Inside This Issue

Dept. Audits Four Solid Waste Management Districts, Shows Need for Improvement

Dept. Surveys Missourian's Outlook on Water Resources

Dept. Begins Technical Review of Beazer East Inc. Hazardous Waste Permit Application

Water Partnership for Northwest Missouri Holds Symposium to Discuss Long-Range Water Needs

Solid Waste Management Law Changes go into Effect on August 28

Environmental Convenants Act Passed

Dept. Finalizes Consent Judgement with Peerless Landfill Inc.

Todd Parnell is Appointed to the Missouri Clean Water Commission

Dept. and EPA Seek Comments on Draft Hazardous Waste Permits for Safety-Kleen Systems Inc., Independence

Dept. Finds 61 of 62 Lake of the Ozarks Water Samples Below E. Coli Limits

Dept. Certifies EPC Inc. for Electronics Demanufacturing

Broadcast E-mail Lists for Assistance

Dept. Develops Strategy to Eliminate Non-Compliant Wells

Dept., EPA Announce Proposed Groundwater Contamination Cleanup Plan for Franklin County Site

EPA Gives Approval for State Action to Improve Kansas City Air Quality

Federal Environmental Complaint Filed in ChemCentral Explosion, Fire

EPA Extends Clean Water Act Deadlines for Animal Feeding Operations

Environmental Emergency Response

Calendar of Events

Public Service Announcements

Regional Office Map

Internet Addresses

Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources logo.

Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources is a monthly newsletter that informs readers about environmental issues.

August 2007

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AUDITS FOUR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS, SHOWS NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT
The Department of Natural Resources recently completed performance audits on four solid waste management districts. The performance audits show the need for improvement in the districts.
The department is required by law to conduct performance audits of grants made available to each district. The audits are intended to determine whether districts are exercising appropriate control over district grant funds, which are generated through landfill tonnage fees collected at permitted solid waste facilities in Missouri, and their compliance with state regulations governing their use.

To date, the department’s contract auditors have finalized audit reports for the following solid waste management districts:

District B - serving Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Daviess, Grundy, Harrison, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Putnam and Sullivan counties;
District L - serving the City of St. Louis, and Jefferson, St. Louis and St. Charles counties;
District P - serving Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties; and
District Q - serving Butler, Carter, Reynolds, Ripley and Wayne counties.

“The Department of Natural Resources has increased our oversight of the solid waste management district grant funds,” said Department Director Doyle Childers. “The performance audit reports cited 20 findings that were repeated from previous audit reports.” Findings in the final audit reports include inappropriate or unnecessary expenditures, weaknesses in accounting systems and internal controls, conflicts of interest involving board members and apparent violations of the open meetings law frequently referred to as the Missouri Sunshine Law.

A state auditor’s report released in 2006 questioned more than $60,000 in expenditures made for artwork, gifts, books and food by Solid Waste Management District’s Region L. The current performance audit for Region L questions more than $53,000 in additional costs related to lobbying, artwork, books, food, travel, donations and legal services.

The department recently changed the solid waste management district rule to clarify appropriate use of public funds. “I hope everyone remains aware that every dollar that goes to the solid waste districts comes from someone’s pocket, and our agency must account for how these funds are spent,” said Childers. “The performance audits confirm those changes were needed. The department will continue to work with the four districts to ensure they take appropriate corrective action.”

Solid waste management districts were created and funded to help cities and counties to work cooperatively in developing local waste prevention programs and in providing resource recovery services and safe disposal options.

The waste diversion rate for calendar year 2005 was 46 percent. For 2006, the rate dropped down to 44 percent. Some of the drop may be attributed to the increase of storm debris placed in landfills due to severe storms Missouri experienced in 2006. “The Department of Natural Resources believes the districts can play a vital role at the local level to further develop the infrastructure for alternatives to disposal,” said Childers. “It is important the districts move forward to better manage waste in their district, provide more recycling services to Missourians and use public funds appropriately.”

The next four audits are in process for District D serving Andrew, Clinton and Dekalb counties; District G serving Macon, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Ralls, Randolph and Shelby counties; District I serving Franklin, Lincoln, Montgomery and Warren counties; and District M serving Barton, Jasper, McDonald, Newton and Vernon counties.

Audit findings from the State Auditor’s Office are online at http://auditor.mo.gov/press/2006-10.pdf PDF. The first four performance audit report findings are at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/swmd/audit.htm#stateaudit.

For more information, contact Renee Bungart at 573-751-4465 or visit the Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/swmd/audit.htm.

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DEPARTMENT SURVEYS MISSOURIANS’ OUTLOOK ON WATER RESOURCES
The State of Missouri is interested in how Missourians view their water resources. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Water Resources Center has developed an online survey to evaluate how the public values certain natural areas. The survey results will be published by the department and will give an indication on how the public values water resources.

All interested citizens may participate in the survey to evaluate water resources by visiting the departments’ Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wrc/survey.htm. All information needed to complete the anonymous survey is provided online.

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DEPARTMENT BEGINS TECHNICAL REVIEW OF BEAZER EAST INC. HAZARDOUS WASTE PERMIT APPLICATION
The Department of Natural Resources has started a technical review of a hazardous waste permit application submitted by Beazer East Inc., 6740 Stadium Drive, Kansas City.

The department is inviting the public to review and offer written comments on the permit application until the department issues a draft permit or denies the application. Beazer submitted the application on January 26 for renewal of its existing Missouri Hazardous
Waste Management Facility Part I permit. The current permit expired July 24, 2007. State regulations allow the existing hazardous waste permit to continue in effect while the department reviews the permit application.

Beazer is a former wood-treating facility. The National Lumber and Creosote Company began wood-treating operations at the property in the early 1920s. Railroad ties, posts and telephone poles were pressure-treated, primarily with creosote. Koppers Co. Inc. bought the property in 1937 and continued similar wood treating operations. Koppers permanently closed the facility before Beazer Material and Services Inc., now Beazer East Inc., bought the property in late 1988.

Beazer is currently performing cleanup activities at the property under the Part I permit. During the facility investigation, Beazer discovered soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater in various areas of the facility contaminated with chemicals related to past wood treating operations. Beazer has taken several steps to control any immediate threats to human health and the environment and to prevent additional contamination.

The public can review and copy the permit application and supporting documents at the following locations:

When commenting on draft permits please explain your views regarding legal or technical issues with specific recommendations and alternatives. Please send written comments to Sudarshan Kurwadkar, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Hazardous Waste Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176.

Anyone may call or write Kurwadkar at any time to request to have their name placed on Beazer’s mailing list. By doing this, interested citizens will receive notice from the department or Beazer on any major permitting and cleanup activities at the facility.
For more information, contact Kurwadkar by telephone at 573-751-3553 or 800-361-4827 or by e-mail at sudarshan.kurwadkar@dnr.mo.gov. Hearing and speech-impaired people may reach Kurwadkar through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966.

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WATER PARTNERSHIP FOR NORTHWEST MISSOURI HOLDS SYMPOSIUM TO DISCUSS LONG-RANGE WATER NEEDS
The Water Partnership for Northwest Missouri held its third symposium to discuss a long-term, five-phase plan that would use a series of transmission lines to deliver a reliable source of water to systems throughout the region.

The symposium, held at Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, included discussion of Sketch 7, the name given to a plan that would connect seven water system hubs located throughout the 12-county region to major sources, including the Atchison County Wholesale Water Commissions’ new plant.

The hubs, existing municipal and private water systems chosen because of their ability to meet current customer needs as well as the needs of neighboring communities, include Cameron, Bethany, Maryville, Missouri American Water Company (St. Joseph), Middle Fork Water Company (Gentry County) and Savannah. Hub systems would continue to be responsible for serving their own customers, as would other local systems that might be supplied by the hubs.

A Declaration of Unity was presented during the symposium highlighting support provided by major water groups in the area to endorse Sketch 7 and to commit their involvement in the next phase of planning.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers attended the symposium to announce new funding grants to continue the planning and other funding opportunities available for drinking water projects in the region.

The Water Partnership for Northwest Missouri consists of members from each of the 12 counties served, representing city and county governments and water districts. The partnership also includes representatives from regional planning commissions and councils, Northwest Missouri State University, University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT LAW CHANGES GO INTO EFFECT ON AUGUST 28
The recent signing of Senate Bill 54 by the Governor makes several changes to the existing Solid Waste Management Law. There are statutory changes that directly pertain to the illegal dumping of solid waste along with construction and demolition waste and increases in penalties for certain other violations. These provisions go into effect on Aug. 28, 2007.

The illegal dumping of both solid waste and construction and demolition waste can pose a direct threat to public health and the environment. The department works in many ways to address the problem of illegal dumping. One way is to work with county prosecutors to pursue criminal convictions. Historically, it has been difficult for county prosecutors to make it a priority in pursuing cases involving acts of illegal dumping as compared to other crimes such as murder, robbery, etc., especially since illegal dumping was only a class A misdemeanor. In this bill the criminal provisions for most acts of illegal dumping have been increased from a class A misdemeanor to a class D felony. The department is hopeful this change will lead to more prosecutions for illegal dumping along with being a significant deterrent to do so in the first place.

It should be noted however, illegally dumping one’s own construction and demolition waste on their own property without receiving any amount of money, goods or services for the illegal disposal has been reduced from a class A misdemeanor to a class C misdemeanor in this bill.

Also, the maximum civil penalty amount established in section 260.240 has been increased from $1,000 per day per violation to $5,000 per day per violation for violations at solid waste disposal areas and violations of section 260.330 (collection, payment and reporting of tonnage fees). Additionally, the penalty amount that a county commission can pursue for violations of any rule, regulation, standard or order of a county commission adopted pursuant to the provisions of sections 260.200 to 260.245 is increased from $100 per day per violation to $500 per day per violation.

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MISSOURI ENVIRONMENTAL COVENANTS ACT PASSED
Also part of Senate Bill 54 is a Missouri version of the national model law called the Uniform Environmental Covenants Act. This law establishes special provisions for sites that are cleaned up to contaminant levels appropriate for some but not all uses. For example, a site remediated for industrial use may not be clean enough for a residential use, and the environmental covenant would provide a direct way to communicate site restrictions when future uses are considered. The law also requires the department to maintain a state-wide information system on environmental covenants. This is beneficial for the real estate and development communities because information on site conditions will be readily available. This law does not apply to tanks defined in Chapter 319.100.

The department will incorporate environmental covenants into the rules under development for risk-based corrective action, revise guidance to reflect the new law and also include template documents to facilitate using environmental covenants.

In addition, Senate Bill 54 contained many other environmental measures, including

To obtain an official copy of Senate Bill 54, contact the Legislative Library, Capitol Building, Third Floor, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101 or by telephone 573-751-4633. You can access an unofficial version on the Missouri General Assembly’s Web site at www.senate.mo.gov/07info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=RandBillID=128.

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DEPARTMENT FINALIZES CONSENT JUDGMENT WITH PEERLESS LANDFILL INC.
The Department of Natural Resources has reached a consent judgment with Peerless Landfill Inc. located in Valley Park in St. Louis County. The judgment includes actions Peerless will take to maintain human health and environmental safeguards.

In April 2007, the department referred Peerless to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office for environmental violations related to migration of methane gas from the landfill to surrounding properties. Methane is a byproduct of the decomposition of waste and is explosive at very low concentrations.

The consent judgment provides for the installation of an active gas collection system to prevent methane gas from migrating from the landfill to surrounding properties. The judgment includes the submittal of a corrective action Financial Assurance Instrument covering the gas collection system installation and operation costs in the event that Peerless fails to install or operate the gas collection system. Additional provisions include the completion of closure activities for the landfill; reimburse the department for investigative costs of $66,822.44; and establishes penalties totaling $96,000. A signature by the court will complete the final step for the consent judgment.

Peerless Landfill began permitted operations in 1969. The facility first had compliance issues in March 1998 when methane gas was migrating from the property. Consequently, the Department of Natural Resources issued a Notice of Violation to Peerless and required the installation of a gas collection system. The gas collection system was brought online in October 2001 but failed to control the gas migration. The department then required Peerless to submit plans for an expanded gas control system, but Peerless failed to do so in a in a timely fashion. The department issued a second Notice of Violation in December 2005.

During this same timeframe, Peerless Landfill Inc. was the subject of a federal investigation involving falsification of tonnage records and underpayment of tonnage fees to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Peerless entered into a pretrial agreement to pay back tonnage fees, reimburse investigation costs and remove George Behnen, president and sole owner of Peerless Landfill, from control of the landfill.

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TODD PARNELL IS APPOINTED TO THE MISSOURI CLEAN WATER COMMISSION
Department of Natural Resources Recognizes Tom Herrmann for His Years of Service to the Commission
Springfield native Ben “Todd” Parnell is Gov. Matt Blunt’s latest appointment to the Missouri Clean Water Commission. Parnell has a long history of and continues to make many positive contributions to protect water quality in southwest Missouri.

“I have observed Todd Parnell and his family for almost 40 years,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. “They have a history as strong community leaders who grasp the big picture of environmental and community issues. Todd’s appointment to the Clean Water Commission will be a logical extension of his personal passion and effort to improving Missouri’s natural resources.”

Parnell graduated from Drury University and earned his Master’s in Business Administration from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Parnell and his father were responsible for gathering business leaders who founded the Upper White River Basin Foundation. The foundation works in Missouri and Arkansas to address threats to water quality in the Beaver, Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals lakes. Parnell also serves on the Executive Board of the James River Basin Partnership and saw its most aggressive community outreach occur including its highly successful river cleanup campaign and training for area farmers on nutrient management plans. The partnership also began a Get Pumped campaign, which helped remove over 300,000 gallons of sewage from septic tanks this year.

Parnell will replace Thomas A. Herrmann, of Ballwin. Herrmann was first appointed to the commission in 1989. “Tom Herrmann is an outstanding citizen who has contributed nearly 20 years of effort to serving the people of this state as a member of the Clean Water Commission,” said Childers. “As chairman during most of those years, he has provided leadership and guidance to the commission. I sincerely appreciate Tom’s past service and look forward to seeking his counsel on water issues in the future.”

The Clean Water Commission is a seven-member citizen’s board appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission enforces the Clean Water Law, adopts rules and policies, and is responsible for permits for the construction and operation of wastewater treatment facilities and other potential sources of water pollution. The commission is responsible for deciding how Missouri defines clean water and identifying those streams and lakes that do not meet water quality standards. When necessary, the commission will take enforcement action against those who violate the Clean Water Law and implementing regulations. The commission also establishes funding priorities and oversees financial assistance to protect and preserve water quality. The commission administers grants to municipalities and political subdivisions for construction of wastewater
treatment facilities.

For more information about the Missouri Clean Water Commission, visit the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/cwc/index.html.

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DEPARTMENT AND EPA SEEK COMMENTS ON DRAFT HAZARDOUS WASTE PERMITS FOR SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS INC., INDEPENDENCE
The Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 invite the public to review and comment on draft hazardous waste permits for Safety-Kleen Systems Inc. in Independence.

The department and EPA will accept public comments until Sept. 4, 2007. Anyone may request a public hearing on the draft permits during the 45-day public comment period. Hearing requests must state specific issues or concerns.

Safety-Kleen is located at 901 South Yuma Ave. in Independence and operates an active hazardous waste storage facility. The majority of Safety-Kleen’s customers are small-quantity generators that ship hazardous waste to Safety-Kleen for storage.

The draft hazardous waste permits includes two parts. The Department of Natural Resources issued the draft Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Facility Part I permit. EPA issued the draft Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments Part II permit. If issued as written, the resulting final permits will allow the facility to continue to store hazardous waste in tanks and containers.

The draft permits Part I and II and a fact sheet are available on the Department of Natural Resources’ Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/permits/notices.htm. Supporting documents are not available online due to their size, but the public can review and copy the draft permits Part I and II, fact sheet and supporting documents at the following locations:

When commenting on draft permits please explain your views regarding legal or technical issues with specific recommendations and alternatives. Please 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)
Patricia Murrow
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
RCRA Corrective Action and Permits Branch
901 North Fifth Street, Kansas City, KS 66101

Anyone may call or write Hock to have their name placed on Safety-Kleen’s mailing list. By doing this, interested citizens will receive notice of any permitting and cleanup activities at the facility.

For more information about the draft Part I permit, please contact Hock at 573-751-3553 or 800-361-4827 or by e-mail at richard.hock@dnr.mo.gov. For more information on the draft Part II permit, contact Murrow by telephone at (913) 551-7627 or by e-mail at murrow.patricia@epa.gov.

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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FINDS 61 OF 62 LAKE OF THE OZARKS WATER SAMPLES BELOW E. COLI LIMITS
Recent bacteria testing of water in the Lake of the Ozarks found the lake generally safe for swimming and other whole body contact recreation, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Missouri collected 62 water samples from the lake on July 9 and tested them for E. coli bacteria. Sixty-one samples were at acceptable levels. Only one sample contained E. coli bacteria at levels above the standard set for swimming or other whole body contact recreation. E. coli is a bacteria found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. Frequently associated with faulty septic tanks or sewer systems, E. coli can cause gastrointestinal illness.

The sample containing E. coli bacteria was taken at Cove 009 between Cherokee Road and Kays Point Road. The Cove 009 sample had E. coli bacteria at nearly twice the level considered safe for swimming.

“To have such a small percentage over the standard has been good news considering the amount of development in that area of the lake,” said Randy Niemeyer, an environmental specialist with the Department of Natural Resources.

Two samples taken at Jenning Branch Cove did not meet the standard for E.coli on May 29. However, these sites were well within those limits on July 9. The first dropped from nearly seven times over the standard to less than 10 percent of the standard. The second site went from 14 percent over the standard to less than 3 percent of the standard.

During the second set of samples, which was taken June 11, only one sample out of 57 did not meet the standard. That sample, taken at the McCoy Branch Cove, showed E.coli concentrations of just less than twice the standard.

The Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Department of Conservation, Ameren UE and the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance, is testing 28 coves from Bagnell Dam to the Community Bridge during the six-month period this year. “Alliance volunteers trained to do such sampling have nearly doubled the number of sites that can be sampled,” Niemeyer said. “You have people living on the lake who care about it and who make the effort to do this monitoring,” he said. Through the first three months of testing 97.2 percent of the water samples taken found E. coli bacteria within acceptable limits.

Ameren UE is funding the five-year study at a cost of $15,000 per year. Fourteen coves are sampled bi-monthly. When completed, the water testing will include coves from Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam.

Samples were taken again on August 6 and are scheduled for September 4 and October 9 of this year. The sampling protocol is arranged so that odd-numbered coves are sampled in odd-numbered months, even-numbered coves in even-numbered months.

Water sample test result data are online at www.lmvp.org/LOWA/ecoli.htm. A link to the data can also be accessed through the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance’s Web site, www.soslowa.org.

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DEPARTMENT CERTIFIES EPC INC. FOR ELECTRONICS DEMANUFACTURING
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has certified Executive Personal Computers Inc. for hazardous waste resource recovery. EPC is the first certified electronics demanufacturer in the St. Louis area and one of the largest computer remarketers and recyclers in the Midwest.

EPC is located at 3941 Harry S. Truman Blvd. in St. Charles, with its 63,000-square foot E-Scrap Processing Center in Earth City. EPC, which has been in the personal computer business since 1984, also recycles monitors, printers, disk drives, personal computer systems and motherboards and other technology components if the item cannot be repaired.

EPC has a zero-landfill policy. If a system’s hard drive cannot be erased, it is shredded to protect any personal information. Obsolete systems, monitors and printers are stripped for parts and demanufactured by hand into plastics and metals, turning useless equipment into recyclable commodities.

Demanufacturing electronics is not considered a hazardous waste management activity nor does it require resource recovery certification. However, when cathode ray tubes are broken to recover scrap metal and glass, it does require the certification. EPC has voluntarily requested the certification. EPC currently stores cathode ray tubes and ships them to another company for recycling.

Cathode ray tubes are found in color computer monitors and televisions. If handled incorrectly, cathode ray tubes recycling can produce hazardous wastes such as waste-leaded glass. When handled correctly, cathode ray tubes can provide leaded glass, plastic, metal, circuit boards and other materials for recycling. “Properly recycling outdated electronics can promote the safe management of hazardous components and supports the recovery and reuse of valuable materials,” said Mike Menneke of the Department of Natural Resources and member of the E-Scrap Stakeholder Workgroup.

“We are pleased to see EPC voluntarily seeking this certification; it shows their commitment to recyclingand reducing electronic waste from landfills.” For more information about resource recovery certification, contact Richard Hock at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Hazardous Waste Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176. You can also reach 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.

BROADCAST E-MAIL LISTS FOR ASSISTANCE
Would you like to receive our newsletters electronically? Visit www.dnr.mo.gov/broadcastlists.htm to sign up for electronic
copies of many Missouri Department of Natural Resources publications.

Business Assistance
www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp/bus-e-mail.htm

Businesses have a tough time trying to keep up with the environmental regulations they must meet. This
e-mail service provides information that is needed by all businesses. It will keep subscribers informed on technical support availability, changes in law, conferences, workshops, sources of assistance and examples of successes. The department’s goal is to keep businesses informed so that they can meet or exceed the environmental requirements of the state and federal government.

E-Scrap Stakeholder Workgroup
www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/escrap/listserv.htm

The E-Scrap Stakeholder Broadcast Listserv is sent to the stakeholder workgroup members and those interested in receiving information and updates about Missouri’s E-Scrap Initiative. The broadcast e-mail provides an opportunity for workgroup members to stay in contact with each other, discuss various topics and receive notifications about upcoming meetings and events. You may subscribe to this broadcast e-mail list, even if you do not wish to become a workgroup member.

Educator Resources
www.dnr.mo.gov/teachers/index.html

The Educator Resources Broadcast Listserv provides regular updates about courses, events and classroom materials available for educators.

Energy Bulletin Announcements
www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/transportation/e-bulletin.htm

This bulletin is published twice a month and contains supply information and price data on a variety of energy resources including crude oil, transportation fuels such as gasoline, diesel fuel and ethanol, coal, natural gas and propane. The information in the bulletin is based on data directly acquired by the Missouri Energy Center and other sources including the U.S. Department of Energy and the Energy Information Administration.

Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/energy-e-mail.htm

Renewable energy and energy efficiency developments affecting Missouri. Learn about events, energy projects in Missouri and other energy news.

Enforcement and Compliance Assistance
www.dnr.mo.gov/env/subscribe_eca.htm

The Enforcement and Compliance Assistance Listserv is distributed to those interested in receiving information and updates about environmental compliance from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The broadcast e-mail provides the department an opportunity to stay in contact with permitted facilities and let them know about changes or additions to federal or state regulations, provide technical assistance and explain the inspection process.

The department’s main goal in any enforcement action is to help the facility successfully achieve compliance with the standards and then maintain compliance. The broadcast e-mail is geared to keep all facilities informed upfront so they can meet or exceed the environmental requirements and help better serve Missouri citizens while protecting the environment.

Enforcement and Compliance Assistance for Hazardous Waste Generators
www.dnr.mo.gov/env/subscribe_ecahwg.htm

The broadcast E-mail provides the department an opportunity to stay in contact with hazardous waste generators and permitted facilities and let them know about changes or additions to federal or state regulations, provide technical assistance and explain the inspection process.

News Releases
www.dnr.mo.gov/subscribe-media.htm

Subscribe to receive all or specific department news releases by county. After filling out this screen, shortly thereafter, you will receive a welcome message from this list. In that welcome message you will be given a link to configure your membership. You will be able to choose the releases you receive by county if you prefer. You will have the opportunity to select those counties by name by clicking on the first link in the welcome message. If you do nothing upon receiving the welcome message, you will continue to receive all Missouri Department of Natural Resources news releases.

Operator Certification Trainers
www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/opcert/opcert-list.htm

The department received a $3.1 million Drinking Water Operator Training and Certification Grant from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Grant funds will be used to offset the costs of drinking water operator training and certification for operators employed by public water systems serving populations of 3,300 and less. The department will be issuing vouchers to eligible water systems.

The vouchers will be used as payment for operator certification fees and approved drinking water training. This broadcast list has been established to provide a way for the Operator Certification Unit to distribute information about the grant and use of the vouchers to drinking water trainers. This list will also be used to provide more general information to all training providers and all training providers are encouraged to subscribe.

Protecting Missouri Natural Resources Newsletter
www.dnr.mo.gov/env/pmnr/subscribe_pmnr.htm

Protecting Missouri’s Natural Resources is a monthly newsletter that informs readers about environmental issues. By subscribing to this monthly e-newsletter through the broadcast e-mail list you can help us reduce the number of hard copies printed and
mailed to subscribers each month.

Redevelopment and Brownfields Cleanup
www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/bvcp/redev-list.htm

This e-mail service provides information you can turn into action. You will be kept informed about grant and loan opportunities, technical support availability, changes in law, conferences, workshops, sources of assistance and examples of successes. Redevelopment includes brownfields cleanup and remediation, returning real estate to productive use, preservation of historical and community landmark properties, strengthening infrastructure, establishing sustainable designs in energy efficiency and resource usage, and creating greenspace and outdoor recreation facilities. Our goal is to rebuild Missouri one community at a time, your community.

Water Quality Coordinating Committee
www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/wqcc/wqcc-e-mail.htm

As a subscriber to the Water Quality Coordinating Committee listserv you will receive timely information about upcoming meetings, water quality-related announcements and meeting minutes.

The Water Quality Coordinating Committee is an informal interagency and public committee dealing with water quality issues. It is informal in that the committee has no statutory or regulatory foundation. It exists for the members and depends on their participation to be an effective organization. Each agency or group brings to the committee issues, information or requests that are related to water quality. Each agency continues to exercise its statutory responsibilities, as it deems necessary.

The Water Quality Coordinating Committee’s activities are organized through the department’s Water Pollution Control Program. A sampling of issues brought before the Water Quality Coordinating Committee includes ground water protection, the Missouri River master manual, water quality data collection and management, nonpoint source issues, water quality standards, flood response activities, pesticides, septic tanks, environmental education, sand and gravel mining and drinking water protection. Water Quality Coordinating Committee meetings are open to the public. The committee may also assist in the coordination and implementation of watershed protection strategies.

Committee meetings are scheduled for 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of the month, alternating between Jefferson City (odd numbered months) and Columbia. Items for the agenda should be referred to Darlene Schaben at 573-751-7428, by mail at Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Protection Program, Water Pollution Branch, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102, or e-mail to darlene.schaben@dnr.mo.gov.

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DEPARTMENT DEVELOPS STRATEGY TO ELIMINATE NON-COMPLIANT WELLS
The Department of Natural Resources has developed a strategy for bringing into compliance a large number of wells that were not constructed to proper public well standards. Although this strategy will address wells that are already in existence, it will not apply to any new wells that are improperly constructed.

The department is reminding all well installation contractors of their responsibility to make sure they are installing the correct type of well for the usage of the well. For instance, a private well may only be installed if the well will be used to supply water for up to three residences. Multi-family wells may serve no more than 14 residences or 25 people. Any well that has 15 or more connections or serve more than 25 people per day, 60 days out of the year, must be constructed to public well standards. Examples of facilities that commonly require a public well include churches, day care centers, convenience stores, restaurants, motels, hotels, factories, public restrooms, commercial businesses, mobile home parks, subdivisions, etc.

The department urges all well drillers to discuss the usage of the well with their customers to ensure the proper well is being installed. If the department determines that an improper well has been installed, it will take action against the well driller, well owner, or both, depending on the circumstances.

In 2006, the department’s Wellhead Protection Section began requiring the well owner’s signature, attesting to the usage of the well, on domestic and multi-family wells as a condition of certification. We highly recommend that all drillers ensure the well owners sign the well certification form as a condition of completing work.

In March 2006, the section began requiring the well owner’s signature on domestic and multi-family well records submitted as a condition of certification. The owner’s signature on the well record is important to both the driller and the owner. When the owner signs the form, they are confirming they understand the proper use of the well.

This may assist the driller in the future if the landowner begins to use a domestic well for public use, such as, for a day care or restaurant. If the driller is unable to obtain the owner’s signature before submitting the record; do not hold the record past your 60 days. Submit the record and Wellhead Protection staff will send a letter to the owner requesting their signature.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Wellhead Protection Section at 573-368-2165.

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DEPARTMENT, EPA ANNOUNCE PROPOSED GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION CLEANUP PLAN FOR FRANKLIN COUNTY SITE
The Department of Natural Resources and EPA Region 7 are releasing a Proposed Plan to address groundwater contamination at Operable Unit 1 (OU1) of the Oak Grove Village Well Site in Oak Grove Village,. The department is seeking comments on the Proposed Plan for Interim Action.

Although the department and EPA are recommending an interim action to address the contamination, a decision will not be made until all comments have been reviewed. A 30-day comment period will run from August 1 until Aug. 30, 2007.

The decision regarding the selected remedy will be made after the department has considered all public comments. The Interim Action Record of Decision will also include a summary of the department’s responses to the comments received during the public comment period. Additional information and data collected during this interim action will determine the final remedial action selected for OU1.

Written comments must be postmarked no later than Aug. 30, 2007, and should be sent to:

Candice McGhee, Project Manager
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Toll-free 800-361-4827
Telephone 573-751-1738
Fax 573-751-7869

Site Background
The Department of Natural Resources detected trichloroethylene (TCE) in Oak Grove Village’s municipal water well during routine water sampling in June 1986. In December 1990, the department determined the TCE contamination in the municipal well exceeded safe drinking water standards. Oak Grove Village closed the municipal well in July 1991 and began buying water from Sullivan. The site was placed on the National Priorities List on Sept. 5, 2002.

Oak Grove Village installed a new municipal well in December 2003. After TCE was detected in the new municipal well, air stripper equipment was added to the well to remove TCE from the water. With the addition of the air stripper, Oak Grove Village began distributing treated water to residents and stopped purchase of Sullivan water in April 2005.

Following discovery of the contamination, the department initiated several environmental investigations. A Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study was conducted in a phased approach to determine the nature and extent of groundwater contamination, to identify possible source areas related to the closed municipal well, and to identify responsible parties. Phase I began in June 2000 and was completed in March 2002.

During Phase II of the remedial investigation, the department and EPA decided to divide the site into two Operable Units. OU1 consists of the Oak Grove Village wells, the Highway AF wells and the area west and south of the Oak Grove Village wells. The Proposed Plan for OU1 is the focus of the meeting scheduled on Aug. 15, 2007.

The Proposed Plan for Interim Action presents several Remedial Alternatives. The Remedial Alternatives, including the Preferred Alternative, are described below:

Remedial Alternatives
Alternative I - No Action
Alternative II - Treatment at Private
Wellheads and Groundwater Monitoring
Alternative III - Alternative Water
Supply/Treatment at Private Wellheads and Groundwater Monitoring
Alternative IV - Treatment at Private Wellheads, Groundwater Monitoring and Operation/Monitoring of Air Stripper
Alternative V - Alternative Water Supply/Treatment at Private Wellheads, Groundwater Monitoring and Operation/Monitoring of Air Stripper

The Preferred Alternative
The Preferred Alternative proposed by the department and EPA is Alternative V. This alternative will require the abandonment and plugging of the closed municipal water well in Oak Grove Village to ensure that contaminated groundwater from the well is not used.
The Preferred Alternative ensures clean water sources for residential, commercial and industrial wells located within OU1 by either placing treatment equipment on the wells or by connecting the property to a public water supply.

The department and the Franklin County Health Department will direct educational materials to well owners and to individuals applying for permits to drill new wells in the impacted area.

The Preferred Alternative also proposes periodic sampling of the groundwater at residential, commercial/industrial, municipal and monitoring wells located within OU1. Sampling of wells in OU1 will provide the data needed to ensure contaminant levels are decreasing.

The Department of Natural Resources will also conduct a well survey to make sure all wells in the area of OU1 have been sampled and included in the proposed remedy.

Finally, the Preferred Alternative provides for the operation of the town’s air stripper by Oak Grove Village and monitoring of the air stripper to ensure that the equipment continues to remove TCE contamination from the public drinking water.

The extraction of TCE contaminated water by the air stripper will reduce the amount of TCE in the aquifer. The department and EPA recommend Alternative V because it provides the greatest amount of protection for human health and the environment while remediating the groundwater. The Preferred Alternative can change in response to public comment or new information.

Additional Information
The Proposed Plan and other site documents are included in the Administrative Record, which is available during regular business hours at the following locations:

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact: Candice McGhee of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1738 or by e-mail at candice.mcghee@dnr.mo.gov or Dianna Whitaker of EPA at 800-223-0425 or by e-mail at whitaker.dianna@epa.gov.

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EPA GIVES APPROVAL FOR STATE ACTION TO IMPROVE KANSAS CITY AIR QUALITY
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 Administrator John Askew formally approved two state plans to keep Kansas City air clean. Kansas and Missouri submitted their plans to EPA in May 2007.

“We are taking positive action to move forward and bring about emissions reductions in Kansas City,” Askew said. “This approval gives the states a green light to implement measures to protect public health. These actions, which are triggered by high ozone readings, include reducing emissions from power plants and development of regulations to reduce idling of vehicles.”

The federal ozone standard is designed to protect people from health effects associated with long-term exposure to the pollutant. Ground-level ozone can irritate the eyes, nose and lungs, causing inflammation, chest pains and difficulty breathing.

Ground-level ozone is a man-made pollutant formed, in the presence of sunlight, from a chemical reaction between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds are emitted from a variety of sources such as cars and trucks, industrial and power plants, and paint and solvent use.

Kansas City area residents can help reduce ground-level ozone by following these simple tips:

The public can comment on EPA’s approval of these plans, which will be published in the Federal Register.

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FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLAINT FILED IN CHEMCENTRAL EXPLOSION, FIRE
The explosion and fire that destroyed the ChemCentral facility in Kansas City, MO on February 7 has led to a civil complaint filed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA alleges violations of the federal Clean Air Act and the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act.

The explosion occurred when ChemCentral was transferring “Indopol,” a fuel additive used in sealants, coatings, lubricants, cling film and adhesives. Indopol is a trade name for polybutene.

EPA’s Region 7 office in Kansas City, Kan., and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated the explosion for possible violations of environmental and public health laws.

EPA’s investigation found that ChemCentral violated the Clean Air Act by failing to identify chemical hazards and failing to design and maintain a safe facility. EPA also found that ChemCentral violated the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act by failing to submit a chemical inventory form for Indopol to the local emergency planning committee, the state emergency response commission, and the local fire department. The inventory, due by March 1 each year, provides information on chemical storage locations and physical or health hazards, which is critical for emergency planning and first response activities.

ChemCentral could be liable for penalties of up to $32,500 per day for each violation of the two laws. The complaint proposes a penalty of $434,260. EPA’s complaint also requires the facility to comply with regulations. The federal laws are intended to inform citizens about chemicals in their community, prevent releases of hazardous chemicals, protect the community and emergency responders if there is an accidental release, and improve emergency response to releases.

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EPA EXTENDS CLEAN WATER ACT DEADLINES FOR ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS
To respond properly to citizen comment on a federal court order, EPA announced a final rule extending certain compliance deadlines from July 31, 2007 to Feb. 27, 2009 for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

One extension applies to water pollution permit application deadlines for certain facilities that EPA defined as CAFOs for the first time in 2003. The other extension relates to when CAFOs that have a Clean Water Act permit are required to develop and implement their nutrient management plans. A nutrient management plan specifies the amount of manure that can be applied to crops so the potential for nutrient runoff to water bodies is minimized.

Until nutrient management plans and other aspects of the regulation can be implemented in accordance with the court ruling, state and existing federal rules unaffected by the court ruling will continue to protect water quality.

EPA has been regulating CAFOs for more than 25 years. In response to a February 2005 federal court decision vacating some portions of a 2003 CAFO rule, EPA proposed a revised rule in 2006. The 2006 rule has not yet gone final.

The actions are extensions of the deadlines originally published in the 2003 rule. The extensions are necessary to ensure that EPA finalizes the 2006 CAFO rule in response to the court decision before the compliance dates come into effect. These extensions will allow EPA time to respond adequately to a wide array of public comments on the court decision and will also provide time for states and the agricultural community to adjust to the new requirements of the 2006 proposal once it goes final.

EPA is encouraging its regional offices and States to continue to implement their existing regulatory programs while the agency’s response to the court decision is being finalized.

The action will not affect other aspects of the CAFO water permitting program. It solely addresses timing issues associated with the court ruling.

The action will be published in the Federal Register.

For more information, visit EPA’s Animal Feeding Operations Web page at www.epa.gov/npdes/caforulechanges.

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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:

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.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Visit Calendar of Events at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do for a complete list of Department of Natural Resources' events through the end of the calendar year.

WELLHEAD PROTECTION SECTION TO HOLD MEETINGS ON WELL DRILLER PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
Staff from the department’s Wellhead Protection Section will be conducting five stakeholder meetings for the purpose of obtaining comments about the proposed initial requirements for anyone who wishes to obtain a non-restricted permit under the Missouri Well Construction Rules.

The meetings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

For more information, call Sheri Fry of the Department of Natural Resources’ Wellhead Protection Section at 573-368-2115. The draft rulemaking is available online at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/rules/wpp-rule-dev.htm.

WELL INSTALLATION BOARD TO MEET AUG. 24
The Missouri Well Installation Board will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., Aug. 24 at 1711 Hwy 61 South in Hannibal.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Wellhead Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-368-2115.

AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO MEET AUG. 30
The Missouri Air Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Aug. 30 at the Quality Inn and Suites, 120 Lindsey Drive Hwy 36 in Hannibal.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.

CLEAN WATER COMMISSION TO MEET SEPT 12
The Missouri Clean Water Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Sept 12 at a location to be determined.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.

WELL AND PUMP CONTRACTOR TESTING TO BE HELD ON SEPT 12
The Wellhead Protection Section will hold contractor testing beginning 9 a.m., Sept. 12 at the Department of Natural Resources Office at 111 Fairgrounds Road in Rolla, MO.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Wellhead Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-368-2115.

SOIL AND WATER DISTRICTS COMMISSION TO MEET SEPT 14 IN JEFFERSON CITY
The Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission will hold a public meeting at 8 a.m., Sept 14 at the Department of Natural Resources’ Conference Center, 1738 E. Elm St., Jefferson City.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Conservation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.

SAFE DRINKING WATER COMMISSION TO MEET SEPT 18 IN MONROE COUNTY
The Missouri Safe Drinking Water Commission will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., Sept 18 at the Clarence Cannon Wholesale Water Commission in Stoutsville.

For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5331.

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RULES UPDATE

The Regulatory Agenda contains all environmental rule actions in progress and rule actions effective within the last three months within the Department of Natural Resources.

For more information, contact the Department of Natural Resources' Air and Land Protection Division at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-6892. For the latest updates visit the Regulatory Agenda Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/regs/index.html.

Air Pollution Control Program

Open Burning Restrictions
Rule Number 010-02.100 – To consolidate four area specific state rules into a new statewide rule.
Public comment ends:
Sept. 6, 2007
 Public hearing:
Aug. 30, 2007
Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published 
 Department contact:
573-751-4817 

Air Pollution Control Program

Open Burning Restrictions
Rule Number 010-03.030 – To consolidate four area specific state rules into a new statewide rule.
Public comment ends:
Sept. 6, 2007
 Public hearing:
Aug. 30, 2007
Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published 
 Department contact:
573-751-4817 

Air Pollution Control Program

Open Burning Restrictions
Rule Number 010-04.090 – To consolidate four area specific state rules into a new statewide rule.
Public comment ends:
Sept. 6, 2007
 Public hearing:
Aug. 30, 2007
Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published 
 Department contact:
573-751-4817 

Air Pollution Control Program

Open Burning Restrictions
Rule Number 010-05.070 – To consolidate four area specific state rules into a new statewide rule.
Public comment ends:
Sept. 6, 2007
 Public hearing:
Aug. 30, 2007
Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published 
 Department contact:
573-751-4817 

Air Pollution Control Program

Open Burning Restrictions
Rule Number 010-06.045 – To consolidate four area specific state rules into a new statewide rule.
Public comment ends:
Sept. 6, 2007
 Public hearing:
Aug. 30, 2007
Missouri Register Citation:
Filed, not yet published 
 Department contact:
573-751-4817 

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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:

  • Air Pollution
  • Drinking Water
  • Hazardous Waste
  • Solid Waste
  • Technical Assistance
  • Water Pollution

Map showing department regional boundaries.

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.

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