield Redevelopment Program provides financial incentives to redevelop publicly owned commercial or industrial sites that were abandoned because of contamination caused by hazardous substances. Majestic Lofts, LP, plans to create 78 new jobs with this project.

During the redevelopment of this site the developer, Robert Wood, found an old safe containing business records, some over 100 years old, buried in one of the four buildings. “There’s something really gratifying about bringing these historic old buildings back to life,” said Wood. When complete this year, Majestic Stove will have 120 new loft apartments in three buildings. The complex sits on the western edge of downtown and the growing Washington Avenue lofts district.

Branson Convention Center
The Branson Convention Center development in Branson received a Certificate of Completion from the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program after completing cleanup of soil contaminated with petroleum.

The 15-acre site is located adjacent to the historic 1905 Branson Scenic Railway depot/headquarters. Previous businesses included Branson Oil Company and LandJ Plumbing Supply.

The City of Branson entered the Branson Convention Center into the BVCP in September 2005, for oversight of site characterization and remediation after it acquired all of the former businesses.

The site remediation included excavation and removal of over 1,077 cubic yards of petroleum-contaminated soil.

Development plans call for a 300-room hotel and convention center on the property. It is part of the larger Branson Landing project that includes retail strip malls and a Bass Pro Shop outlet center. The Branson Landing development received a Certificate of Completion from the BVCP in December 2003.

O’Hare Foundry - St. Louis
The Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program issued a Certificate of Completion in March 2006 for the O’Hare Foundry site in St. Louis.

In October 2005, O’Hare Foundry Corporation entered the BVCP for the cleanup of soil contaminated with petroleum and for closure of existing gasoline underground storage tanks.

O’Hare Foundry Corporation, which has occupied the one-acre site since 1962, uses the property for aluminum, brass and bronze casting. Prior to 1962, various businesses operated at the site: a taxicab depot, gasoline station, petroleum distribution station and coal yard. Three underground storage tanks (USTs) and eight above ground storage tanks (ASTs) were associated with these various operations. The ASTs were removed prior to the site’s entry in the BVCP.

Site investigations revealed petroleum-related chemicals in the area of the former ASTs. Representative concentrations of chemicals of concern in soil from this area are below Missouri Risk-Based Corrective Action (MRBCA) Default Target Levels (DTLs). In November 2005, the three 1,500 gallon gasoline USTs, along with surrounding contaminated soil, were excavated in accordance with a department-approved risk management plan. The department determined that actions taken were adequate to remove chemicals of concern to risk levels acceptable for unrestricted use of the property.
O’Hare Foundry Corporation plans to continue its operations at the property.

Pinnacle Entertainment – St. Louis
Pinnacle Entertainment, at 727 North First Street in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, received a Certificate of Completion from the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program after completing remedial measures at its new casino site at City Block #70 (900 N. 3rd Street and Carr Street) in St. Louis.

Pinnacle entered its property into the BVCP in June 2005 after finding soil contamination on the property. Site investigations have found fly ash, PAHs and metals in the soils related to fill material and a large fire documented in the residential part of the site in the early 1900s. The site was residential from 1875 until to 1906, then converted into a railyard used until 1989. The site has been vacant since 1989.

As part of the BVCP approved Remedial Action Plan, 66,000 cubic yards of material was excavated and removed from the site. The department has determined that the levels of contaminants in the remaining soils are safe for an unrestricted property use.

The $400 million project located at Laclede’s Landing, near the Gateway Arch, will feature a large casino, a 200-room luxury hotel, a spa, a business center, fine restaurants and 12,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.

The project will help revitalize the downtown St. Louis area by serving as a catalyst for additional neighborhood redevelopment. Pinnacle Entertainment has also committed, likely with one or more development partners, to oversee $50 million of investment into a new residential, retail or mixed-use development, to be completed within five years of the casino and hotel’s opening.

On Dec. 8, 2005, Pinnacle announced that an agreement had been reached with Rodgers Group Development to develop a $25 million, 10-story condominium structure that will be named Port St. Louis. The unique glass and brick structure will house 49 condominiums, each with luxury finishes, balcony views, and access to the rooftop common area pool. Groundbreaking for Port St. Louis will occur in Spring 2006, and completion is scheduled for 2008.

The casino project is estimated to create 4,500 jobs: 700 construction jobs, 1,300 permanent jobs, and an additional 2,500 ancillary service jobs in the region. McCarthy Building Companies of St. Louis has been selected as the general contractor. The design team will incorporate open space and a contemporary ambiance for this project in a design inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. The project will feature a soaring tower with a dramatic light feature that will become a new icon along the St. Louis riverfront.

Pinnacle broke ground on the facility in September 2005, with an expected opening date in 2007.

This site is the 280th 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.

ANNUAL DRY CLEANING FACILITY REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 1
The annual dry cleaning facility registration fee is due each year on April 1. The surcharge is based upon chlorinated solvent use at the facility from the previous calendar year. Facilities that use the solvent perchloroethylene, receive an Emissions Inventory Questionnaire from the department’s Air Pollution Control Program (APCP) or their local air regulatory agency in January of each calendar year. Dry cleaners that use other chlorinated solvents (such as trichloroethylene) receive a registration form from the Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust (DERT) Fund.

To avoid penalties and interest with the calendar year 2005 annual registration surcharges, please submit these forms with the appropriate payment by April 1 of this year. For those facilities that are required to pay APCP emission fees, a separate check is required for the DERT Fund and the APCP Program.

For questions about the form contact the DERT Fund at 573-526-8913 or the APCP at 573-751-4817. An electronic version of the form can be found on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/eservices.htm.

NATIONAL DEVELOPER CITED FOR CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATIONS AT RAYMORE SITE
This news release is reprinted from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web Site
EPA Region 7 has cited Cooper Land Development for numerous violations of federal storm water regulations at its 1,200-acre housing development in Raymore, known as the Creekmoor Subdivision. Creekmoor is the largest site EPA Region 7 has ever named in a storm water enforcement action.

EPA has ordered Cooper Land Development (Cooper) to take immediate actions to minimize sediment-laden runoff from the site. The purpose of this immediate order is to quickly stop the ongoing environmental harm caused by Cooper’s Clean Water Act violations. These violations also could subject Cooper to penalties, which would be sought by EPA in a later enforcement action.
EPA inspected the construction site in early February and found that vast areas of land had been stripped of vegetation with virtually none of the required erosion controls measures in place. EPA also found that Cooper failed to follow practices that minimize runoff, abide by their storm water pollution prevention plan and conduct site inspections.

“This action sends an important message to the construction industry that they must properly control erosion, so they do not damage our nation’s waters,” said Jim Gulliford, EPA regional administrator.

This current action to bring the Creekmoor site into compliance will prevent massive amounts of sediment from washing into nearby streams, rivers and lakes. Storm water runoff from the Creekmoor site discharges into Lumpkins Fork, then into the Little Blue River.

Creekmoor is planned to include more than 1,500 homes, a 116-acre lake, and an 18-hole golf course. Cooper is a national developer of large golf-course communities of up to 36,000 acres in several states, including Missouri and Arkansas.

Regulations that require construction sites to prevent water pollution have existed for more than 15 years. However, compliance within the construction industry remains poor.

This current enforcement action is part of a national effort by EPA to reduce the damage to water bodies caused by erosion at large construction sites.

Urban storm water runoff from construction sites is a significant environmental concern, and siltation is one of the worst pollution problems in our nation’s water bodies. Construction activity greatly increases erosion and runoff, which can choke our streams and lakes with sediment.

Sediment-laden runoff destroys spawning beds, suffocates fish eggs and bottom-dwelling organisms, decreases oxygen levels in streams, and blocks sunlight that is essential for the growth of beneficial water grasses.

In addition to sediment, storm water runoff can carry high levels of pollutants such as oil and grease, suspended solids, nutrients, and heavy metals. Polluted storm water runoff is a leading cause of impairment to the nearly 40 percent of surveyed U.S. water bodies that do not meet water quality standards.

EPA COMPLETES FIVE-YEAR REVIEW OF FULBRIGHT LANDFILL SUPERFUND SITE IN SPRINGFIELD
This news release is reprinted from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web Site
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducts regular five-year reviews on Superfund sites where any pollutants, contaminants, or hazardous substances remain following the implementation of a remedy. These reviews are required by the Superfund law [42 U.S.C. ‘ 9621(c)]. EPA Region 7 and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources have completed the third five-year review of the Fulbright Landfill site in Springfield.

The Fulbright/Sac River Landfill site is located in Greene County about three miles north of the Springfield city limits. The landfills are on land owned by Springfield and are separated by State Highway 13. These landfills were used by Springfield for the disposal of municipal and industrial wastes. Both landfills are now closed.

The 98-acre Fulbright Landfill is elongated in shape and adjacent to the South Dry Sac River on three sides. It is in the floodplain of the South Dry Sac River.

The 114 acre Sac River Landfill, formerly known as the Murray Landfill, is about one half mile northwest of the Fulbright Landfill. The Sac River Landfill is bordered by the Little Sac River on the south and west sides. Most of the waste at the Sac River Landfill was disposed of in a circular-shaped abandoned quarry.

Five-Year Reviews
The first five-year review of the Fulbright/Sac River Landfills site was completed in December 1996, and the second five-year review was completed in September 2000. Issues identified during the second five-year review have been addressed, or are being addressed, including cap maintenance, additional ground-water monitoring, site security, and analytical quality control/quality assurance.

This Five-Year Review
This review included site inspection, evaluation of deed restrictions, and study of the site files and all other information gathered in the last five years.

The assessment of this third five-year review found the remedy continues to be protective of human health and the environment and is functioning as designed, in accordance with the Record of Decision. The maintenance at the landfills needs to be continued and annual groundwater and surface water monitoring should continue, because of remaining contaminants in the ground water.

Analytical data from soil sampling and review of current site conditions indicate that reuse of portions of the site as part of a greenway trails system is appropriate. Some further mitigation efforts might be required.

Proposed Greenway Trail
The Fulbright/Sac River Landfill site has been selected as a demonstration project in EPA's Superfund
Redevelopment Initiative known as the “Return to Use” initiative. Springfield has plans to develop greenway trails through the site.

The proposed Ozark Greenways Incorporated trail would follow the north banks of South Dry Sac Creek to connect Ritter Springs Park (south of the Sac River Landfill) with the proposed Lost Hill Park (east of the Fulbright Landfill), passing over the Fubright/Sac River site.

Soil sampling at both landfills indicated that incorporating portions of the sites into the greenway trails system will not interfere with the remedy.

The soil samples indicate that the current levels of remaining soil contamination are nearly as low as those required for unlimited, unrestricted residential use based on exposure to soil. (The cleanup levels for residential use are generally much more stringent than the cleanup levels required for recreational use.) These soil sample results will need to be confirmed, and any required mitigation will be included in the plans developed for the greenways trail.

For More Information
The complete Five-Year Review Report and other detailed site information are part of the Site Administrative Record and are available at the following locations during normal business hours:

EPA Records Center
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas

Springfield/Greene County Library
397 E. Central
Springfield, Missouri

Questions or requests for more information on this site or the five-year review process should be addressed to

Fritz Hirter
Community Involvement Coordinator
U.S. EPA Region 7
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-7003
Toll Free: 800-223-0425
E-mail: hirter.fritz@epa.gov

BLUE SPRINGS SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL WINS PRESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARD
This news release is reprinted from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web Site
Blue Springs South High School has won the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7’s 2006 Presidential Environmental Youth Award for student work to restore Young Park to a native Missouri prairie.

Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford said, “These students have taken personal responsibility for their environment and for environmental stewardship. We are extremely proud to know that they will represent our four-state region during the national awards ceremony next month in Washington.”

Blue Springs and its Parks and Recreation Department donated a portion of the park, adjacent to the school, to the high school for the project.

Students are working in partnership with the Missouri Prairie Foundation, Missouri Department of Conservation, Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Project, Audubon Society and National Wildlife Federation. The Wildlife Federation has certified the park a National Schoolyard Habitat, and the Missouri Conservation Department has designated it an outdoor classroom.

The Young Park Restoration Project provides interdisciplinary, experiential learning. The park is being used for outdoor projects such as art classes, Earth Day poster contests and nature diaries.

Three outdoor classes, environmental science, home economics, and physical education are being held in the park. Students are learning about water quality and participating in water quality studies. The results are given to Blue Springs to monitor the park’s pond water quality.

A woodland planting area has been started with native Missouri orchids and shade plants. Home economics students are harvesting persimmons from trees planted in the park and are using the persimmons to re-create recipes originally written by westward bound settlers. Young Park has also become a nature experience for the citizens of Blue Springs. Long-term planning has begun for future park enhancements, such as a new interpretive nature trail, native Missouri flowering dogwoods and expansion of the prairie and woodland areas.

Every year, each of EPA’s 10 regional environmental education offices selects a youth award winner to represent them at the national awards ceremony in Washington. Blue Springs South students will represent Region 7. The awards have been presented annually since 1971 to honor students in kindergarten through 12th grade who develop projects that help protect their environment and promote environmental awareness in their communities.

Applications must be submitted by Oct. 31. They can be obtained from Denise Morrison, Office of External Programs, EPA Region 7, 901 N. Fifth St., Kansas City, KS 66101. Phone (913) 551-7402, toll-free 800-223-0425. Or by e-mail at morrison.denise@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.

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SEES INCREASE IN MERCURY INCIDENTS ACROSS STATE
Total Already More Than Half All of 2005
An unusual increase in the number of mercury incidents throughout the state has the Missouri Department of Natural Resources calling on residents to be aware of mercury’s risks and health hazards.

Already this year the department’s Environmental Emergency Response (EER) teams have responded to nine mercury incidents, compared to 16 throughout all of 2005, according to Alan Reinkemeyer, director of the department’s Environmental Services Program.

Among the calls thus far in 2006, mercury incidents in Crane, Charleston and Independence, illustrate a familiar scenario. All of the spills involved children or teens who discovered small amounts of mercury and transported it to homes, schools and vehicles. In each case, EER staff led efforts to detect, contain, monitor and clean up the mercury contamination before it could become a greater local public health risk.

The mercury contamination incidents teach some valuable lessons about mercury spills. “The greatest lesson from the Crane incident is that old mercury needs to be properly disposed of in a timely manner,” Reinkemeyer said. “The Charleston spill pointed out how critical it is to notify authorities quickly after any mercury is spilled. It is important for everyone to understand that improper disposal and handling of elemental mercury is dangerous to human health.”

EER was notified Jan. 19 about a mercury release that occurred in Crane. Four children found a bottle of mercury inside a storage building at the Crane swimming pool. The children took the mercury their homes and to two schools, spilling mercury at each location.

EER and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cleaned and monitored the potentially affected homes, schools and pool area. Mercury vapor levels at two of the three affected homes fell below health-based standards after contaminated clothing was removed from the homes. The third home required more extensive cleanup. Responders had to remove clothing, carpeting and other personal items before the mercury vapor levels dropped to acceptable standards. Air monitoring at the two schools indicated there was no mercury contamination and thus no health risk. An extensive cleanup was also required at the municipal pool.

On Feb. 15, EER responded to a mercury release that occurred at the Odd Fellows meeting lodge in Charleston. The release had actually taken place Dec. 29, but it was not reported until those responsible realized the potential consequences. Many people were potentially exposed to the mercury while spending time at the lodge during the six-week period.

The release occurred when some children discovered mercury in the pendulum of an old grandfather clock at the lodge. The children removed the mercury from the clock, played with it in the lodge, and took some home. Lodge members used a standard vacuum cleaner in an effort to clean up the mercury, only making matters worse.

EER and EPA cleaned and monitored the lodge and approximately 30 homes and vehicles that were potentially affected by the mercury. Highly elevated mercury vapor levels were found in two homes and one vehicle. Based upon the levels, responders immediately evacuated both homes. The homes and vehicle were cleaned and decontaminated.

Several citizens were medically tested to determine the levels of mercury in their bodies. The Odd Fellows Lodge will remain closed until the cleanup is complete.

EER and EPA responded March 1 to a mercury release at William Chrisman High School, Independence. A student, who obtained mercury from an unknown source, brought it to school and reportedly gave some to other students. The original student’s vehicle was heavily contaminated and required extensive cleanup. The department will test the vehicle again to ensure the decontamination was totally effective.

Based on air monitoring at the school, cleanup needed inside the school was limited to replacement of a trap in a sink where the affected students washed their hands. The quick actions of the school faculty prevented further exposure. After learning of the mercury spill, the facility properly sealed the container and decontaminated the students that were directly involved.

To report a hazardous substance or mercury spill, any citizen can call the department’s Environmental Emergency Response hotline 24 hours a day at 573-634-2436. For more information on mercury, visit the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pubs.htm#HazardousWaste.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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.

DEPARTMENT TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING ON METHODOLOGY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECTION 303(D) LIST FOR MISSOURI MARCH 31
The Department of Natural Resources will host a public meeting to solicit comments on the Section 303 (d) listing methodology document at 10 a.m., March 31, in the LaCharette Conference Room in the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Drive., Jefferson City.

The department seeks public comment on the Section 303(d) Listing Methodology Document. The department is requesting public review and comment on revisions setting out the procedures for identifying streams and lakes that are not in compliance with the state’s water quality standards. These bodies of water, when identified may be eligible for placement on an impaired waters list denoting their need for water quality restoration. The list, which is required under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, may lead to the development of plans to reduce the pollutants discharged into the listed waters. Some of these plans may require actions from persons conducting activities within or near these waters to reduce the pollution entering the waters. The revisions appear as strikeouts (material proposed to be deleted) or bold print (material proposed to be added) in the current Listing Methodology Document that was approved by the Clean Water Commission in 2004.