Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources is a monthly newsletter that informs readers about environmental issues.
APRIL 2007
DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC DRINKING WATER BRANCH UNDERGOES EPA EVALUATION
Department commended for positive results
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently conducted its annual performance evaluation of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Public Drinking Water Branch. The evaluation looked at program management, rule implementation and development, database systems and enforcement. In its report, EPA commended the department for exceeding nearly
all the national goals for public health protection.
EPA states in the report the department has made significant improvements to the public water supply enforcement program. The department implemented several new enforcement approaches to address critical issues of noncompliance, such as using a new tool to escalate enforcement, addressing long-standing Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations for Radionuclides and conducting a compliance assistance and enforcement initiative in the Lake of the Ozarks region.
EPA challenged the department to improve database management, eliminate inconsistencies in conducting sanitary surveys by different regional offices, update its enforcement escalation policy and ensure that it has adequate staffing levels to fully implement the program.. EPA provided the department with a list of opportunities to improve the program and will continue to track its progress.
For more information about the annual performance evaluation,
call the department’s Public Drinking Water Branch at
800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.
DEPARTMENT STAFFER NAMED CONSERVATION EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Joe Pitts is honored by the Conservation
Federation of Missouri. (Department photo
by Scott Myers) Joe Pitts, chief of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources environmental education unit, was recognized Friday, March 16, as the Conservation Educator of the Year by the Conservation Federation of Missouri.
Pitts, an 18-year employee of the Department of Natural Resources, was presented the award at the Conservation Federation’s annual convention at Lake Ozark. The Conservation Federation awards the Conservation Educator of the Year Award to a person who has “accomplished and demonstrated recognized education methods directed toward the conservation of natural resources.”
"Joe Pitts has been a conservation leader and a mentor to thousands of teachers and lay leaders,” according to the event program. 'For many years, his conservation and environmental courses through the Department of Natural Resources have been and continue to be thorough, practical, very informative and instructive.”
A high school science and biology teacher prior to coming to the department in 1989, Pitts has worked since 1992 in the department’s environmental education unit, which he now heads. In that position, he has conducted or overseen environmental workshops for thousands of classroom teachers. The unit is currently working on programming to encourage students to explore careers in natural resources.
He has served as the state coordinator for Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) since 1995 and represented the program in 2000 as a delegate to the 10th World Water Congress in Melbourne, Australia.
Pitts holds a Master of Science degree in biology from Missouri State University, Springfield. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife conservation and management and a secondary teaching certification from MSU.
The environmental education unit is part of the department’s Field Services Division. The Field Services Division also includes the agency’s five regional offices, 15 satellite offices and other front line environmental services and activities. Division staff members inspect and test for environmental safety, respond to emergencies and provide
technical and financial assistance to Missourians
on a broad scale.
GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS MAY 6-12 DRINKING WATER WEEK
Gov. Matt Blunt has proclaimed May 6-12 as Drinking Water Week in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources expresses its appreciation to the men and women who work to provide safe drinking water to residents and visitors of Missouri.
Drinking Water Week recognizes Missouri’s public drinking water systems for the work to provide Missourians with safe drinking water. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Public Drinking Water Branch oversees the public water supplies.
"Public water systems in Missouri face increasingly complex challenges to meet standards the public has come to expect of them,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. “We want to recognize the extraordinary compliance record of Missouri’s public water supplies.”
The most recent drinking water compliance report shows that nearly 95 percent of the population served by community water systems meet all health-based standards, the target set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Each water system is responsible for monitoring conditions at individual water plants and is required to employ trained certified operators. Water systems in Missouri are required to regularly sample water for many different contaminants following federal and state limits. A state-approved laboratory must analyze these samples and the results must be reported to the department. The majority of testing is done at the Department of Natural Resources’ and the Department of Health and Senior Services’ labs, at no cost to the systems, saving the consumers money.
"Missourians today understand that the economic and environmental future of our state depends on a safe and plentiful supply of water,” Childers continued. “In Missouri, the Department of Natural Resources works hard to protect Missouri’s public drinking water by routinely testing the water quality produced by public water systems and by working with public water system managers and operators to address the problems facing them.”
For more information, call the department’s Public Drinking Water Branch at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331. To view the most recent Annual Compliance Report, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/fyreports/2005acr.htm.
DEPARTMENT AND EPA SEEK PUBLIC COMMENTS ON DRAFT HAZARDOUS WASTE PERMIT FOR SAFETY-KLEEN
SYSTEMS, SPRINGFIELD
Public availability session is scheduled May 15
The Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 are seeking public comments on a draft hazardous
waste permit and Statement of Basis for
Safety-Kleen Systems of Springfield.
The department or EPA will accept public comments until May 31. Anyone may request a public hearing on the draft permit or Statement of Basis during the public comment period. Hearing requests must state specific issues or concerns. Send requests to Richard Hock at the address below.
The department and EPA are also hosting a public availability session from 5 to 7 p.m., May 15 at the Springfield-Greene County Library, Midtown Carnegie Branch, 397 East Central. The public is encouraged to attend the availability session to ask questions, provide input, offer comments and share concerns with the facility, the department and EPA.
Safety-Kleen is located at 734 Northwest Bypass 66 in Springfield and operates an active hazardous waste storage facility. The majority of Safety-Kleen’s customers are small quantity generators who ship the hazardous waste to Safety-Kleen. Safety-Kleen stores a variety of hazardous waste in containers and tanks at its facility in Springfield. The draft hazardous waste permit includes two parts.
The Department of Natural Resources issued the draft Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Facility Part I. EPA issued the draft Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments Part II.
If issued as written, the resulting final permit will allow the company to continue to store hazardous waste in tanks and containers. The final permit will also contain the preferred remedy for cleanup activities at the facility. The Statement of Basis and other documents explain the preferred remedy and other potential remedial alternatives for cleanup considered by the department and EPA.
The draft permit (Parts I and II), Statement of Basis and fact sheet are available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/permits/notices.htm. Supporting documents are not available on the department’s Web site due to size.
The public can review and copy the draft permit, Statement of Basis and supporting documents at
- Springfield-Greene County Library - Midtown Carnegie Branch or
- Department of Natural Resources, 1738 East Elm St. (lower level), Jefferson City
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7 - Records Center, 901 North Fifth St., Kansas City, Kansas Phone: (913) 551-7166
When commenting on the draft permit or Statement of Basis, please explain your views regarding legal or technical issues with specific recommendations and alternatives. Send written comments to
(Part I)
Richard Hock
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Hazardous Waste Program
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
(Part II and Statement of Basis)
Patricia Murrow
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
RCRA Corrective Action and Permits Branch
901 North Fifth Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the public availability session can make arrangements by contacting Patricia Murrow two weeks before the meeting at (913) 551-7627 or 800-223-0425 or send an e-mail to murrow.patricia@epa.gov.
You may call or write Hock at any time to request
to have your name placed on Safety-Kleen’s mailing list. By doing this, you will receive notice from the department or Safety-Kleen about any major
permitting and cleanup activities at the facility.
For more information about the draft Part I,
please contact Hock by telephone at
573-751-3553 or 800-361-4827 or by e-mail
at richard.hock@dnr.mo.gov.
Hearing and speech-impaired people may reach Hock through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966.
For more information about the draft Part II or Statement of Basis, please contact Murrow by telephone at (913) 551-7627 or by e-mail at murrow.patricia@epa.gov.
RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT CONTINUES AT JOHNSON’S
SHUT-INS STATE PARK
The Missouri Department of Natural
Resources approved a plan from
AmerenUE for rebuilding a section of
the East Fork of the Black River through Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. The Dec. 14, 2005, reservoir breach significantly changed the river and the floodplain, filling the river with sand and boulders and blocking the channel with a large rock dam. The flood impaired the river function and left the valley, river and shut-ins vulnerable to sediment deposits, flooding and water quality problems.
The river restoration plan is designed to address environmental problems that occurred as a result of the breach, including the alteration of the previous stream channel and the removal of vegetation from the floodplain.
The rebuilt river segment will be 4,200 feet long, extending from near the Highway N bridge to just upstream of the beginning of the shut-ins. It will contain bends, riffles and pools with point bars and banks all designed to minimize downstream water quality problems from sand and sediment moving off the damaged floodplain, scour channel and riparian zones.
The project combines natural materials and native vegetation with bioengineering techniques to rebuild a dynamic river with a natural look appropriate for this popular scenic landmark. The plan will help stabilize the stream banks, prevent erosion, reduce in-stream sediment, and protect natural features in the park.
For more information and photos of the restoration project, visit the department’s Web site at www.mostateparks.com/jshutins/rrphotos.htm.
HIGH CONSUMER DEMAND PRESSURES MISSOURI AND NATIONAL FUEL PRICES HIGHER
Strong demand for gasoline sustained high petroleum prices despite a slight downturn in crude oil prices after Iran’s release of British military detainees.
Missouri’s average retail price for regular gasoline increased $0.14 per gallon and $0.18 per gallon in the past month, moving up to $2.54 per gallon on April 2, according to the newest Energy Bulletin
from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’
Energy Center. The department’s Energy Center collects fuel prices from retail providers located throughout Missouri.
The average price of Missouri retail gasoline is $0.09 per gallon higher than a year ago. Missouri’s average price remains below the U.S. average price of $2.70 and the Midwest average retail price of $2.61 per gallon. On April 2, Missouri’s average retail diesel fuel price was $2.76 per gallon, about 21 cents higher from last month, and $0.25, or 10 percent higher, than last year’s average retail price of $2.51.
According to U.S. Department of Energy information released April 4, U.S. motorists consumed an unprecedented 9.5 million barrels of gasoline per day for the week ending March 30. U.S. gasoline demand is currently five percent higher than the comparable period from last year.
U.S crude oil futures prices settled $0.26 lower on April 4, moving to $64.38 per barrel for May crude future contract deliveries. Summer crude prices continue to gain strength with current averagecontract prices ranging from $64 to $69 per barrel. Fears over adequate supplies of summer gasoline supplies continue as consumer demand remains strong and the oil industry’s inability to
build reserves of transportation fuels.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s weekly storage report showed a 4.3 million-barrel increase in domestic supplies of crude oil attributed to higher oil imports for the week ending March 30. U.S. gasoline supplies were 5 million barrels lower compared to the previous week, and distillates, including diesel and home heating oil supplies, remained unchanged. Gasoline supplies have
dropped 22 million barrels in the past eight weeks.
U.S. natural gas supplies as of March 30 totaled 1,569 billion cubic feet, which is 27 percent above the five-year average inventory level for this time of year. Natural gas prices closed at $7.51 per MMBtu, increasing $0.14 in the past month and $0.44 below last year’s price of $7.07per MMBtu, a difference of six percent.
Missouri residential propane prices averaged nearly $1.68 per gallon on April 2, slightly lower compared to last month and 7.1 cents higher than last year at this time.
The complete Energy Bulletin for April 5, 2007,
is available online at www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/transportation/docs/EB040507.pdf.
The department’s bimonthly energy bulletins are available online at www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/transportation/fb.htm.
DEPARTMENT APPROVES OPENING NEW CELL AT LEMONS LANDFILL IN STODDARD COUNTY
On March 30, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources approved Lemons Landfill’s request to open a new cell.
The department initially denied the request due to concerns about the stability of the soil underneath
the cell’s liner. Landfills in Missouri must have a
liner composed of two feet of compacted clay overlaid with a synthetic material. If the soil underneath the liner is unstable, the integrity of the liner could be compromised.
Due to the initial denial, Lemons Landfill had to stop accepting waste. The majority of the waste that normally went to Lemons was diverted to the Butler County Landfill. “The department understands the temporary closure impacted the facility. That is one reason why we urge landfills to complete their information in a timely manner,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. “However, we must ensure that landfills are constructed in a manner that protects the environment and individuals who live near the site, both now and in the future.” The approval allows Lemons to resume accepting waste for disposal.
For more information, contact the department’s Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827.
DEPARTMENT ISSUES AIR
PERMIT TO BOOTHEEL
AGRI-ENERGY IN SCOTT COUNTY
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has issued an air pollution permit to Bootheel Agri-Energy LLC in Scott County.
The permit enables construction of a new ethanol production plant. Once completed, the plant is projected to produce 123.9 million gallons annually, making it the largest capacity ethanol plant the
department has permitted to date.
Permitting issues for the plant were resolved through a cooperative effort between Bootheel Agri-Energy, their consultants and the department’s Air Pollution Control Program. Modeling shows the plant will meet compliance of both the increment and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Increment modeling helps define limits on the amount of air contaminants a source can emit, while the NAAQSs are health-based standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The final air permit is available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp/air_permits.htm.
For more information about the permit process, contact the department’s Air Pollution Control Program at P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.
DEPARTMENT INITIATES
MULTI-STATE EFFORT TO
PROTECT AIR VISIBILITY
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program recently began a
consultation process with 12 neighboring states to protect visibility from regional haze. Pollutants emitted regionally often compromise visibility in natural Class I areas across the nation in the form of haze.
The Class I areas include national parks larger than 6,000 acres, wilderness areas larger than 5,000 acres and any international park regardless of size. There are 156 Class I areas across the U.S. that meet this criteria.
The department, in coordination with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, sent out invitations to initiate a kick-off conference call. The conference call will be the first of many calls the department will set up to develop a statewide response to the federal Regional Haze Rule. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated the rule on July 1, 1999.
Regional haze often results from pollution emitted across broad regions. EPA concluded that all states contain sources whose emissions are reasonably anticipated to contribute to regional haze in a Class I area. Therefore, each state must participate
in finding solutions and submit regional haze state implementation plans (SIPs).
The federal Regional Haze Rule and the Clean Air Act require consultation between the states, tribes and the Federal Land Managers for managing Class I areas. This multi-state planning effort will help in developing the most cost-effective controls for regional haze. Through this coordinated effort the department hopes to achieve federal visibility requirements and aid in developing regional strategies for meeting progress goals.
DEPARTMENT BEGINS TECHNICAL REVIEW OF GETS GLOBAL SIGNALING PERMIT APPLICATION
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources
has started a technical review of a hazardous
waste permit application submitted by GETS
Global Signaling, L.L.C.
GETS, located at 2712 South Dillingham Road in Grain Valley, manufactures electronic signal instruments for the railroad industry and has applied to renew its existing hazardous waste permit. State regulations allow the existing hazardous waste permit to continue in effect while the department reviews the permit application.
In 1987, GETS realized that the way it handled its waste cleaning solvents caused the waste solvents to be periodically poured onto the ground. This practice does not follow existing environmental laws. GETS notified the department of the release and changed its handling practices. Since that time, GETS has set up a groundwater monitoring program and soil cleanup program in the area where the waste solvent, containing mostly trichloroethylene, was released. The pollution is currently limited to a small area on the GETS property.
Anyone can review and offer written comments about the permit application until the department issues a draft permit or denies the application.
Copies of the permit application and supporting documents can be reviewed and copied at the Mid-Continent Public Library-Grain Valley Branch at 110 Front St., or by appointment at the Department of Natural Resources, 1738 East Elm St. in Jefferson City.
Comments about the permit application need to point out legal or technical issues. Please send written comments to Julie Pearson, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Hazardous Waste Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176.
Anyone may call or write Pearson at any time to request adding their name on GETS’ mailing list. By doing this, they will receive notice from the department or GETS about any major permitting and cleanup activities at the facility.
For more information, contact Pearson at 573-751-3553 or 800-361-4827 or by e-mail at julie.pearson@dnr.mo.gov. Hearing and speech-impaired people may reach Pearson through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966.
DEPARTMENT IDENTIFIES WATER SYSTEMS THAT FAIL TO COMPLY WITH TESTING REQUIREMENTS
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources
has released a list of 45 drinking water systems
that have chronically failed to conduct 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 that the water is unsafe, routine testing is a crucial part of maintaining a safe water supply.
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 45 systems represents only 1.7 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 perform corrective action, such as disinfecting and flushing the system. When a public water system has a record of both failing to monitor and a history of exceeding contaminant levels, this may raise concerns about the unknown quality of the drinking water.
If a water sample tests 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.
To view more details about 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 | Fisherman’s Den, Star Lodge Motel Inc. |
| Benton | RJ Country Store, Roadhouse Resort and Marina, Sun Valley Subdivision |
Camden |
Bambooze, Halfway Inn, Knoockers, Linn Creek Campground and Resort, Little Willie’s Café, Mariners Pier 31, Stingray Marina and Tuna Trap |
| Cedar | Orleans Trail Resort |
| Dallas | Fraternal Order of Eagles #401 |
| Douglas | Fraternal Order of Eagles #374 |
| Franklin | Charmwood Subdivision |
| Greene | Virgil’s Bar and Self Storage |
| Jasper | The Hichin Post |
| Jefferson | Country Aire Estates |
| Johnson | Hazel Hill Mobile Home Park |
| Laclede | Sign Fab Inc. |
| Lawrence | Youngberg Estates Mobile Home Park |
| Lincoln | Family Child Care Center |
| McDonald | Ganns One Stop |
| Miller | Village Marina |
| Mississippi | Merryweather Meadows |
| Morgan | Painted Pony, Smoked on the Water, The Dummy |
| Ozark | Dora General Store, Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch |
| Pettis | Stardust Motor Inn |
| Polk | One Stop, Valley View Acres |
| St. Clair | Jump Stop #8 |
| Stone | Pizza World, Starlight Village, Starrlite Village 4th Addition, Stormy Point Campground and Resort, Turner Estates Subdivision |
| Taney | Bridgewood Country Club |
| Washignton | L and M Mobile Home Park |
| Webster | Country Quick Stop, Eagle Stop, Hannah’s General Store |
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.

Click the thumbnails to view larger photos
Great weather combined with over 1,000 students, teachers and members of the public, made the Department of Natural Resource’s annual Earth Day celebration a rousing success. The event, held on Friday, April 20, in Jefferson City, was the department’s 13th year of holding a celebration.
Sue Grissom’s second-grade class from Immaculate Conception in Jefferson City was among those who attended the event on the South Lawn of the Capitol.
“We’ve been coming to this for at least 10 years now,” said Grissom. “Earth Day is a really good opportunity for the kids to learn about different environmental issues, and it’s all in one place.”
Immaculate Conception student, Morgan Wieberg, was happy to spend the day at the Capitol. “I like being here because we’re helping the environment,” said Wieberg.
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.”
Local radio personality, Warren Kretch, was Tanner’s Survivor co-host, and he hosted a new game that debuted this year, Environmental Deal or No Deal. Designed to test students environmental knowledge, five cases were located on the Capitol grounds. Students had to correctly answer questions about the environment in order to be entered into a drawing for each case. Five names were drawn from those with correct answers to come on stage and play. The students then chose either to take the unknown prize in the case, or to make a deal with the banker. The prizes were new bicycles and savings bonds donated by several Missouri businesses.
The Earth-Tones and the World Bird Sanctuary also provided entertainment on the main stage. The Earth-Tones, the department’s garage band is made up of department employees who perform “environmentally enhanced” versions of pop/rock standards for the annual Earth Day event. The World Bird Sanctuary, which features entertaining and educational programs using trained birds of prey and other animals, also had two shows.
The Department of Natural Resources sponsored the event and invited state and federal agencies to set up booths, exhibits and educational displays on the lawn. Kathy Wildhaber from the Runge Conservation Nature Center worked the event for the first time, although as a parent, she has brought her children for the past 10 years.
“We’ve had so many people today, and I think the adults are having as good a time as the kids,” said Wildhaber. “I know one group traveled over an hour and a half to be here today.”
This year’s theme was Environmental Superheroes. In keeping with the theme, Katie Griffith, a fifth-grader from Rock Hill, won the Earth Day slogan contest with “Be the Shield, Protect the Earth.” Griffith was presented with a certificate for a $100 savings bond, donated by Central Bank in Jefferson City.
The department’s Earth Day celebration was targeted at students, but was also open to the public.
In addition to Earth Day, this was the first year the department sponsored an environmental career fair on the same day as Earth Day. The fair was held from noon to 6 p.m.in the Truman State Office Building. High school and college students were encouraged to attend, but the event was also open to the public. Various state agencies, colleges and universities, and private organizations were on hand to distribute information and answer questions about environmental degrees and careers.
Tours of the Lewis and Clark State Office Building were also offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
For more information including environmental projects you can do year-round, visit the department’s Earth Day Web pages at www.dnr.mo.gov/earthday/.
BENNETT SPRING WATER QUALITY SURVEY RESPONDENTS SEEKING MORE INFORMATION
While some Bennett Spring area residents already
have firm opinions concerning a public wastewater system for the area, the majority is simply looking
for more information about the issue, according to
a survey conducted by the Bennett Spring Area
Water Protection Committee.
Results of the survey was discussed at a public meeting sponsored by the committee. The 14-question survey addressed issues including landowners’ current sewer systems, concerns about current and future water quality issues affecting the Bennett Spring area and interest in a public sewer system.
Near equal numbers of respondents already had opinions as to whether public sewer facilities were needed, with 31 saying “yes” or “urgently needed” and 29 saying “no.” A total of 42 said “maybe.”
Respondents were similarly split on the question of support for a public sewer district. A total of 28 said “no,” while the remainder voiced support or left the door open to possible support (25 “yes,” 23 “possibly,” and 26 “need more info”).
In order to gather the additional information needed in order to give a more complete picture of the water quality and wastewater treatment issues, the committee will be contracting for a feasibility study to look at wastewater treatment options for the area. The study begins June 1 and will be completed by December 31.
Of the roughly 300 surveys sent to residents in November, approximately 100 were returned, a 33 percent return rate.
Most of the wastewater from area residents and development is treated through private sewage lagoons or septic systems. Unpermitted lagoons and failing septic systems have raised concerns about future water quality around the spring and within the Niangua River watershed.
The survey, funded by a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to the Southwest Council of Governments, should help planners determine the support for a central wastewater treatment facility. The grant will also help pay for wastewater treatment planning and water quality education.
Those interested in the complete survey results can contact the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments at 417-836-6900.
Bennett Spring, located in Dallas County, is the focal point and namesake of Bennett Spring State Park west of Lebanon. The spring is the state’s third largest spring, with a daily average flow of 100 million gallons. It feeds the Niangua River, helping make it one of the state’s most popular rivers for recreational floating and fishing.
The committee is working in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
For more information, contact the department’s Water Protection Program at 573-751-1300 or toll-free at 800-361-4827.
ESBECK NAMED WINNER
OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PROFICIENCY AWARD

Shay Esbeck, of the Gallatin FFA Chapter, won the
first place Environmental Science and Natural and
Management Proficiency Award presented by department
director Doyle Childers. (Missouri FFA photo) Shay Esbeck, of the Gallatin FFA Chapter, won
the Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management Proficiency Award at the 79th Missouri FFA Convention. Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers presented the award, recognizing Esbeck’s Supervised Agricultural Experience Project.
Esbeck, a junior at Gallatin R-V High School, is the son of Barney and Robin Esbeck. His advisors are Chris Henderson and Jamie Rogers.
Esbeck’s is a member of a Stream Team. The Stream Team checks water quality on various bodies of water around the Gallatin area, including water flow, temperature, pH, water clarity, bacteria count and aquatic organism count.
Esbeck participates in the school’s Envirothon team, where he has learned about forestry, aquatic plants and animals, soils and wildlife management.
Esbeck’s future plans include expanding all areas of his Supervised Agricultural Experience Project. He plans to continue to be a part of the stream team and hopes the Envirothon team will advance to nationals. After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia to pursue a degree in Natural Resources and Wildlife Management.
Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management is one of 47 proficiency awards presented at the state level and was sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
WELL CONSTRUCTION
RULES UPDATE NOW
AVAILABLE ON THE WEB
The Department of Natural Resources has updated the publication, Missouri Well Construction Rules (PUB2175). The rules cover private water wells,
heat pump systems, pump installations and monitoring wells.
The purpose of the Water Well Drillers Act, section 256.600 to 256.640 RSMo, and the regulations written to enforce this statute, is to establish standards that will protect Missouri’s groundwater. The quality of groundwater in Missouri varies considerably across the state. Some areas have abundant, high quality groundwater while wells in other areas have natural highly mineralized or muddy water. In some areas of Missouri, pre-existing land use and other practices, such as waste disposal, have contaminated the aquifer.
Because of the variability of groundwater quality in Missouri, these regulations can not guarantee that water produced from a properly constructed well will be of usable quality. The well construction regulations are designed to ensure that contamination from the surface is not entering the subsurface from an improperly constructed well. These regulations establish minimum specifications for well construction. In certain cases, more casing and grout may be necessary. Experienced permitted drillers and pump installers should be able to determine when more stringent construction will be necessary.
The Missouri Well Construction Rules that govern the drillers and well construction of private water wells, ground source heat pump systems, pump installations and monitoring wells has been reprinted for use by the Wellhead Protection Section, Division of Environmental Quality. Official copies of the Code of State Regulations are available through the Secretary of State’s office at www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/csr.asp.
The publication is available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2175.pdf. A printed copy is available by contacting the Wellhead Protection Unit. The publication is printed in chapters so that each chapter can be updated as needed.
For more information, contact the department’s Wellhead Protection staff at 573-368-2115 or 800-361-4827.
NEED COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE? DEPARTMENT FACT SHEETS AVAILABLE ON THE WEB
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Environmental has many fact sheets
and compliance assistance information about environmental issues available on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs. Here is a list of several recently updated or new fact sheets:
PUB181 Collection, Handling and Reporting Procedures for Groundwater Samples PDF
PUB2054 Design and Construction of Landfill
Gas Monitoring Wells PDF
PUB2209 Detecting Illicit Stormwater Discharges - Fact Sheet Series PDF
PUB186 Facts about the Missouri Solid Waste Disposal Law PDF
PUB24 Fluorescent Lamps PDF
PUB2081 Fluorescent Light Ballasts PDF
PUB219 Fuel Spill Cleanup PDF
PUB128 Management of Conditionally Exempt Small Quantities of Hazardous Waste PDF
PUB2204 Management of Petroleum and Other Materials from Damaged Boats PDF
PUB189 Management of Seed-cleaning Wastes PDF
PUB2049 Managing Recovered Materials PDF
PUB2110 Monitored Natural Attenuation of Groundwater Contamination at Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program Sites PDF
PUB2208 Oil-Based Paint Projects and Clean Air PDF
PUB1238 PMO-G822000 General Operating Permit for Meat Processors PDF
PUB2099 Requirements for Asbestos and Lead
Paint Abatement PDF
PUB2151 Section 401 Water Quality Certification: Protecting Missouri’s Wetlands PDF
PUB2050 Special Waste PDF
PUB226 Storm Water Permit Requirements
for Ferrous/Non-ferrous Foundries, Casting, Extrusion, Rolling, Galvanizing and Finishing PDF
PUB2009 Storm Water Permit Requirements for Land Disturbance Activities PDF
PUB230 Storm Water Permit Requirements for Lubricant Manufacturing PDF
PUB232 Storm Water Requirements for Motor Freight Transportation and Warehousing PDF
PUB2204 Storm Water Permit Requirements for Motor Vehicle Salvage PDF
PUB224 Storm Water Requirements for the Chemical Manufacturing Industry PDF
PUB242 Storm Water Permit Requirements
for the Water Transportation Industry PDF
PUB2211 Tire Dump Roundup Tri-Fold Brochure PDF
PUB509 Transient, Non-Community Public
Water System PDF
PUB134 Used Oil Burners PDF
PUB244 Water Pollution Control Requirements for Mobile Wash Businesses PDF
For more online fact sheets visit www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs.
DEPARTMENT AWARDS $1.5
MILLION TO METROPOLITAN
ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded two grants totaling $1,154,113 to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. The grants
will fund storm water improvement projects in
St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis.
The department awarded a $859,611 grant that Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will use to fund a portion of the costs of storm water projects in St. Louis County. Projects are located in Blackjack, Bridgeton, Calverton Park, Chesterfield, Clayton, Crestwood, Frontenac, Green Park, Hazelwood, Manchester, Northwoods, St. John, Sunset Hills, Town and Country, University City, Valley Park Webster Groves, Wildwood, unincorporated St. Louis County and specific Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District projects within the district. The estimated construction costs for all projects is $3,358,904. This does not include construction observation, land acquisition or engineering design.
The department awarded a second grant of $294,502 to Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District to fund a portion of the costs of two storm water projects in the City of St. Louis. The first project is the South First Street Drainage project, which includes storm water drainage west of Union Pacific Railroad tracks, adjacent to South First Street. The second project is the Harlem-Baden Phase III project. Located in the Harlem-Baden Watershed, the project consists of 2,300 feet sewer pipe, 200 feet force main, wet weather triplex pump and associated construction costs. The estimated construction costs for both projects is $3 million.This does not include construction observation, land acquisition or engineering design.
Funding for these grants comes from state storm water control bond funds. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will administer the grants. For more information, contact the department’s Water Protection Program at 573-751-1300 or toll-free
at 800-361-4827.
DEPARTMENT AWARDS
$30,000 TO HARRY S TRUMAN COORDINATING COUNCIL
Grant Will Help Protect Lower
Shoal Creek Watershed
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded a $30,000 grant to the Harry S Truman Coordinating Council to help protect and improve water quality of the lower Shoal Creek Watershed.The grant will fund the Lower Shoal Creek
Watershed Restoration Action Strategy Project.
In addition to regular stakeholder meetings, the project will include a survey of citizen and business stakeholders in the watershed. The purpose of the survey is to gauge perceptions of local water quality issues and support of various types of local programs aimed at restoring and protecting local waterways, including new city and county ordinances and regulations.
In conjunction with this survey, the council will ask all cities and towns in the watershed to conduct a watershed audit of their communities to identify and prioritize their local water quality impacts. Participants will identify the highest priority issues and actions through a Watershed Management Forum.
A Watershed Restoration Action Strategy will be developed based on the concerns and ideas of local stakeholders. The strategy will include existing data and information about water quality and watershed conditions. Various partners will also collect additional water quality samples in and around the lower Shoal Creek and its main tributaries. In addition to identifying types, sources and amounts of pollutants, the strategy will incorporate the immediate and long-term activities and projects needed to restore and to protect the Shoal Creek watershed.
The project will work to explain the complex water quality issues, problems and solutions through media and community presentations. These presentations will identify the problems and explain how the public can help be part of the solution.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 provided partial funding for this project under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
For more information, contact the department’s Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The department's Environmental Emergency Response provides daily support and protection for the citizens of Missouri. On-scene coordinators are located throughout the state and available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to respond to hazardous substance spills. Some of the protection and services the department provides are:
- emergency response training and planning;
- advice on hazardous chemicals and technical expertise used to provide spill cleanup advice and oversight;
- coordinate private contractors to clean up hazardous material spills;
- ensure a proper environmental cleanup is completed;
- drug lab seizure assistance;
- Chemical Accident Prevention Program for businesses that use hazardous chemicals;
- Homeland security issues.
Environmental Emergency Response staff use specially designed vehicles that contain protective gear, air monitoring instruments, sampling equipment and spill cleanup equipment. The department's Environmental Emergency Response Team is funded from a hazardous waste generator fee. To report a hazardous substance spill call 573-634-2436.
Visit Calendar of Events at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do for a complete list of Department of Natural Resources' events through the end of the calendar year.
WPF: PRIORITY POINTS SYSTEM/SRF REGULATION ADVIOSRY GROUP TO
MEET MAY 10
A meeting of the Water Protection Forum 303(d) List/Water Quality Monitoring Issues Advisory Group will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.,
May 10 at the Lewis and Clark State Office
Building in Jefferson City.
For more information, contact the Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
HAZARDOUS WASTE FORUM TO
MEET MAY 10
The Hazardous Waste Program will hold a public meeting of the Hazardous Waste Forum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 10 at Missouri Department
of Natural Resources’ office located at
1738 E. Elm St. in Jefferson City. Registration starts at 9 a.m.
For more information, Call the Department of Natural Resources’ Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176.
RECREATIONAL UAA PROTOCOL ADVISORY GROUP TO MEET MAY 10
A meeting of the Water Protection Forum Recreational Use Attainability Analysis Protocol Advisory Group will be held from 1 to 4 p.m.,
May 10, 2007, in the Nightingale Creek Conference Room at the Lewis and Clark State Office Building
in Jefferson City.
For more information, contact the Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
MINING CONTAMINATION IN THE OLD LEAD BELT PUBLIC MEETING TO BE HELD MAY 14
The Water Protection Program will hold a public meeting about mining contamination in the old lead belt at 7 p.m., May 14 at Central High School
Cafeteria in Park Hills.
For more information, contact the Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
WELL INSTALLATION BOARD
TO MEET MAY 14
The Missouri Well Installation Board will hold
a public meeting at 10 a.m., May 14 at the
Department of Natural Resources’ office located
at 111 Fairgrounds Road in Rolla.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Wellhead Protection Section at 800-361-4827 or 573-368-2115.
WATER QUALITY COORDINATING
COMMITTEE TO MEET MAY 15
The Missouri Water Quality Coordinating Committee will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., May 15 at the Department of Natural Resources’ Conference Center at 1738 E. Elm St. in Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program at
800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
PUBLIC AVAILABILITY SESSION ON
SAFETY-KLEEN SPRINGFIELD DRAFT
HAZARDOUS WASTE PERMIT AND STATEMENT OF BASIS TO MEET MAY 15
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and EPA will hold a public meeting to review and offer written comments on a draft hazardous waste permit and Statement of Basis for Safety-Kleen Systems Inc., of Springfield. The meeting will be held from
5 to 7 p.m., May 15 at the Midtown Carnegie Branch of the Springfield-Greene County Library at
397 East Central, in Springfield, MO.
If issued as written, the resulting final permit will allow the company to continue to store hazardous waste in tanks and containers. The final permit will also contain the preferred remedy for cleanup activities at the facility.
For more information, contact Patricia Murrow at (913) 551-7627or e-mail to morrow.patricia@epa.gov.
CLEAN WATER COMMISSION
TO MEET MAY 16
The Missouri Clean Water Commission will
hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., May 16 at the
Lewis and Clark State Office Building,
1101 Riverside Dr., in Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.
WELL AND PUMP CONTRACTOR
TESTING TO BE HELD MAY 16
The Wellhead Protection Section will hold
well and pump contractor testing at 9 a.m., May 16
at the Department of Natural Resources’ office located at 111 Fairgrounds Road in Rolla.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Wellhead Protection Section at 800-361-4827 or 573-368-2115.
UST ENERGY BILL STAKEHOLDER WORKGROUP TO MEET MAY 22
The Hazardous Waste Program will hold a stakeholder meeting to discuss the UST provisions
of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 Title XV,
Subtitle B. The meeting will be held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on May 22 at the Department of
Natural Resources’ Conference Center at
1738 E. Elm St. in Jefferson City.
For more information, contact the Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176.
NUTRIENT CRITERIA DEVELOPMENT STAKEHOLDER WORKGROUP TO MEET
MAY 23
A meeting of the Water Protection Forum Nutrient Criteria Development Stakeholder Workgroup will be held at 1 p.m., May 23 at the Conference Building of the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center located at 4200 New Haven Road, in Columbia.
For more information, contact the Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION
TO MEET MAY 31
The Missouri Air Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., May 31 at the Holiday Inn Southwest, 10709 Watson Road, in St. Louis.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.
The Regulatory Agenda contains all environmental rule actions in progress and rule actions effective within the last three months within the Department of Natural Resources.
For more information, contact the Department of Natural
Resources' Air and Land Protection Division at
800-361-4827 or 573-751-6892. For the latest updates visit the Regulatory
Agenda Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/regs/index.html.
Air Pollution Control Program |
Conformity of General Federal Actions to State Implementation Plans |
| Rule Number 010-06.300 – To add de minimis levels for Particulate Matter (PM2.5) to tables in state rule. | |
| Public comment ends: May 3, 2007 |
Public hearing held: April 26, 2007 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-4817 |
Hazardous Waste Program |
Appeals and Requests for Hearings |
Rule Number 025-02.020 – This rule contains procedural regulations for contested cases heard by the commission or assigned to a hearing officer by the commission. |
|
| Public comment ends: June 29, 2007 |
Public hearing: June 21, 2007 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-522-8057 |
Solid Waste Management Program |
Solid Waste Management Fund - |
Rule Number 080-09.050 – The department is amending portions of the rule that are in conflict with Senate Bill 225 and to address findings in the February 2006 State Auditor’s Report of the Solid Waste Management Program audit. The amendment will also add annual reporting. |
|
| Public comment ends: May 3, 2007 |
Public hearing held: April 3, 2007 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-5401 |
Solid Waste Management Program |
Solid Waste Management Fund - Planning/Organizational Grants |
Rule Number 080-09.010 – The department proposes to rescind this rule. Senate Bill 225, passed during the 2005 legislative session, eliminated district administration grants. |
|
| Public comment ends: May 3, 2007 |
Public hearing held: April 3, 2007 |
| Missouri Register Citation: Filed, not yet published |
Department contact: 573-751-5401 |
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.
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