Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources is a monthly newsletter that informs readers about environmental issues.
NOVEMBER 2007
KAIZEN COMES TO MISSOURI
By Doyle Childers, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
“Kaizen” is a Japanese word meaning “change for the human good.” For Missouri and neighboring states, changes in our methods of working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have created significant change for the human good by improving
our processes for protecting the environment.
Missouri, along with Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, has struggled in recent years to meet EPA requirements. Ever-shrinking staffs and budgets were trying to keep pace with ever-growing environmental standards and regulations. Upon further examination of the problem, the states found that EPA was facing similar struggles as well.
The states decided to strengthen their relationship with the EPA so that these partners could better meet the new and changing demands of environmental protection. After discussing several common goals, the states and the EPA chose the water quality standards and submittal, review and approval process as their first improvement project. All those involved in this process agreed
that it had become frustrating and time-consuming. By bringing change to this process, the states and EPA could save both time and money, allowing more timely improvements to water quality in these four states.
The partners chose the “Kaizen” method for improving this process. This workplace improvement strategy, which aims to reduce waste, is often associated with the Toyota Production System. In June, representatives from EPA Region 7, EPA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., and the four states met to map out every step of the water quality standards development process. By the end of this meeting, the meeting’s participants had identified a significant number of steps that could be eliminated or compressed in the development of water quality standards. Eliminating some steps and compressing others will greatly reduce the time it takes for the states to submit proposed standards to EPA for review and approval.
The Environmental Council of the States, a national, non-profit, non-partisan association of state and territorial environmental agency leaders, recently recognized these four states and EPA with an award for their innovative work to improve the water quality standards development process. Missouri benefits from a more efficient method of developing water quality standards so that implementation of new environmental standards can begin to protect the state’s water quality more quickly.
In fact, at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, finding smarter, more effective and more efficient ways of doing business has also been used to improve our water pollution permit and financial assistance efforts. Our work with neighboring states to streamline the water quality standards development process is just one more example.
The Department of Natural Resources put this same type of thinking into its recently released Permit Assistant program. This innovative Internet program is designed to improve our customer service by making it easier for Missourians to obtain
permitting information.
The Department of Natural Resources developed the program in coordination with the Information Technology Services Division in the Office of Administration. The Department of Natural Resources then tested the application online with many of its permittees and in small focus groups. Permit Assistant is available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/mopermitassistant/. Permit Assistant also earned the State of Missouri a Best State Innovation Award from the Environmental Council of the States, which was presented by Steve Brown, the organization’s executive director, at the annual meeting of the states in Idaho.
Our work with EPA Region 7 and our new Permit Assistant tool both reflect the governor’s and the department’s way of doing business. When Gov. Matt Blunt appointed me as director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, he asked me to make state government services more accessible and to help citizens comply with our environmental laws. Our work on Permit Assistant and our numerous other compliance assistance improvements are part of our effort to meet this request. With an increasing number of permits and more federal requirements to respond in a timely manner, we must work smarter rather than using more hands to do the work. The State of Missouri’s willingness to look for and implement positive changes is helping to ensure a cleaner environment for all to enjoy.
NOV. 15 WAS MISSOURI RECYCLES DAY
November 15 was Missouri Recycles Day in Missouri as well as America Recycles Day across the nation. Each year millions of people become better informed about the importance of recycling at home and work and buying recycled products as a result of the national America Recycles Day campaign. In 2005, more than 100,000 individuals signed or
e-mailed pledges to recycle and buy recycled. Many of these pledges were signed during America Recycles Day events, with more than 1,000 events staged across the country.
Gov. Blunt signed the Missouri Recycles Day proclamation on Nov. 14. The same day, the winners were announced for the 2007 Missouri Recycles Day Poster Contest, coordinated by the Missouri Recycling Association. The Missouri Recycling Association supports waste reduction and recycling efforts in Missouri by providing information, educational opportunities and technical support in partnership with state, national and regional organizations.
Do you have an outdated computer or two in your basement? If you do, you’re not alone. With a constant supply of newer, faster electronic products on the market, Americans continually replace older models. As a result, electronics have become one of the fastest growing waste streams.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 2 million tons of computers and other electronics are disposed of each year. Currently, only about 20 percent of these materials are recycled. “It’s important for all of us to properly dispose and recycle our electronic equipment to help protect our natural resources,” said Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers.
Computer monitors and older TVs contain an average of four pounds of lead. In addition to lead, electronics can contain chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, zinc and brominated flame retardants. Properly reusing or recycling electronics prevents these heavy metals and other toxic materials from polluting our environment.
Manufacturers can make new products from the lead, gold, copper and other precious metals recovered from electronics. Recovering and reusing these materials reduces the need to mine for new raw materials.
The Department of Natural Resources brought together stakeholders to get input on what direction Missouri should take to manage discarded electronics. A partnership evolved that includes private, public and nonprofit recyclers, federal, state and local governments, manufacturers, environmental groups and retail organizations. This partnership developed a program called e-cycle Missouri. E-cycle Missouri provides electronic equipment recyclers and demanufacturers with best management practices for collecting, processing and transporting e-scrap in Missouri in a way that protects the environment. It also provides individuals and businesses with the information necessary to recycle electronic waste and choose a recycler that best meets their needs.
For a list of recyclers registered with the Department of Natural Resources, to participate in a collection event hosted by a city, county or solid waste management district or for more information on e-cycle Missouri visit the Web at www.e-cyclemo.org or
call 800-361-4827.
MISSOURI RECYCLED PRODUCTS DIRECTORY AVAILABLE ONLINE
A directory of recycled-content products being manufactured or distributed in Missouri is now available on the Web. The Missouri Recycled Products Directory is a 148-page publication
created by the Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority’s Missouri Market Development Program.
The directory includes listings for Missouri manufactured and sold recycled products for agriculture, apparel, automotive, bed and bath, construction, flooring, handbags, home décor, furniture, janitorial, jewelry, kids, kitchen, lawn and garden, lumber, decking, fencing, office, outdoors, pallets, paper, pet products, promotional items, roofing, shipping and much more.
Buying recycled products helps “close the loop,” creating a demand for the materials recovered in recycling collection programs. For recycling to work, recyclables collected must be returned to the economic mainstream in the form of products people buy and use. When you buy recycled, you can help recycling create jobs, build more competitive manufacturing industries, add value to Missouri’s economy and protect the environment all at the same time.
The directory was developed to help consumers locate vendors of recycled-content products that are being manufactured or distributed in Missouri. It is also intended to support businesses in Missouri that have invested in technologies that convert materials once disposed of as waste and use them to make value-added products.
This publication is not an endorsement for any product, its availability, price or quality, but simply a guide to some of the recycled products available for sale in Missouri. The directory does not include all recycled products that are offered by your local retailer.
There are many more vendors of recycled products in Missouri than those listed in the directory.
To see the Missouri Recycled Products Directory, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/eiera/product-directory2006.pdf.
For more information, contact the Missouri Market Development Program at 573-526-5555.
MISSOURI RECYCLING ASSOCIATION AND ARKANSAS RECYCLING
COALITION 2008 CONFERENCE PLANS UNDERWAY
2008 Conference to be held May 12,
13 and 14 in Branson
The Missouri Recycling Association and Arkansas Recycling Coalition have teamed up to support environmental sustainability. Plans are underway for guided sustainability tours, keynote and guest speakers, welcoming reception, 80 vendors and exhibitors, awards banquet, golf tournament, silent and a live auction during the joint conference scheduled for May 12, 13 and 14, 2008, in Branson.
Exhibitor’s and sponsors asked for more traffic flow through the exhibit hall and organizers are accommodating that request. The welcoming reception, vendors, exhibits, awards banquet and auctions will be held in the exhibition hall of the convention center.
Make your reservations at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel by calling 417-243-3514 or 417-336-5400. Ask for the “Joint ARC/MORA Conference” Block #8664420959. Rooms are available May 11 through 14 at a nightly conference rate of $119 plus tax. Reservations must be made by April 11, 2008.
This year, conference sponsorship includes 10x10 booths with pipe and drape, one sign and more. For exhibitors, conference activities are scheduled within the exhibition hall for more exhibitor exposure and networking opportunities. Exhibitor fees are
$475 for Missouri Recycling Association members or $525 for non-members per booth. Electricity is not included.
For more information about The Ozarks Approach to Sustaining the Environment Conference 2008, contact Angie Gehlert, Missouri Recycling Association Executive Director, at ShowMeRecycling@gmail.com or Sue Noel, 2008 Conference Chair, at snoel@silverdollarcity.com.
DEPARTMENT ACCEPTING COMMENTS ON PROPOSED MISSOURI STATE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR REGIONAL HAZE
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting public comment on a proposed revision to the Missouri State Implementation Plan concerning regional haze.
The Missouri Air Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing Dec. 6. The public hearing will begin at 9 a.m. at the Harry S Truman Building in Room 400 at 301 W. High St., Jefferson City.
The Missouri Regional Haze Plan was developed to meet the requirements of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s
Regional Haze Rule published in 1999. It includes a description of the consultation process used to develop the plan, reasonable progress goals for achieving natural visibility conditions, calculations of baseline and natural visibility conditions, long-term
strategy for regional haze, monitoring strategy and other implementation plan requirements. The plan will address the federal visibility requirements.
The Department of Natural Resources requests that people intending to give verbal presentations on the proposed public hearing item also provide a written copy of their testimony to the commission secretary at the time of the public hearing. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the hearing can make arrangements by calling 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817. Hearing-impaired individuals may contact the program through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966.
The department also will accept written comments until 5 p.m. on Dec. 13. Written comments should be sent to Chief, Operations Section, Department of Natural Resources, Air Pollution Control Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176,
by fax to 573-751-2706, or by e-mail to apcpsppn@dnr.mo.gov. The department is required to respond to all comments in writing as part of the rulemaking process. Written comments and oral public hearing testimony are treated with equal consideration.
The proposed public hearing document is available for review at the Air Pollution Control Program, 1659A E. Elm St.,
Jefferson City and on the Public Notice section of the Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp/index.html.
2008 GENERAL INDUSTRY AND 2008 DRY CLEANING COMPLIANCE
CALENDARS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
The 2008 General Industry Compliance Calendar (PUB1311) and 2008 Dry Cleaning Compliance Calendar (PUB1310) are now available from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
These fact sheets, designed to look like wall calendars, are intended to be a guide to the most common reporting requirements faced by companies in Missouri.
The General Industry Compliance Calendar provides a quick reference of permits held by a facility. The calendar can be tailored to a facility’s particular requirements. Each month of the calendar lists some of the more commonly required reports. The list does not include internal record keeping requirements that may be included in permit conditions for a specific process or facility. Each facility is responsible for reviewing and complying with their permit conditions and with all applicable regulations.
The calendar helps the facility keep track of general facility information when dealing with hazardous waste, water issues, land reclamation, air emissions and more.
The Dry Cleaning Compliance Calendar may be used to keep records required by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The inspection checklist covers the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Emissions Standards for Air Pollutants, also known as NESHAP, for dry cleaners. The 2008 Dry Cleaning Compliance Calendar includes new requirements that go into effect next July.
Both calendars are available on the department’s publications Web page. The General Industry Compliance Calendar is located at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub1311.pdf. The Dry Cleaning Compliance Calendar is located at www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub1310.pdf.
For a list of all department publications available on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/index.html.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES’ ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
HEADS OFF PROBLEMS
Heading off environmental problems through compliance assistance continues to work for the Department of Natural Resources. Department
staff throughout the state have completed more than 5,800 environmental assistance visits as the program approaches its second anniversary.
Environmental assistance visits, first introduced as initial assistance visits in November 2005, are a free service the department provides to businesses, municipalities and other facilities that are regulated by the department. During an environmental assistance visit, a field staff member meets with a facility owner or manager to improve that person’s understanding of the permits issued to that facility and the environmental rules that regulate the facility.
“We started this program exclusively for new permit holders who might not be familiar with the steps they need to take to remain in compliance with our environmental rules,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. “We soon found that existing permit holders also benefited from these visits as well, so we expanded our service to include them.”
Through September 2007, department staff conducted 5,859 such visits to facilities operating under a number of different permits, including air, hazardous waste, drinking water, wastewater and solid waste.
The Land Reclamation Program conducted 50 environmental assistance visits in FY07 for industrial mineral sites. Land Reclamation conducted 40 visits in FY06 and 47 visits in FY05. The Land Reclamation Program works to assure that mineral companies reclaim their mined areas so the land can be reused. In addition, we work to assure the reclamation of abandoned coal mines.
An environmental assistance visit differs from an inspection in several ways. It is voluntary, always scheduled and focuses on the permit holder understanding the permit and environmental responsibilities rather than the department checking only for compliance. Department of Natural Resources’ inspectors go over the permit requirements with the facility operator, view operations and provide feedback, guidance documents and other helpful information to the permit holder. Department staff also provide training about required sampling, record keeping, operations and maintenance if necessary. Areas where the facility has good performance as well
as areas of concern are discussed.
Because such a visit is not a formal inspection, compliance assistance is provided with the expectation that corrections will be made if any problems are discovered. “We feel we’re more successful if we can help people be good stewards of the environment, rather than simply punishing them when they’re not,” Childers said. “However, some people will continue to break the rules, and we will bring the full force of the law to bear in those cases.”
No enforcement consequences are initiated during an environmental assistance visit unless the facility has violations that are very serious. A very serious violation is one that is immediately or imminently harmful to the environment or public health, such
as a hazardous waste release.
Detailed information about the department’s procedures for environmental assistance visits is available in its Field Services Division Operations Manual, which is available online at www.dnr.mo.gov/services/opsmanual.htm.
GATEWAY VEHICLE INSPECTION PROGRAM COMPLETES
FIRST MONTH OF EMISSIONS TESTING AND SAFETY INSPECTIONS
The Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program has completed its first month of testing. Since Oct. 1, licensed inspection stations have performed more than 50,000 on-board diagnostics emissions tests at 520 auto shops in the St. Louis nonattainment area.
The state’s contractor, SysTech International has received reports of a few technical problems during this first month of testing. SysTech and the Department of Natural Resources worked together to address the issues by clarifying written instructions to the inspectors on how to properly perform the test. Motorists whose vehicles falsely failed the test will receive a waiver from the department and will not have to return for further testing.
“Our contractor is working as quickly as possible to address any technical service calls so all participating auto shops can continue testing,” said Leanne Tippett Mosby, deputy director of the department’s Division of Environmental Quality. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and assistance as we continue to make improvements that will strengthen the program and add to its convenience.”
Motorists with questions about their test or auto shops that encounter technical problems are encouraged to contact SysTech by calling 1-866-OBD-TEST (623-8378). SysTech personnel will determine the best course of action for each situation. Upon notification on its hotline, SysTech will make every reasonable attempt to repair or replace hardware within an average of four business hours. At a minimum, these repairs will occur within the first weekday after notification.
There are approximately 200 auto shops waiting for SysTech to install the testing equipment. Final licensing and approval by the Missouri State Highway Patrol are required before the auto shop can begin performing the tests. As the state continues to license additional locations, each station’s name, location and phone number will be added to the Web site. Motorists can also look for an auto shop near them with the Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program blue reflective sign displayed with the yellow Missouri Official Vehicle Inspection Station sign, or they may visit the Web at www.GatewayVIP.com. They can also call 1-866-OBD-TEST
(623-8378). When searching the Web, motorists can choose a shop list by zip code or by city. The department recommends motorists call an inspection station prior to visiting the station.
Local auto shops are testing 1996 and newer gasoline-powered vehicles and 1997 and newer diesel-powered vehicles registered in the St. Louis ozone nonattainment area using on-board diagnostics equipment. This advanced computer inspection system will determine whether 1996 and newer vehicles pass or fail the emissions test. The nonattainment area includes the city of St. Louis and Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles and St. Louis counties.
Model year vehicles 1995 and older are exempt from the emissions testing requirements, as they do not contain the OBD equipment necessary for testing. However, safety inspections are still required biennially for all model years. The state estimates the older vehicles are approximately 20 to 25 percent of the fleet registered in the St. Louis ozone nonattainment area. The impact on ground-level ozone will continue to decrease as these vehicles become a smaller percentage of the fleet and are phased-out.
The State reminds September and October registrants they have some flexibility to fulfill their emissions testing requirements. These motorists can proceed to have their vehicles registered with a valid safety inspection and necessary supporting documents and will have extra time to complete the emissions inspection. Odd-model year vehicles with September plates have until Dec. 1 to complete their emissions test. Odd-model year vehicles with October plates have until Jan. 1.
The Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program is jointly administered by the Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The program is a key component of the ongoing effort to improve air quality in the St. Louis region.
MISSOURI HAZARDOUS WASTE COMMISSION APPROVES HOLCIM (U.S.) INC./ENERGIS LLC HAZARDOUS WASTE VARIANCE
The Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Commission approved Holcim (U.S.) Inc./Energis LLC’s June 22 variance petition, with conditions.
The approved variance order gives Holcim more flexibility in unloading hazardous waste from railcars.
Holcim is located on Hwy. 79 North, two miles north of Clarksville in Pike County. Holcim operates a single, wet process cement kiln. The kiln produces approximately 4,000 tons of clinker per day. Clinker is the primary ingredient in Portland cement. The company uses both coal and a variety of liquid and solid hazardous waste-derived fuels to heat its kiln. The company receives the hazardous waste by both truck and railcar. Energis LLC, a department within Holcim, operates the on-site liquid and solid hazardous waste fuel programs.
Holcim petitioned for a variance from Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Regulation 10 CSR 25-7.264 (3)(B)2. According to state regulations, “The owner/operator shall unload hazardous waste from an incoming railcar within 72 hours of receipt of the shipment.” Holcim handles approximately 170 railcars a year. Holcim is unable to control the scheduling and routing of incoming railcars from the railroad. This results in the railroad staging incoming railcars in various other, potentially less secure, locations off Holcim’s property until the company can accept them.
The Department of Natural Resources reviewed the variance petition and determined the request had only minor changes. The department recommended the commission grant the variance petition with conditions.
The variance order is available on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/permits/notices.htm. The public can also review and copy the variance order and supporting documents at the Bowling Green Free Public Library in Bowling Green, during normal business hours, or by appointment at the Department of Natural Resources’ Hazardous Waste Program,1738 Elm St., Jefferson City.
You may call or write the department at any time to request to have your name placed on the department’s Holcim mailing list. By doing this, you will receive notice from the department or Holcim on any major permitting and cleanup activities at the facility.
For more information, please 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.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES’ TESTING FINDS LAKE OF THE OZARKS WATER SAMPLES WITHIN E. COLI LIMITS
The final round of testing at the Lake of the Ozarks found all 57 samples well within the E. coli bacteria standard for swimming and other whole body contact recreation, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
The test samples, the sixth of monthly samplings that began in May, were taken Oct. 9. Of the 356 samples taken during the program, only eight exceeded the standard for the E. coli bacteria.
The same 57 sites were tested in June and August. During those three months, only one sample - taken in June from the McCoy Branch Cove - exceeded the standard for E. coli. The same location tested well within limits August and October.
The Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Department of Conservation, Ameren UE and the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance, tested 28 coves from Bagnell Dam to the Community Bridge. Alliance volunteers trained to do such sampling nearly doubled the number of sites that could be sampled.
The sampling protocol was arranged so that the 14 odd-numbered coves were sampled in odd-numbered months, and the remaining
even-numbered coves were sampled in even-numbered months. The testing will resume next May, focusing on a new series of coves.
Ameren is paying $15,000 per year for the five-year study. When completed, the water testing will include coves from Bagnell Dam to Truman Dam.
E. coli is 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.
Water sample test result data are online at www.lmvp.org/LOWA/ecoli.htm. A link to the data can also be accessed through Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance’s Web site, www.soslowa.org.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND EPA ISSUE
FINAL PERMITS TO
SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS INC.
The Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 issued final hazardous waste permits to Safety-Kleen Systems Inc.’s Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Independence, Springfield and St. Charles facilities.
The department issued the Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Facility Part I permits. EPA issued the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments Part II permits. The final permits allow the company to continue to operate the existing hazardous waste storage facilities.
Safety-Kleen operates active hazardous waste storage facilities at the following locations:
• 201 LaSalle St. in Cape Girardeau.
• 2400 Big Bear Court in Columbia.
• 901 South Yuma Ave. in Independence.
• 734 Northwest Bypass 66 in Springfield.
• 4526 Towne Court in St. Charles.
Safety-Kleen stores a variety of hazardous waste produced by their customers. The majority of Safety-Kleen’s customers
are small quantity generators. The hazardous waste is ultimately shipped to a Safety-Kleen recycling facility or a contract
reclaimer for processing.
The final permits (Part I and II) for each facility 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 their size. The public can review and copy the final permits (Parts I and II) and supporting documents at the information center listed on the Web site for that facility or at the following locations:
Missouri Department of Natural Resources*
1738 East Elm St. (lower level)
Jefferson City, MO
Phone: 573-522-3345
*By appointment only.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
Records Center
901 North Fifth St.
Kansas City, KS
Phone: (913) 551-7166
Hours: 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (not including federal holidays)
Anyone may call or write the department at any time to request to have their name placed on the department’s Safety-Kleen facility mailing list. By doing this, they will receive notice from the department or that facility on any major permitting and cleanup activities at the facility.
For more information on the Part I permits, please 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.
For more information on the Part II permits, please contact Patricia Murrow, EPA, Region 7, RCRA Corrective Action and Permits Branch, 901 North Fifth St., Kansas City, KS 66101. You can also reach Murrow by telephone at (913) 551-7627 or
800-223-0425 or by e-mail at murrow.patricia@epa.gov.
DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS PUBLIC COMMENT ON PROPOSED AIR PERMIT FOR ASSOCIATED ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE IN CARROLL COUNTY
The Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting public comment on a construction air permit for Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. Norborne Power Plant in Carroll County.
The permit enables construction of a new supercritical pulverized coal-fired boiler with related material handling and pollution
control equipment. A steam turbine generator with a net electrical output of 689 megawatts would also be constructed. The department has reviewed the construction air permit application, also known as a Prevention of Significant Deterioration application, from Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. Norborne Power Plant. The department’s preliminary determination is to approve the application with conditions.
All written comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 21. Written comments and oral public hearing testimony
are treated with equal consideration.
A copy of the application, the preliminary determination, and other related materials are available for public review at the following locations:
- Department of Natural Resources, Air Pollution Control Program, 1659A E. Elm St., Jefferson City, 573-751-4817.
- Department of Natural Resources, Northeast Regional Office, 1709 Prospect Dr., Macon, 660-385-8000.
- Norborne Library, 208 E. 4th Street, Norborne, 660-593-3744.
A copy of the preliminary determination is also available for public review on the department’s Web at
www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp/PermitPublicNotices.htm.
People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817. Hearing-impaired individuals may contact the program through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.
PRISCILLA STOTTS IS THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES OCTOBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
 |
| Priscilla Stotts accepts the Employee of the Month plaque from director Doyle Childers. |
Priscilla Stotts, an Environmental Specialist III with the Division of Environmental Quality, Water Protection Program, Water Pollution Control Branch, at the Lewis and Clark State Office Building in Jefferson City, has been named Employee of the Month for October 2007 by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
In making the nomination on behalf of her fellow WPP employees, environmental specialist Mary Clark said,“Educating tomorrow’s water consumers about the importance of clean streams and lakes may well be work of greatest lasting importance. Long after we retire, the work of Priscilla and the Stream Team Program will continue to influence citizens’ decisions on water quality.”
As a volunteer water quality monitor, Stotts trains volunteers all over the state to monitor the water quality of Missouri streams. She makes the information easy to understand and digest with an easygoing, plain talking, positive presentation. Stotts is always available to talk to volunteers and give them advice over the phone. She also is quite willing to go work with a group of new volunteers any day of the week that works best for them.
“Her positive, cheerful attitude is a huge asset for the department,” Clark said. “Our workshop evaluations always mention that the volunteers really like to have personal experience examples presented and Priscilla has a wealth of Stream Team experiences and many life experiences that come from jobs with EPA and the National Parks Service.”
Stotts is always willing to help organizations put on water festivals, like the new Niangua River monitoring event she is helping to set up. She also helped form the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Association this year and is involved with helping stream team associations like the Northern Ozark Rivers Partnership set up a major stream team conference for the St. Louis region.
Another part of her job is the oversight of water quality data that is received by the department from monitors all across the state. There are about 3,500 Stream Teams around the state and hundreds of dedicated monitors. They send Stotts a large amount of monitoring data and she is very conscientious about reviewing it.
“This is of ultimate importance to the department and why we are educating citizens to help in collecting data for the state,” said Clark. Stotts also developed a 10-year award and certificates for other years of service for volunteer monitors who are faithful submitters of data.
Young Stream Team members are encouraged to not only have fun, but to understand that water is worth caring about and investing in. Stotts also helps future generations by working with juvenile detention officers. Through workshops, at-risk kids get
hands-on learning and develop a sense of responsibility to society.
Stotts also has become editor of the Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring News and Notes. Through the newsletter, she provides positive suggestions for volunteers and encourages citizens as they help protect water quality.
As a major supporter of Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring for teachers, Stotts has helped set up summer teachers’ workshops most of the years she has been with the department. Stotts also provides teaching materials and support to home schoolers – connecting with a group that is often overlooked.
Stotts works nights to go to meetings, weekends to make presentations at water festivals and related events and always to help mentor volunteers. She puts in a lot of time on the road, away from home and also puts considerable effort into thinking about new ways to present information, collect data, define ideas for the newsletter and help volunteers be successful.
Priscilla Stotts has worked for the department since August 1998.
If you are interested in environmental careers with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources you can find job opportunities on the department’s Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/hr/registerandjobs.htm.
The department is constantly recruiting qualified individuals for available jobs.
For more information, call toll-free at 800-361-4827.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ORGANIZES
WORKGROUP
TO EXAMINE CAFO REGULATIONS
Next meeting set for Dec. 11 in Jefferson City
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has convened a workgroup to examine the state's Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation regulations. This workgroup will examine the department's Water Protection Program’s Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation regulations to determine if changes are needed.
The purpose of this workgroup is twofold. First, it will provide the department the opportunity to present and explain the current and impending federal rule changes that the state must implement. Second, it will allow the opportunity for stakeholders to provide input and comment to the department on other important issues related to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. These comments will be considered while drafting the revised Missouri Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation rule.
Approximately 30 stakeholders attended the first workgroup meeting on Oct. 30. The department has invited specific stakeholders to participate as workgroup members including members representing agricultural, environmental and government interests. The workgroup meetings are also open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend.
The next workgroup meeting is at 10 a.m. on Dec. 11, 2007 at the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Drive in Jefferson City. Those unable to attend the meeting can stay informed on the progress of the workgroup by visiting the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/cafo-workgroup.htm.
DEPARTMENT’S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CENTER RECEIVES PISCES AWARD
The Department of Natural Resources received a Performance and Innovation in the SRF Creating Environmental Success or PISCES Award for it’s comprehensive project tracking system. The Environmental Protection Agency recognized the department at the annual Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities in early November.
According to the award program, the comprehensive project tracking system has “improved the department’s accountability and financial management.” The department also posts tracking summaries to its Web site, which allows applicants to track their individual projects throughout the process.
The Environmental Protection Agency created the Performance and Innovation in the SRF Creating Environmental Success Awards in 2005 to recognize the extraordinary successes of the States’ Clean Water State Revolving Fund programs. Each Environmental Protection Agency Regional Office is able to nominate one state for this honor.
For more information on the State Revolving Fund, contact the department’s Water Protection Program at 573-751-1300 or visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/srf/index.html.
FOUR MISSOURI CITIES ARE FIRST TO BEGIN FIXING SEWERS UNDER
EPA STRATEGY FOR SMALL COMMUNITIES
Four Missouri wastewater treatment plants are the first in the region to begin fixing sewer discharge problems under a strategy
for small cities developed by Region 7 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and coordinated with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Bolivar, Buffalo, El Dorado Springs, and Fredericktown have signed consent orders with EPA agreeing to the action. The cities estimate they might spend from $3 million to $6 million each to achieve the needed improvements. The strategy for small cities allows each city to take a strong lead in addressing its problems and to work closely with EPA and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to ensure their efforts are successful.
EPA Region 7 Administrator John B. Askew said, “We have worked closely with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources
and traveled together to each of the four communities to meet in person. We have discussed plans for ongoing improvements to
the sewer collection system and treatment plant processes and how to achieve better fiscal planning for future needs.”
Each city has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit authorizing discharge of treated wastewater. The permit limits the amount of pollutants that can be discharged and requires proper operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and wastewater collection system.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will continue to ensure that, as the permits are reissued, they include conditions, limitations and schedules consistent with the new strategy.
Wet weather violations and other problems identified by EPA inspectors during routine inspections included sanitary sewer overflows, basement backups caused by plugged municipal sanitary sewer lines or lines unable to handle the loads, bypasses of all or a portion of the wastewater treatment equipment, or discharges from the treatment plants that exceeded the treatment capacity.
The wet weather violations can cause:
- Sewer and basement backups that release pollutants such as bacteria into areas where people could come into
contact with them. Bypasses or discharges that can release untreated or under-treated pollutants (bacteria, ammonia, suspended solids, oxygen-demanding pollutants) to a receiving stream. It is not uncommon for these events to flush or push significant quantities of solids into the stream. Release of ammonia, suspended solids and oxygen-demanding pollutants that are very harmful to aquatic life and might reduce the number of smaller organisms in the aquatic
food chain.
Each consent order sets a time frame for the community to complete certain tasks. The final orders include phased schedules for information collection, sewer system repair and maintenance, and planning. This phased approach allows the cities flexibility to address their needs as new information provides a better perspective on possible solutions. It will also allow the cities some flexibility based on their financial situation. There are no penalties associated with the orders.
EPA REGION 7 RECOGNIZES FIVE STAR RESTORATION AWARDEES
The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation environmental restoration project has received a grant for $15,677 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Five Star Restoration Program. This program brings together citizen groups, corporations, youth organizations, landowners, and government agencies to undertake projects that restore streams and wetlands.
EPA Region 7 Administrator John B. Askew said, “Wetlands and stream restoration projects are some of the best tools for improving water quality in our watersheds. The partnerships are key ingredients to the success of these restoration projects.”
The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation project will help to restore areas in and around Cape Girardeau, Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis. The effort will restore 21,000 acres of wetlands and 6,040 linear feet of waterside buffer habitat. Specific activities, which will be undertaken by Youth Conservation Corps crews, include native wetlands restoration, removal of in-stream debris, monitoring, buffer enhancements, native grass plantings, aquatic habitat improvements, and storm drain stenciling.
EPA’s Five Star Restoration Program is a partnership with several organizations, which is administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
EPA’s Five Star Restoration Program grants totaled more than $610,600 for 2007. They have gone to 42 community-based
wetland and stream side habitat restoration projects nationwide. The communities have committed an additional $2.1 million in
local project support.
For more information about the grants, contact Jason Daniels, EPA Region 7 environmental scientist, at (913) 551-7443
or toll-free 800-223-0425.
EPA ANNOUNCES DECISION ON MISSOURI’S LIST OF IMPAIRED WATERS
EPA has approved portions of Missouri’s 2004/2006 list of impaired waters.
EPA Region 7 Administrator John B. Askew said, “The Clean Water Act’s objective is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical
and biological integrity of the nation’s waters. Impaired waters are a concern for all of us.”
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources submitted its impaired waters list to EPA for review and approval, as required by the Clean Water Act.
EPA recognizes the department for its work in preparing the list of impaired waters. With this action, EPA is approving the following:
- Missouri’s decision to list 32 bodies of water.
- The removal of 131 bodies of water from the list of impaired waters.
EPA is continuing to review the remainder of the state’s list.
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. To report a hazardous substance spill call 573-634-2436.
DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO FIRE AT MCDONALD COUNTY CHICKEN FACILITY
A Nov. 13 fire at the MOARK plant near Anderson
in McDonald County killed approximately 2,000 chickens but did not affect a nearby waterway, according to the Missouri Department of
Natural Resources.
The department’s Environmental Emergency Response section was contacted by a plant official at 7 a.m. who reported the fire and expressed concerns that water from the firefighting efforts might drain into a nearby waterway. Staff from the department’s Southwest Regional Office in Springfield also responded.An inspection of the site following the fire found no fire suppression water left the site and no other environmental concerns.
DEPARTMENT ASSISTS EXCELSIOR SPRINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT IN OIL CLEANUP
On Nov. 15, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources responded to a report of spilled oil in an unnamed
Excelsior Springs waterway.
The department’s Environmental Emergency Response section was contacted shortly after noon by Excelsior Springs Fire Chief Kent Cantrell, requesting department assistance with a 55-gallon drum of used motor oil. Officials believed oil from the drum had drained into an unnamed waterway near the intersection of St. Louis Avenue and East Street.
Emergency response on-scene coordinators from the department’s Kansas City Regional Office were dispatched to the scene and found an oily sheen on a pool of standing water approximately 20 feet wide by 30 feet long. It was not possible to determine how much oil was in the water or if it had come from the abandoned drum or from another source.
With Excelsior Springs firefighters, Department of Natural Resources responders used absorbent booms and pads to clean the
spilled oil. The drum was also removed.
The department’s Environmental Emergency Response unit is called to the scene of more than 300 emergencies each year, including fires, traffic accidents, leaking storage tanks and other incidents that could have a negative environmental impact.
The department’s 24-hour spill line receives more than 1,600 incident reports annually.
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.
JOINT SOIL AND WATER DISTRICTS COMMISSION AND MISSOURI ASSOCIATION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS TO MEET NOV. 26
The Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission and the Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts will hold a public meeting from 10 a.m. to noon, Nov 26 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach. The Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission with then hold an additional public meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. at the same location.
For more information, call Theresa Mueller at the Department of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Conservation Program
at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4932.
WELL ABANDONMENT STAKEHOLDER GROUP TO MEET DEC. 4
The Well Abandonment Stakeholder Group will hold a public meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 13 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
SMALL BUSINESS COMPLIANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO MEET DEC. 6
The Missouri Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., Dec. 6 at Fred Weber Inc., 2320 Creve Coeur Mill Road, in Maryland Heights.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-7840.
MISSOURI AIR CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO MEET DEC. 6
The Missouri Air Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Dec. 6 at the Harry S Truman State Office Building, 301 W. High St., Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-4817.
AIR PROGRAM ADVISORY FORUM TO MEET DEC. 6
The Air Program Advisory Forum will hold a public meeting from 1 to 3 p.m., Dec. 6 at the Harry S Truman State Office Building, 301 W. High St., Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-7840.
SMALL BUSINESS COMPLIANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO MEET DEC. 6
The Missouri Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting at 11:30 a.m., Dec.6, at the
Department of Natural Resources’ office located at 1659 E. Elm St, Jefferson City.
For more information, call Lucy Thompson at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-7840.
WELL AND PUMP CONTRACTOR TESTING TO BE HELD DEC. 12
The Wellhead Protection Section will hold well and pump contractor testing at 9 a.m., Dec. 12, 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
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION TO MEET DEC. 13
The Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m. Dec. 13 at the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Dr., Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176.
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.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Public service announcements may be downloaded for use by any newspaper, magazine, newsletter, radio stations, etc. The department will continue to add new announcements to the Web each month. If you would like to receive new announcements by e-mail as they are made available, please contact kathy.deters@dnr.mo.gov and provide your publication name and e-mail address.
REGIONAL OFFICE MAP
Department of Natural Resources' Regional Offices provide field inspections, complaint investigation and front-line troubleshooting, problem solving and technical assistance on environmental and emergencies for the following programs:
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INTERNET ADDRESSES
Missouri Department of Natural Resources at www.dnr.mo.gov
Division of Environmental Quality at www.dnr.mo.gov/env
Air Pollution Control Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp
Division of Geology and Land Survey at www.dnr.mo.gov/geology/
Energy Center at www.dnr.mo.gov/energy
Environmental Services Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/esp
Gateway Clean Air Program at www.gatewaycleanair.com
Hazardous Waste Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp
Historic Preservation at www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/index.html
Land Reclamation Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/lrp
Soil and Water Conservation Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swcp
Solid Waste Management Program at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp
State Parks, Division of at www.mostateparks.com
Water Protection Program - Drinking Water Branch at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp
Water Protection Program - Water Pollution Branch at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp
SUBSCRIBE ON THE WEB TO READ PROTECTING MISSOURI'S NATURAL RESOURCES NEWSLETTER ONLINE
Sign up now to receive a monthly e-mail reminder and link to the online version of Protecting Missouri’s Natural Resources newsletter. A subscription form is now available on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/pmnr/subscribe_pmnr.htm. People who subscribe will receive an e-mail containing a link to the latest issue of the newsletter.
If you subscribe to receive the online newsletter, please let us know to cancel your current hard copy subscription to save printing and mailing costs associated with the newsletter.
Contact us at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-6892 or send an e-mail to cancel your hard copy subscription to elisha.bonnot@dnr.mo.gov.
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