Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources is a monthly newsletter that informs readers about environmental issues.
APRIL 2006
HUNDREDS ATTEND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES’ EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
 |
| Dalton Stafford, son of Todd and Barb Stafford of Carthage, is recognized by Missouri Department of Natural Resources director Doyle Childers at Earth Day in Jefferson City. Dalton submitted the 2006 Earth Day slogan, "You are the Solution to Pollution." |
More than 900 students, teachers and members of the public showed up in Jefferson City to help the Department of Natural Resources celebrate Earth Day. This year marks the department’s 12th year of holding an Earth
Day celebration.
Betty Fast’s fifth-grade class from Immaculate Conception was among those who attended the event on the south lawn of the Capitol Building.
“This event is very interesting and educational,” said Fast. “The kids really like all the free stuff and the activities challenge their information level.”
Survivor: Vanuatu’s Twila Tanner, star of the CBS television reality show was on hand to co-host the Environmental Survivor Games throughout the day. Tanner is a Missouri Department of Transportation road crew worker, and an advocate of the No MOre Trash! litter-prevention campaign, a cooperative effort between the Missouri departments of Conservation and Transportation.“So many people take things for granted, and that includes our environment,” Tanner said. “I love the outdoors and no one should ruin it for others by dumping an old tire or even a gum wrapper.
“I do not take well to trash. When I’m walking through the woods, or I’m out on a highway crew and I see pop bottles and other trash it makes me very mad. No MOre Trash! is a campaign that needs to be taken seriously by all of us. People need to know there is a trashcan somewhere around no matter where they are. Save that trash if you have to; throw it in a can,” Tanner said.
The slogan for this year’s event, “You are the Solution to Pollution” was selected from hundreds of entries received by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the 2006 Earth Day slogan contest. Dalton Stafford, son of Todd and Barb Stafford of Carthage, submitted the winning words. Dalton is a fifth-grade student in Nancy Mathis’ class at the Fairview Elementary School in Carthage. He was presented with a certificate for a $100 savings bond, donated by Central Bank in Jefferson City.
The Department of Natural Resources sponsored the event and invited state and federal agencies to set up booths, exhibits and educational displays on the lawns. The department’s Earth Day celebration was targeted towards students but also open to the public.
DEPARTMENT HOLDS
LANDFILL FORUM
The department’s Solid Waste Management Program held a Landfill Forum on March 6, in Jefferson City. Over one hundred Missouri landfill operators, consultants and regulators attended the meeting.
The forum allowed operators and their consultants to meet with department representatives, learn about current issues, ask questions and voice concerns.
The group talked about the liners required for modern landfills. Currently, Missouri law requires that landfills have a composite liner consisting of at least two feet of clay at the very bottom of a disposal cell, covered by a plastic membrane liner.
Some operators are interested in using a geocomposite liner, or GCL. According to some studies, a thin layer of GCL is more effective at preventing leakage than a much thicker layer of the traditional clay. Department engineers are not as optimistic, but believe the material would be safer if GCL is underlaid by one foot of traditional clay.
Other states allow the use of GCLs in certain circumstances, but these states have more stringent design requirements for landfills. In Wisconsin, for example, the standard design is five feet of compacted clay liner, covered by a plastic membrane. Wisconsin allows the GCL to replace one foot of the clay, but the resulting system is still twice as thick as the standard design in Missouri not using GCL.
Other topics discussed included quality assurance and quality control for liner construction, methane gas migration, methods for collecting leachate (water
that has seeped through waste) and administrative procedures for requesting construction permits.
Several workgroups were formed that will meet in the future to discuss issues like gas/water monitoring, leachate collection systems and the possibilty of electronic applications.
It was a great opportunity for industry representatives and the department to share information, ideas, suggestions and thoughts.
For information on the forum or other solid waste issues, contact the Solid Waste Management Program at 573-751-5401 or visit the Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp.
 |
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources now has ombudsmen assisting communities, businesses and citizens throughout the state. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are Jackson Bostic, representing the southeast region; Judy Bowman, representing the Kansas City region; and Mike Alesandrini, representing the St. Louis region. Pictured in the second row, from left to right, are Dave Woolery, representing southwest Missouri; Jim Froelker, central Missouri; Scott Totten, director of the ombudsmen program; and Doyle Childers, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Not pictured are Carrie Smith, who represents southwest Missouri and Don Summers, who represents northeast Missouri. Missouri Department of Natural Resources Photo |
Ombudsmen from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, along with Chief Ombudsmen Scott Totten and Department Director Doyle Childers, recently visited several towns in Missouri to garner public feedback on the department and its efforts.
Since establishment of the ombudsmen program in fall 2005, ombudsmen have made almost 830 contacts. An ombudsman is located at each regional office and in Rolla at the department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey offices.
The ombudsmen operate independently from the regional offices and inform the regional directors and the department director about issues, concerns and problems, and assist in issue development
and resolution.
- Judy K. Bowman recently was hired to serve in the Kansas City Regional Office, and can be reached at 816-565-1296.
- Don Summers serves in the Northeast Regional Office, and can be reached at 573-291-3055.
- Jim Froelker serves in the Rolla satellite office, and can be reached at 573-619-1410.
- Dave Woolery and Carrie Smith work from the Springfield office; Woolery can be reached at 573-619-1408, and Smith at
573-619-1409. - Mike Alesandrini represents the St. Louis region, and can be reached at 314-560-4703.
- Jackson Bostic recently replaced Bill Foster and serves in the Southeast Regional Office. Bostic can be reached at 573-619-1407. Foster is conducting an in-depth review of the state revolving fund as the department designs and implements improvements to its drinking water and wastewater loan programs.
Ombudsmen also may be reached by calling the department toll-free at 800-361-4827.
Correspondence for the ombudsmen may be directed to the Department of Natural Resources, P.O Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176.
MISSOURI E-SCRAP INITIATIVE
Electronic waste or scrap has become and will continue to be an issue of national importance. The stockpile of used or obsolete electronic material continues to grow. The National Safety Council predicts nearly 250 million computers will become outdated in the next five years. Televisions will need to be modified or replaced in the coming decade when television broadcasting switches from analog
to digital.
Cathode ray tubes, referred to as CRTs, found in color computer monitors and televisions contain an average of four to eight pounds of lead and require special handling. Computers and other electronic equipment may also contain chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, zinc and brominated flame-retardants. When this equipment is not disposed of or recycled properly, these toxic materials can present both health and environmental threats.
Federal legislation concerning the common sense management of E-scrap would not only benefit the E-scrap industry, but also provide a level playing field on which all states could better regulate recycling and disposal. However, federal legislation is a long way off and Missouri citizens see the need to move forward on this immediately.
The department’s Hazardous Waste Program and Solid Waste Management Program have formed a Stakeholder Workgroup to assist Missouri businesses in developing a framework to manage electronic scrap, some of which are hazardous.
The department and the workgroup intend to complete the following goals by December 2006:
- Develop common sense strategies that define best management practices for collecting, processing and transporting E-scrap;
- Outline what is needed to implement those strategies, such as incentives, guidelines, or needed legislation; and
- Encourage sustainable economic development in the E-scrap industry within the state.
Information on the E-Scrap Stakeholder Workgroup is available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/escrap/workgroup.htm. This Web site includes general information, participant and company information, previous meetings and links.
The “e-cycle St. Louis” program is another initiative promoting the recycling of E-scrap. This program started recently in the city of St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County. The e-cycle St. Louis program emerged from the hard work of a comprehensive task force of local and state governments, electronic recyclers, non-profits and interested citizens. The partnership developed a registration process for collection sites to manage electronics in an environmentally sound manner and an education outreach campaign to encourage residents to reuse and recycle their unwanted electronics.
On Feb. 7, 2006, the partnership launched e-cycle St. Louis with 10 registered collection sites. A complete list of collection locations, accepted materials, and applicable fees is available on the new e-cycle St. Louis Web site at www.ecyclestlouis.org. Since the program kick-off, many collection sites have reported doubling their business. This trend demonstrates the public’s willingness to pay for proper management of their unwanted electronics.
If you have questions about the Stakeholder Workgroup or E-scrap, contact Michael Menneke of the department’s Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-9189.
For more information about the e-cycle St. Louis program, please contact Laura Yates, regional coordinator, at lyates@stlouis.com or 314-615-4035.
NEW TECHNOLOGY AT
LITTON SYSTEMS INC.
Litton Systems Inc., Interconnect Technologies Division (Litton) is located adjacent to the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport in Springfield. The facility, which includes about 77 acres, has operated since the mid-1960s. It currently produces printed circuit boards.
In 1993 Litton signed an agreement with the Department of Natural Resources to investigate the site for release of hazardous substances and, after completion, to conduct a cleanup of the site. The investigation is nearing completion so Litton is reviewing technologies that will complete the cleanup of contamination caused from past industrial processes.
Wastes generated from past facility operations included primarily trichloroethylene (TCE). Wastes, in the past, were discharged to several on-site waste management units. These included a percolation terrace, a series of lagoons and waste disposal pits and a sanitary lagoon. Each of these areas has elevated contamination. Geologically, the area has a high degree of karst development, which features several large sinkholes on the site. There is both soil and groundwater contamination at the site.
Litton has recently completed a pilot test using Electrical Resistive Heating (ERH) combined with Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) to address chlorinated solvents in on-site soils. ERH/SVE was the technology of choice due to its proven success in extremely tight, clay-type soils. ERH is a process for heating subsurface soils by an electrical current created by installed electrodes. The contaminants vaporize and are collected. Due to the resistive nature of the soil, the electrical energy is changed to heat. The heat essentially “boils” away contaminants.
The release of contaminants is monitored in the vapor that is released from the system. The system operated for about three months. After the system was shut down, elevated ground temperatures caused increased bacterial activity for continued reductions in contaminant levels. Temperatures may remain elevated for a year or more after the system is shut down.
The pilot study treatment area was approximately 4,000 square feet. Test results indicate the study was extremely successful. At the beginning of the pilot study, TCE levels in the test area were as high as 2,100,000 parts per billion. The ERH/SVE system successfully reduced that level by 99.96 percent. Even more reduction is expected over the next year due to continued bacterial activity.
Due to the success of the pilot study, Litton, in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources, plans to select ERH/SVE as their cleanup method for the TCE on-site. They plan to begin the cleanup in the spring/summer 2006.
For more information, contact Evan Kifer of the department’s Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1990.
DEPARTMENT PUBLISHES COMMISSIONS GUIDE
From off-road bicycle trails to low-level radioactive waste, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources deals with a wide variety of issues, in most cases with the advice and oversight of nearly 30 boards,
commissions, councils and committees.
These groups, which guide the department in the development of environmental policy, are featured in a new Department of Natural Resources publication, Boards, Commissions, Councils and Committees Directory. The 40-page publication describes the role of the 29 bodies that work with the department and includes photos and biographical information for members of the 15 most prominent groups.
“Our boards and commissions serve a vital role in helping us to fulfill our mission as the steward of Missouri’s natural resources,” said Doyle Childers, department director. “They bring valuable experience, and, as members of the public, accountability, to the process.”
An online version of the directory is available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2180.pdf. PDF
DEVELOPMENT ON OR NEAR FORMER LANDFILL SITES
Interest in the reuse of former landfill sites for other purposes is increasing across the nation. The Solid Waste Management Program has received a number of inquiries about this possibility in Missouri.
Although the department generally agrees with the concept of appropriate reuse of such areas, there are a number of issues that must be considered and addressed to obtain approval. Here is some general information for those wishing to pursue approval for reuse of landfill property.
Considerations
Although former landfills are large tracts of land that could be redeveloped, there are significant issues that need to be addressed before committing to such a project.
Given the explosion risks due to methane gas generated within the fill and the differential settlement common at disposal sites, construction of residential housing over the fill at former landfills will not be approved. Anyone considering the construction of non-residential permanent structures on a landfill must be aware of, and design appropriately for, these issues.
Differential settlement within the waste mass can present a considerable challenge for redevelopment. Any reuse involving construction over the fill must account for this problem in their proposal. Also, there are substantial risks borne by any developer seeking to construct any enclosed structures adjacent to disposal areas.
Investigations by the department have shown methane gas migrating at levels well above those considered explosive at distances up to one-half mile away from older, unlined landfills across the state; under certain conditions the distances could be significantly greater. Any proposals to construct enclosed structures on landfill property must show that effective measures will be taken to prevent gas migration from putting the structures and any inhabitants at risk from explosions and fires. This risk cannot be overstated. Enclosed structures of any type on or adjacent to landfills are strongly discouraged for the same reasons.
Obtaining Agency Approval
The department has regulatory authority only over activities within the permitted boundary of solid waste disposal areas. In order to obtain approval to redevelop a landfill, it will be necessary for the owner of the landfill to request approval from the department. In many cases, this will mean a modification to the site’s approved postclosure plan.
For those sites that do not have an approved postclosure plan, the department can issue an approval letter for the activity. Although each project will likely have site specific issues that will need to be addressed, the following items are overall concepts that must be addressed in order to obtain agency approval:
- The applicant must show that the proposed activity will not result in negative impacts to the landfill or the infrastructure needed to maintain it, with particular emphasis placed on maintaining or improving the quality of the landfill’s cover.
- The proposed activity will not interfere with postclosure maintenance of the landfill.
- For structures located on or adjacent to the fill area, that all necessary steps to prevent methane gas infiltration have been taken.
- Proof of compliance with local planning and zoning for the proposed activity, if any.
Activities Already Approved
With appropriate conditions and proper design, the following types of activities have already received approval from Solid Waste Management Program:
- 1. Golf Course
- Yard Waste Composting Areas
- Parking Lot
- Materials Storage Area
- Shooting Range
- Radio Controlled Model Airfield
- Cell Phone Tower
If you wish to pursue redevelopment of a landfill, we strongly encourage you to contact the Solid Waste Management Program as soon as possible to discuss your plans. This will give us an opportunity to work with you on issues specific to your concept and location. We hope that our involvement will save you significant time and money on your project.
Development On or Near Former Landfill Sites (PUB2182) is available as a fact sheet on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2182.pdf. PDF
For more information contact the Special Projects Unit in department’s Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.
DEPARTMENT ADDS NEW
E-FORMS TO WEB SITE
Those applying for permits from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will see a new opportunity for obtaining permit forms on the department’s Web site.
The department recently began providing e-forms on the Web. An e-form is a computer program version of a paper form. Using e-forms eliminates the cost of printing, storing and distributing pre-printed forms. The drycleaner registration, application to open burn vegetative wastes and the petroleum storage tank registrations are the first step in the overall initiative to move more applications and reporting functions online. The next e-form the department is developing is the land disturbance permit application.
“While we are making small steps at first, the e-form will lay down the fabric for work to come,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. “We’re dealing with all types of issues that come with automated applications, such as how to get the needed signatures or documents, as well as paying for permits or any department services online.”
As the department’s work progresses, applicants will be able to submit many of the more commonly used permit applications online. The new e-form will soon allow the department to integrate the data contained in the e-form with other databases the department maintains.
Filling out an application electronically can decrease the number of calculation errors, as the system completes those automatically. Drop down menus in an e-form also allows the department to consolidate some permits and to simplify the permit
application form.
Each year, the department receives approximately 32,000 requests for permits, licenses, registrations or certificate. Of those, about 79 percent appear to be good candidates for automated application.
Although former landfills are large tracts of land that could be redeveloped, there are significant issues that need to be addressed before committing to such a project.
Given the explosion risks due to methane gas generated within the fill and the differential settlement common at disposal sites, construction of residential housing over the fill at former landfills will not be approved. Anyone considering the construction of non-residential permanent structures on a landfill must be aware of, and design appropriately for, these issues.
Differential settlement within the waste mass can present a considerable challenge for redevelopment. Any reuse involving construction over the fill must account for this problem in their proposal. Also, there are substantial risks borne by any developer seeking to construct any enclosed structures adjacent to disposal areas.
Investigations by the department have shown methane gas migrating at levels well above those considered explosive at distances up to one-half mile away from older, unlined landfills across the state; under certain conditions the distances could be significantly greater. Any proposals to construct enclosed structures on landfill property must show that effective measures will be taken to prevent gas migration from putting the structures and any inhabitants at risk from explosions and fires. This risk cannot be overstated. Enclosed structures of any type on or adjacent to landfills are strongly discouraged for the same reasons.
“Shifting to e-forms will free up a considerable number of staff to work on more complex permit applications,” Childers said. “The growth in the volume of permit applications we receive each year forced us to find a better and quicker way to deal with these challenges.”
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, oftentimes located 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.
PET Building – St. Louis
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program issued a Certificate of Completion to the PET Building located at 400 South 4th Street in St. Louis, for cleanup of asbestos-containing materials (ACM), fluorescent light bulbs and ballasts, and lead-based paint (LBP).
The PET Building has been at this location since approximately 1970. The site consists of a 16-story office building, which served as the executive office for PET Foods Inc. The building has been vacant for several years. In addition to the contaminants listed above, petroleum contamination was also identified in the groundwater on-site. However, no remediation of the groundwater was required, as the contaminant levels did not exceed the applicable cleanup standards.
In accordance with a remedial action plan approved by the BVCP, Environmental Operations Inc., the contractor, removed the ACM and fluorescent bulbs and ballasts. The LBP, which was limited to stair rails, was left in place and encapsulated with primer and new coats of paint. An Operations and Maintenance plan was approved for the LBP and filed in the property’s chain of title.
herefore, a Certificate of Completion was issued by the BVCP on March 9, 2006. The building will be developed for mixed commercial and residential use by Balke Brown Associates Inc.
Downtown Remediation Site, New Busch Stadium – St. Louis
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program (BVCP) has issued a Certificate of Completion Letter for the South Downtown Remediation site (new Busch Stadium), at 300 Stadium Plaza in St. Louis.
The South Downtown Remediation Site was formerly the Busch Stadium Bus Lot and is now the location of the new Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Past site use also included gasoline filling stations, a foundry, printing and machine shops, a chemical manufacturing facility, a fire engine house and an elevator and electric company.
Initial environmental site assessments identified the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons, benzene, lead, arsenic, chromium, barium, mercury, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in the soil at levels above the residential use levels listed in the Cleanup Levels for Missouri (CALM) Guidance Document.
The participant, Gateway Parking L.L.C., elected to remediate the site to the unrestricted use levels. Gateway Parking, L.L.C.’s consultant, Environmental Operations Inc. (EOI), excavated and properly disposed of approximately 148,306 tons of contaminated soil/debris and 11 underground storage tanks (USTs). Confirmation sampling indicated that the cleanup goals were met and that the site is safe for unrestricted use.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program issued a Certificate of Completion letter for the site.
Kansas City Terminal #1 Elevator Site
The Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program issued a Certificate of Completion for Kansas City Terminal #1 Elevator site in Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City Terminal #1 Elevator (KCT Elevator) is a large rail terminal/facility located on the banks of the
Missouri River.
In June 1995, while performing due diligence for a property transfer, KCT Elevator detected contamination in soil and groundwater samples. In August 1996, KCT Elevator entered the BVCP to further investigate and clean up the property.
Investigations of this 37-acre site have shown that the soil and groundwater has been contaminated with pesticides (carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide) previously used as grain fumigants. A pesticide spill from an above ground storage tank 10 years ago caused contamination to the subsurface soil and groundwater. The spill area is located close to the grain elevator near the railroad tracks. Further investigations of the soil showed contaminants were below the residential standard, but not the groundwater. In the past year, groundwater monitoring has shown decreasing levels of carbon tetrachloride. The most recent round of groundwater sampling did not detect carbon tetrachloride.
In May 2005, KCT Elevator notified the BVCP that it wished to complete this project since it had plans to sell the property in the near future. KCT Elevator has placed an activity use limitation for commercial use of the property and filed a restrictive covenant in the property chain of title for the rail facility. In February 2006, KCT Elevator has leased the rail facility to Bartlett Grain Co. L.P., of Kansas City.
This site is the 283rd site cleaned up in the BVCP since 1994.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Section at 800-361-4827
or 573-526-8913
DEPARTMENT’S RANDY CRAWFORD RECEIVES JOHN L. FUNK AWARD
OF EXCELLENCE
 |
| Randy Crawford with Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society's past-president Duane Chapman. |
During the awards ceremonies at the Missouri Natural Resources Conference on Feb. 2, 2006 Randy Crawford, Supervisor of the Environmental Services Program’s Water Quality Monitoring Section received the John L. Funk Award of Excellence.
Named after the founder of the Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, the award is given to a professional in the field of aquatic resources in recognition and appreciation of long-term contributions to aquatic resource conservation in Missouri. Because recipients of this award have been recognized by their peers for their outstanding work, the Award of Excellence is considered the highest honor granted by the Missouri Chapter.
In more than 25 years with the department, Crawford has been responsible for initiation of, and participation in, many statewide programs relating to a wide variety of water quality issues. His technical expertise, experience, and sound decision-making ability make him truly deserving of the Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society’s “Award of Excellence.”
The Missouri Natural Resources Conference is sponsored by the Missouri Chapters of the Society of American Foresters, American Fisheries Society, The Wildlife Society, and the Soil and Water Conservation Society.
NEW REQUIREMENT TO
HELP ASSESS POTENTIAL CHEMICAL RISKS
This news release is reprinted from U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency Web Site
EPA issued a final test rule that will enable the Federal and State governments, industry, academia, the public and the agency in evaluating potential health and environmental risks associated with high production volume (HPV) chemicals. The rule requires 52 manufacturers of 17 HPV chemicals to conduct screening level tests related to physical and chemical properties, toxic effects and environmental fate, and to provide this information to EPA.
More than one million pounds of HPV chemicals are manufactured or imported into the United States each year. To date, more than 400 companies have voluntarily committed to making information available on 2,200 HPV chemicals as part of the Agency’s High Production Volume Challenge Program. The 17 chemicals were not sponsored under the program.
Missouri companies participating in the program include
- Harcros Chemicals Inc., 5200 Speaker Road, Kansas City
- High Plains Corp., 1400 Elbridge Payne Road, Chesterfield
- Louis Marsch Inc., 264 Watson Road, Troy
- Mallinckrodt Inc., 675 McDonnell Ave., Hazelwood
- Monsanto Co., 800 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis
- Sensient Colors Inc., 2526 Baldwin St., St. Louis
- Solutia, P.O. Box 66760, St. Louis
- Vance Brothers, 5201 Brighton, Kansas City
- Astaris L.L.C., 622 Emerson Road, St. Louis
For a copy of the rule, visit www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-TOX/2006/March/Day-16/t2483.htm. Additional information on the HPV program can be found at www.epa.gov/chemrtk/index.htm.
U.S. INVESTS $53 BILLION IN WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE
This news release is reprinted from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency Web Site
New figures released by the Environmental Protection Agency reveal that the federal government and the states have invested almost $53 billion in the Clean Water State
Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program to rebuild and refurbish the nation’s wastewater infrastructure over the last 18 years. The figures are published in the “Clean Water State Revolving Fund Programs: 2005 Annual Report.”
The report also highlights the innovative ideas of state CWSRF programs and includes an update on the financial performance of the CWSRF program. The CWSRF is the largest federal funding program for wastewater infrastructure projects, such as treatment plants and collection systems. The CWSRF has made almost 17,000 loans since the program’s inception in 1988.
“EPA is committed to helping our partners sustain progress and increase opportunities for state revolving funds through financial stewardship, innovation, and collaboration,” said Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. “This report demonstrates the power of partnerships to leverage, innovate, and excel to meet wastewater infrastructure, watershed protection, and community health needs.”
The CWSRF includes annual EPA contributions matched with at least an additional 20 percent from the states. The states, in turn, make low-interest loans to local utilities. The interest income and repayments derived from the loans help fund future projects. Many states also issue bonds, which added $940 million to the fund last year. Annual CWSRF assistance has averaged about $4.5 billion. Borrowers save an average of 21 percent on financing costs over the life of the loan.
Just as the program has expanded since it began, the CWSRF continues to evolve. In 2005, states began submitting information to track environmental benefits. Each project is linked to a river, lake, or stream and to beneficial uses of that body of water such as fishing and swimming. More than 60 percent of the total funding reported goes to projects that protect drinking water, preserve fish habitat, and provide for water recreation.
The report is online at www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/cwsrf/annreport2005.htm and general information about the CWSRF is at www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/cwsrf/
The report is also available from the Water Resource Center. Call (202) 566-1729; fax: (202) 566-1736; or e-mail center.water-resource@epa.gov
Refer to document number EPA-832-R-06-001.
EARTH DAY PROJECTS SELECTED IN 2006
This news release is reprinted from U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency Web Site
EPA Region 7 awarded financial assistance to the Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in Kansas City to help celebrate Earth Day 2006 on April 22 and throughout the year.
The Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in Kansas City project will involve senior adults and youth creating a garden. Residents will increase their environmental awareness by planting and maintaining an outdoor vegetable garden. The long-term benefit of this project will be improved nutritional habits, exercise and improved health from the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Region 7 received 99 proposals from environmental groups, non-profit organizations, schools and state agencies. Six other awards were made to organizations in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas. The selected projects focused on long-term education and engaged children, parents and the public to better understand positive environmental behavior.
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 AWARDS $45,800 TO CITY OF HERMANN FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AT NINE BROWNFIELDS
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources presented the City of Hermann with a $45,800 subgrant to assist in the cleanup and redevelopment of nine brownfields properties in Hermann.
The Gutenberg Street corridor redevelopment is part of a citywide project in Hermann. The corridor will include a hiking/biking trail that will wind several miles through Hermann before connecting to the Katy Trail State Park. A performing arts pavilion is currently under construction as part of the redevelopment project.
The city will use the subgrant funds to pay for Phase I and II environmental site assessments at Brownfields properties located along the corridor. An environmental engineering company will perform the site assessments. The subgrant will also fund the department’s Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program’s oversight during the Phase II activities on two properties.
“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 engineering company should complete the site assessments this fall. Cleanup of some of the sites could begin in early 2007. “Brownfield cleanups put property back into productive use, encourage redevelopment and increase economic development in distressed areas.”
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources received a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The grant allows the department to provide subgrants to eligible entities to perform environmental site assessments of brownfields properties. The department’s Hazardous Waste Program will administer the grant funds.
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 Hermann’s project, contact the department’s Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176.
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.
SOLID WASTE GRANT RULE STAKEHOLDERS TO MEET MAY 2
The Grant Rule Stakeholders will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., May 2 at the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Dr., Jefferson City. This workgroup was developed to provide input and advise the department regarding
development of proposed revisions to the present rule governing the district grant process.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827
or 573-526-3921.
SOLID WASTE ADVISORY BOARD TO MEET MAY 3
The Missouri Solid Waste Advisory Board will hold a public meeting at 1 p.m., May 3 at the Department of Natural Resources’ Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827
or 573-526-3900.
WATER QUALITY COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO MEET MAY 16
The Missouri Water Quality Coordinating Committee will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., May 16 at the Department of Natural Resources’ Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St, Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-7428.
MISSOURI LAND RECLAMATION COMMISSION TO MEET MAY 25
The Missouri Land Reclamation Commission will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., May 25 at the Department of Natural Resources’ Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Land Reclamation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4041.
MISSOURI SAFE DRINKING WATER COMMISSION TO MEET MAY 31
The Missouri Safe Drinking Water Commission will hold a public meeting May 31 at 10 a.m. at the Department of Natural Resources’ Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.
For more information, call Cynthia Bowser of the Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827
or 573-751-0124.
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.
Hazardous Waste Program |
Hazardous Waste – Hazardous Waste Management System: General |
| Rule Number: 025-03.260 – This amendment would add to the state regulations changes made to 40 CFR part 260 between July 1, 2000 and July 1, 2004. | |
| Public comment ends: June 29, 2006 |
Public hearing: June 15, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-522-8057 |
Hazardous Waste Program |
Hazardous Waste - Methods for Identification of Hazardous Waste |
Rule Number: 025-04.261 – This amendment would add to the state regulations changes made to 40 CFR part 261 between July 1, 2000 and July 1, 2004. |
|
| Public comment ends: June 29, 2006 |
Public hearing: June 15, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-522-8057 |
Hazardous Waste Program |
Hazardous Waste – Standards for Generators of Hazardous Waste |
Rule Number: 025-05.262– This amendment would add to the state regulations changes made to 40 CFR part 261 between July 1, 2000 and July 1, 2004. |
|
| Public comment ends: June 29, 2006 |
Public hearing: June 15, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-522-8057 |
Hazardous Waste Program |
Hazardous Waste - Standards for Owners/Operators of Treatment, Storage and |
Rule Number: 025-07.265– This amendment would add to the state regulations changes made to 40 CFR part 265 between July 1, 2000 and July 1, 2004. |
|
| Public comment ends: June 29, 2006 |
Public hearing: June 15, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-522-8057 |
Hazardous Waste Program |
Hazardous Waste – Interim Standards for Owners/Operators of Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities |
Rule Number: 025-07.266– This amendment would add to the state regulations changes made to 40 CFR part 266 between July 1, 2000 and July 1, 2004 |
|
| Public comment ends: June 29, 2006 |
Public hearing: June 15, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-522-8057 |
Hazardous Waste Program |
Hazardous Waste - Standards for Owners/Operators of Hazardous Waste Facilities |
Rule Number: 025-07.268– This amendment would add to the state regulations changes made to 40 CFR part 268 between July 1, 2000 and July 1, 2004. |
|
| Public comment ends: June 29, 2006 |
Public hearing: June 15, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-522-8057 |
Hazardous Waste Program |
Hazardous Waste – Hazardous Waste Permit Program |
Rule Number: 025-07.270– This amendment would add to the state regulations changes made to 40 CFR part 270 between July 1, 2000 and July 1, 2004. |
|
| Public comment ends: June 29, 2006 |
Public hearing: June 15, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-522-8057 |
Hazardous Waste Program |
Hazardous Waste – Recycled Used Oil Management Standards |
Rule Number: 025-11.279– This amendment would add to the state regulations changes made to 40 CFR part 279 between July 1, 2000 and July 1, 2004. |
|
| Public comment ends: June 29, 2006 |
Public hearing: June 15, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-522-8057 |
Hazardous Waste Program |
Hazardous Waste – Universal Waste |
Rule Number: 025-16.273– This amendment would add to the state regulations changes made to 40 CFR part 273 between July 1, 2000 and July 1, 2004. |
|
| Public comment ends: June 29, 2006 |
Public hearing: June 15, 2006 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-522-8057 |
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:
|
|
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.
LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN IMPROVE PROTECTING MISSOURI’S NATURAL RESOURCES NEWSLETTER
The staff of Protecting Missouri’s Natural Resources values your feedback about information you want to see in future issues of our newsletter. Send us your comments and suggestions about what information you want to see included in the newsletter.
- Send comments about what you read or don’t see in the newsletter. Where can we improve?
- Let us know if you want to see more follow up articles about past topics.
- Suggest specific topics by title or subject you would like to see featured.
- Ask about our facilities, staff or services.
- Let us know if you want articles to find specific facts, assist you with your research or help you find materials in our collections.
