Protecting Missouri's Natural Resources is a monthly newsletter that informs readers about environmental issues.
December 2007
TIRE DUMP ROUNDUP CLEANUP PROGRAM CONTINUES
The beautiful colors of the foliage have fallen, giving you a closer look at Missouri's landscapes. Unfortunately, some of those surroundings are littered with piles of scrap tires. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources suggests now is a great time of year to enroll in the department's Tire Dump Roundup Program and rid your property of unwanted scrap tires at no cost.
Enrollment into the Tire Dump Roundup Program is limited to sites containing approximately 500 to 10,000 tires. Active businesses and property owners who have participated in prior cleanup initiatives are not eligible. The program allows Missouri private property owners to self-report tire dumps on their property and have them cleaned up for free. The owner must sign an access agreement. The agreement states that if a property owner violates the solid waste management law in the future, the department can proceed with assessing penalties and cost recovery for the cleanup.
The Department of Natural Resources established the Tire Dump Roundup Program in November 2006. Over the past year, 133 sites containing an estimated 273,230 tires met the qualifications and enrolled in program. To date, 47 of those sites containing a total of 173,966 tires have been cleaned up and removed from Missouri's environment. Missouri Vocational Enterprises provides the labor for the cleanups.
Other financial incentive programs are available to those who do not qualify for the Tire Dump Roundup Program. The department continues to work with Missouri's solid waste districts and not-for-profit citizens groups in cleaning up dumpsites that contain fewer than 500 tires.
The Scrap Tire Fee, a 50-cent-per-tire fee charged on every new tire purchased in Missouri, funds the cleanups. Since the fee was established in 1990, more than 14 million tires have been removed from Missouri's environment. The fee is set by statute and currently due to expire Jan. 1, 2010.
Illegal scrap tire dumps pose serious environmental and health threats. Insects and rodents that grow and breed in these dumps can transmit diseases, such as the West Nile virus. Fires at tire dumps can release hazardous substances to the air, soil and water sources.
When recycled properly, scrap tires have other beneficial uses. Tires can be made into playground surfaces, running tracks, recycled rubber products and can even be burned for fuel in power plants. In 2005 and 2006, more than 5.5 million tires were used as tire-derived-fuel in power plants. The department is also working with the Missouri Department of Transportation to promote the use of scrap tires in asphalt for Missouri's roadways.
For more information or to sign up for the program, contact the department's Scrap Tire Unit at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-3909.
MISSOURIANS KEEP 44 PERCENT OF TRASH OUT OF LANDFILLS IN 2006
The Department of Natural Resources has determined Missourians kept an estimated 44 percent of its trash out of landfills during 2006. This waste that didn’t make it to the landfill was recycled, reused, composted or used to generate energy. This benefits consumers by keeping the cost of waste collection down and extending the life of the landfill. Diverting waste benefits the environment by cutting down on greenhouse gasses and reducing the amount of contaminants that may potentially leak into the ground.
This percentage is down from the 46 percent diverted in 2005. Some of the drop may be attributed to the increase of storm debris placed in landfills after Missouri experienced severe storms during 2006. In addition, the estimated amount of trash generated statewide has increased from 12.1 million tons a year ago to 12.5 million tons in 2006.
The Department of Natural Resources estimates 1.2 tons of waste was landfilled per person in the state when distributed across Missouri's population. This is up slightly from 1.13 tons per person in 2005. Since 2001, however, Missouri continues to exceed the state's 40 percent waste diversion goal established in 1990 by Senate Bill 530.
"In the past 16 years, the department and Missouri's 20 solid waste management districts have helped to create and sustain recycling services across the state," said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. "Comprehensive waste prevention, public education efforts, material recovery facilities and composting operations all play a part in improving the way Missourians manage their solid waste."
If you would like to reduce the amount of waste you generate, here are a few steps to follow:
- Avoid purchasing over-packaged products.
- Buy concentrated products.
- Reuse cardboard boxes, plastic bags and paper sacks.
- Invest in durable, quality products rather than disposable ones.
- Remove your name from the mailing lists of materials you no longer wish to receive.
- Avoid online purchases that can be purchased locally.
- Buy reusable containers while avoiding containers that can only be thrown away.
- Use sealable storage containers rather than plastic wrap.
The department has several fact sheets and brochures on the Web that can provide additional ways to reduce waste. For additional ways to reduce waste in your business or home, visit the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/index.htm or contact Dennis Hansen at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.
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 helps keep track of general facility information when dealing with hazardous waste, water issues, land reclamation, air emissions and more. 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 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 also 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 AND EPA ISSUE FINAL HAZARDOUS WASTE PERMIT MODIFICATIONS TO LONE STAR INDUSTRIES INC.
The Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 have issued final hazardous waste permit modifications to Lone Star Industries Inc. at 2524 South Sprigg St. in Cape Girardeau.
The department issued the Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Facility Part I permit modifications. EPA issued the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments Part II permit modifications. The final permit modifications allow the company to convert two burn tanks into storage/blend tanks and to build and operate two new burn tanks.
Lone Star operates an active dry process cement kiln to produce Portland cement. Lone Star primarily uses coal to heat its kiln. To supplement its fuel needs, Lone Star also uses non-hazardous waste fuels, such as tires and used oil, and hazardous waste fuels. Most of the hazardous waste comes from off-site hazardous waste generators or third party hazardous waste blenders or brokers. The hazardous waste is received in bulk and stored in tanks until they are fed to the kiln as liquid fuel.
The final permit modifications 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 permit modifications and supporting documents at any of the following locations:
- Cape Girardeau Public Library
711 North Clark St., Cape Girardeau.
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources
1738 East Elm St. (lower level), Jefferson City
Phone: 573-522-3345.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7 - Records Center
901 N. Fifth St., Kansas City, KS
Phone: (913) 551-7166.
There were no comments made on the draft Part I or Part II permit modifications during the public comment period. Any aggrieved party may pursue an appeal of the department’s Part I permit modifications by filing a petition with the Administrative Hearing Commission by Dec. 14, according to the procedures outlined in Section 621.250, RSMo. Appeals must be sent to the Administrative Hearing Commission, P.O. Box 1557, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or by fax to 573-751-5018. The department also requests a copy of the appeal request be provided to Robert Geller, Director, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Hazardous Waste Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176.
For information concerning appeal procedures for the Part II permit modifications, please see the procedures outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR 124.19.
Anyone may call or write the department at any time to request to have his or her name placed on Lone Star’s mailing list. By doing this, they will receive notice from the department or Lone Star on any major permitting and cleanup activities at the facility.
For more information concerning the permitting process or Part I permit modifications or to obtain a written copy of the permit, contact Robert A. Clay at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Hazardous Waste Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176. You can also reach Clay by telephone at 573-751-3553 or 800-361-4827 or by e-mail at robert.clay@dnr.mo.gov. Hearing and speech-impaired people may reach Clay through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966.
For more information on the Part II permit modifications, contact Ken Herstowski, P.E., EPA Region 7, Resource Conservation Recovery Act Corrective Action and Permits Branch, 901 N. Fifth St., Kansas City, KS 66101. You can also reach Herstowski by telephone at (913) 551-7631 or 800-223-0425 or by e-mail at herstowski.ken@epa.gov.
GOV. BLUNT ISSUES MORE THAN $56 MILLION TO EIGHT MISSOURI COMMUNITIES FOR WATER TREATMENT
Loan Program Helps Communities Improve Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment
Gov. Blunt announced the State of Missouri is issuing $56.7 million to eight cities and a regional sewer district to improve their drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities. Recipients are Buffalo, Columbia, Dexter, Hamilton, Nevada, Owensville, Trenton, Washington and the Boone County Regional Sewer District.
"These improvements to drinking water and treatment facilities help communities provide safe drinking water and maintain high water quality in their streams and lakes," said Gov. Blunt. "With this loan program the state is partnering with these communities to improve their water infrastructure so they can maintain a high quality of life for their residents and protect the environment for all Missourians."
The loans are possible through the State Revolving Fund. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources operates the perpetual loan program that provides subsidized, low-interest loans to communities and public water and sewer districts statewide. These loans are used to construct water and wastewater treatment facilities. Federal funds through the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency provide 80 percent of the loan pool with a 20 percent state match. To date, the program has financed $1.93 billion of construction statewide and provided interest savings of over $573 million to its participants as compared to conventional financing.
The average interest rate on the water and wastewater bonds was 1.53 percent after the program's 70 percent interest subsidy is applied. These extremely low-interest rates allow communities to achieve infrastructure improvements and environmental compliance at affordable user rates.
Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers was pleased with the results of this financing. "Missouri's State Revolving Fund program continues as a national leader," said Childers. "The communities participating in the State Revolving Fund program will be able to make environmental improvements to their water and wastewater infrastructure while keeping rates affordable for their customers."
For more information, contact the department's Water Protection Program at 573-751-1192 or visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/srf/index.html.
DEPARTMENT RELEASES FINDINGS OF CARTHAGE INDUSTRIAL BOTTOMS ODOR EVALUATION
Preliminary findings of the odor evaluation performed at the Carthage Industrial Bottoms have been released. The evaluation, performed by Microanalytics™, took place between Oct. 28 and Nov. 1. The initial investigation was designed to determine specific chemical elements in the nuisance odors experienced by citizens in Carthage in the hopes of aiding the department in identifying the source or sources of the odors.
This first phase involved an innovative approach that combines evaluation of the odor by the human nose in conjunction with a chemical analysis. In this method, samples are taken by an investigator who is on sight recording information about the character of the odor. The samples are then analyzed to determine the specific chemical compounds in the odor. This analysis is conducted by the on-sight investigator who attempts to match the specific chemical compounds to the odors experienced on sight. The department is hopeful this innovative approach will result in a more effective way to solve community odor nuisance problems.
"Odors are one of the most difficult air quality problems we deal with because the science is very complex and individual people have different responses to odor," said Leanne Tippett Mosby, deputy director of the department's Division of Environmental Quality. "We are very hopeful this investigation will move us closer to finding solutions to the nuisance odors experienced by Carthage citizens."
Don Wright of Microanalytics™, performed the initial phase of the investigation, which was funded by the department. Microanalytics™ is a leading analytical lab dedicated to all aspects of odor analysis. Microanalytics™ is based in Round Rock, Texas. The department's technical experts are now in the process of analyzing the results and planning the next phase of the investigation, which will be undertaken by department personnel.
The full report is available for review on the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp/index.html.
BROWNFIELDS/VOLUNTARY CLEANUP PROGRAM OVERSEES SUCCESSFUL CLEANUPS
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has issued certificates of completion for several new Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program sites.
Brownfields are abandoned or underused industrial or commercial sites located primarily in urban areas that are either contaminated or thought to be contaminated. Through the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program, private parties agree to clean up a contaminated site and are offered some protection from future state and federal enforcement action at the site in the form of a “No Further Action” letter or “Certificates of Completion” from the state.
Windsor Townhouse Apartments – St. Louis
On Oct. 12, 2007, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program issued a Certificate of Completion for the Windsor Townhouse Apartments, located at 6699 Amora Drive, Berkeley, St. Louis County, Missouri, for addressing volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in soil and groundwater.
The site consists of 15 residential apartment buildings on two acres. Initial site assessments revealed the presence of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in soil and groundwater. From further assessment, it appears that the contamination is from an off-site source and that the subject site has neither caused nor contributed to the contamination. A risk assessment of the subject site determined that there is no risk to residents from the contaminants present. The site will continue to be used for residential purposes.
Security And Marquette Buildings – St. Louis
On Nov. 2, 2007, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program issued a Certificate of Completion for two St. Louis Buildings, the Security Building located at 319 North 4th Street, and the Marquette, located at 314 North Broadway. Asbestos containing materials, lead-based paint and other miscellaneous materials were cleaned up at the two sites.
The Security and Marquette Buildings, built in the 1890’s and early 1900’s, respectively, occupy a downtown block in St. Louis near the Arch, in an area that was historically part of St. Louis’s financial district. The buildings have been primarily used as office space. Both buildings are on the National Register for Historic Places.
In accordance with a remedial action plan approved by the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program, the asbestos containing materials, lead-based paint and other miscellaneous materials were successfully removed, with the exception of some asbestos containing materials and lead-based paint in the Security Building, located in areas inaccessible to renovation. The asbestos containing materials and lead-based paint left in place in the Security Building was encapsulated, and an Operations and Maintenance Plan was approved for these materials and filed in the property’s chain of title.
The Marquette will be developed for residential use and the Security Building will continue to be used as office space. The renovation of the Security Building included several environmentally friendly and energy saving designs, and the owners of the building intend to apply for “green” certification.
Heege School - Affton
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program issued a Certificate of Completion for the Heege School site in Affton, Missouri. In June 2005, the Heege School site was entered into the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program for cleanup of asbestos containing materials and lead-based paint in the three-story building.
The 1.8-acre site was initially developed in 1931 as the Heege Public Elementary School. Over the next several decades, improvements were made to the school, which included construction of additional floors. The public school operated continuously until the mid-1970s. Following the school closure, a religious organization briefly occupied the building until 1982 when it was purchased by the Order of Elks. The building was then renamed the Affton Elk’s Lodge #2635 and served as their headquarters for over 20 years. In 2004, the Elks sold the property to a developer whose original plan was to renovate the existing structure for residential housing.
Site investigations documented asbestos containing materials and lead-based paint in various parts of the building. The asbestos containing materials was removed in accordance with a department-approved risk management plan. Subsequent to the asbestos containing materials removal, and partly due to a downturn in the banking and housing market industries, the developer made the decision to demolish the existing structure in lieu of renovating it for residential housing. The demolition was conducted in accordance with St. Louis County regulations and was completed in October 2007. The department has determined that site is safe for unrestricted use. The developer is currently considering his options as to the future use of the now-vacant site.
This brings the total number of sites cleaned up under the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program to 331.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-8913.
WESTGATE CLEANERS IN CREVE COEUR CLEANS UP CHLORINATED SOLVENT CONTAMINATION
Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund Issues First Certificate of Completion
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently issued a Certificate of Completion to Westgate Cleaners in Creve Coeur, Missouri, for cleaning up chlorinated solvent contamination at the site. This is the first Certificate of Completion issued by the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program’s Drycleaning Environmental Response Trust Fund, also known as DERT.
Westgate Cleaners is a tenant business located in the Westgate Center, a seven-acre shopping center in Creve Coeur, Missouri. In April 2005, the Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup Program issued a Certificate of Completion to a five-story office building complex adjacent to the Westgate Center. During that site’s investigative process, chlorinated solvent contaminants were discovered on-site. It is believed to have originated over the past several decades from one or more of the various drycleaning businesses that occupied the space currently leased by Westgate Cleaners.
In April 2006, the tenant operator of Westgate Cleaners, in conjunction with the owners of the Westgate Center, enrolled the drycleaner site into the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program for the evaluation of chlorinated solvent contamination. In September 2006, shortly after the DERT Fund rules went into effect, the site was voluntarily withdrawn from the Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program and enrolled in the DERT Fund. This allowed the investigative process to continue and, if necessary, complete remediation of the shopping center’s property near the drycleaner.
The current drycleaner operator had used chlorinated solvents until the end of 2005, when the drycleaning process was converted to a more environmentally friendly, non-chlorinated solvent process. This transition eliminated the original source of solvent contamination. However, during the 2006 initial site investigations, residual chlorinated solvent contaminants, including Tetrachloroethene, also known as PERC, and some of its degraded chemicals, were discovered in the soil and groundwater behind the drycleaner.
The site was evaluated in accordance with the Departmental Missouri Risk-Based Corrective Action Technical Guidance. Based on reviews of the reports, as well as a comparison with current state standards, the levels of chlorinated solvent contamination did not exceed the Missouri Risk-Based Corrective Action risk based target levels for any regulated drycleaning chemicals.
Westgate Cleaners is the first site to receive a Certificate of Completion under the rules governing the DERT Fund, which went into effect May 30, 2006. Currently, there are 23 operating or abandoned drycleaner sites currently enrolled in the DERT Fund.
Through the DERT Fund, private parties agree to investigate and, if necessary, clean up a contaminated site, and are offered some protection from future state enforcement action at the site in the form of a no further action letter or Certificate of Completion from the state. DERT Fund participants are also eligible for reimbursement of eligible investigative or remedial expenses.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-8913.
DEPARTMENT IDENTIFIES WATER SYSTEMS THAT FAIL TO COMPLY WITH TESTING REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Natural Resources has released a list of 37 drinking water systems that have chronically failed to conduct required bacteriological testing.
The department requires all public water systems to test for bacteria at least once a month to verify that these systems are providing safe drinking water to the public. While failing to monitor does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe, routine testing is a crucial part of maintaining a safe water supply.
The vast majority of community and non-community public water systems in Missouri complies with all monitoring requirements and meets all drinking water standards. Chronic violators are the exception rather than the rule, as this current list of 37 systems represents only 1.3 percent of the approximately 2,800 public drinking water systems in Missouri.
Bacteriological testing can be the first step in identifying and correcting a problem. The next step is to investigate the cause of any bad samples and perform corrective action, such as disinfecting and flushing the system. When a public water system has a record of both failing to monitor and a history of exceeding contaminant levels, this may raise concerns about the unknown quality of the drinking water.
If a water sample tests positive for total coliform bacteria, further testing is then performed for fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria, which can directly cause gastrointestinal illness. Most samples that test positive for total coliform, test negative for fecal coliform or E. coli. The total coliform-positive samples that are listed tested negative for fecal coliform or E. coli, unless specifically stated otherwise.
To view more details on the violators listed below, visit the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/chronic/index.html.
County -- Public Drinking Water System
Benton -- Sun Valley Subdivision
Camden -- Bambooze, Donna's Ice House, Knoockers, Little Willie's, Mariner's Pier 31 Yacht Club
Christian -- Spokane Handy Mart
Franklin -- Charmwood Subdivision, Delta Motel, Native Experience Campground
Greene -- Strafford Sports Complex, Wimpy's Corner Store
Hickory -- Nemo Bridge Resort
Jasper -- Royal Oaks Arena, The Hitchin Post, T's Corner
Lawrence -- Youngberg Estates Mobile Home Park
Maries -- Moreland's Restaurant and Lounge
McDonald -- Gann's One Stop
Miller -- Pizza Hut of Lake Ozark
Morgan -- Frog's, Smoked on the Water, The Dummy, Three Pigs Bar B Q and Grill,
Uncle Sam's Ice Cream and Deli
Ozark -- Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch, The Grapevine
St. Louis -- Concord Village Youth Sports Complex
Stone -- Cape Fair Mobile Home Park, Pizza World, Starlight Village, Starrlite Village 4th Addition, Stormy Point Campground and Resort
Taney -- Branson Log Homes, Croc's Place
Washington -- L & M Mobile Home Park
Webster -- Country Quick Stop
These systems' owners have been sent multiple violation notices in addition to certified letters informing them that chronic failure to monitor is unacceptable. Representatives of the Department of Natural Resources also routinely make on-site inspections and attempt to reach an agreement with the responsible parties to ensure sampling requirements will be met. If these parties continue to fail to comply with Missouri's drinking water law, the department pursues more stringent enforcement action through legal channels.
For more information, contact the department's Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-8309.
FILL THE STOCKINGS WITH GEOLOGIC TREASURES FROM THE
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 
Looking for a Christmas gift for your rock enthusiast, fossil hunter, outdoors person, naturalist or historian? If so, be sure to visit to 111 Fairgrounds Road in Rolla the next time you venture out to do your holiday shopping. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of Geology and Land Survey have four sets of trading cards that make great stocking stuffers. Also available are beautiful books about our state's amazing geology.
The first set of educational trading cards contains 40 cards. The second and third sets contain 60 cards each. These cards cover a variety of general interest topics: caves, dams, fossils, geology, geologic wonders, Ice Age animals, rivers, publications, springs, land surveying, rocks, minerals, wells, springs and past state geologists.
The most recently published card series contains 80 cards. It highlights the Missouri River's outstanding natural resources as it follows the path taken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's Corps of Discovery expedition 200 years ago. Learn about Missouri state parks, conservation areas, scenic river towns and sites of interest. See riverside statues and monuments honoring Lewis and Clark's journey, murals within the Capitol, portraits of the explorers and numerous breath-taking river scenes.
The cards are suitable for children and adults of all ages. The price of the first series of trading cards is $6, the second, third and fourth sets are $8 each (tax and shipping not included). These cards come with game instructions, or you can make up your own games.
Books are always great gifts too. The Department of Natural Resources offers a number of full-color books that continue to be favorites for Missourians and visitors to our great state. One of the best sellers is Geologic Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri by Thomas R. Beveridge, Second Edition, revised by Jerry D. Vineyard. This beautiful 392-page book locates and describes more than 400 interesting geologic features, including mountains, hills, knobs, mounds, shut-ins, waterfalls, rapids, bluffs and others amazing features throughout Missouri. Another popular title is Springs of Missouri by Jerry D. Vineyard and Gerald L. Feder, with sections on fauna and flora by William L. Pflieger and Robert G. Lipscomb. This 267-page book describes and locates large springs of Missouri; it includes rates of flow and water composition and quality. The book also provides information on what makes springs work, pollution potential and historical use of springs.
Geologic and topographic maps of Missouri and posters about the geology and geologic mapping of the state are also available at the department's Division of Geology and Land Survey. Many other popular publications can be purchased: Missouri Ice Age Animals, The Common Fossils of Missouri, Exploring the Legacy of Missouri -- State Parks and Historic Sites and more!
For the computer and geographic information system enthusiast, the Division of Geology and Land Survey offers the MEGA 2007 CD-ROM, a collection of interactive computer maps that allows users access to more than 30 statewide GIS data layers, all from the computer desktop. The state of Missouri has been collecting geologic data since the mid-1800s, so vast amounts of data are available. This information enables users to apply earth science data to real-world issues. Many of the data layers allow for better decisions related to the use and protection of our state's water. Landowners, developers, engineers, geologists, planners, consultants, first responders, researchers, teachers and students will find this tool particularly helpful.
The trading cards, books and the CD-ROM may be ordered online (www.dnr.mo.gov/geology/adm/publications/). They can also be ordered by calling the Division of Geology and Land Survey at 573-368-2125 or 800-361-4827 or drop by the Rolla office weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. When visiting, allow time to tour the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology where rocks, minerals, fossils (including a mastodon tusk) and map-making tools are on display. Also visit the division's Web site at: www.dnr.mo.gov/geology.
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION PROGRAM FEATURES MARCI’S RECYCLING ADVENTURE SERIAL
In fall 2007, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Newspapers in Education program ran a serial kid’s story called Marci’s Recycling Adventure. The story is about Marci, a fifth-grader student who doesn’t really understand the big deal about recycling. When her family moves to a new town with a recycling pick-up program, her mother jumps on the bandwagon, but Marci just doesn’t get it. On her first day of school her class takes a field trip to a magic recycling center to learn why recycling is so important.
The tour guide is Dr. Greenlove, a magician with a suit made of leaves and vines. The Doctor takes them on a series of adventures including a trip into the future to see what will be in landfills 70 years from now if we don’t recycle.
According to Kristi Hurst of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “After we bounced the idea around for a while about an environmental serial story for kids about recycling. We found a writer, developed the story line and went from there.” Blaise Sewell wrote the stories for the newspaper.
That’s where the Department of Natural Resources stepped in. The project was funded in part by the St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste Management District grant funds provided by the department. The district reviewed the stories and helped with some technical assistance.
The stories appeared in the paper from Sept. 19 to Oct. 2, 2007. The newspaper plans to run them again sometime in spring 2008. Watch for them to find out if Marci ever truly understands the benefits of recycling.
ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The department's Environmental Emergency Response provides daily support and protection for the citizens of Missouri. On-scene coordinators are located throughout the state and available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to respond to hazardous substance spills. Some of the protection and services the department provides are:
- emergency response training and planning;
- advice on hazardous chemicals and technical expertise used to provide spill cleanup advice and oversight;
- coordinate private contractors to clean up hazardous material spills;
- ensure a proper environmental cleanup is completed;
- drug lab seizure assistance;
- Chemical Accident Prevention Program for businesses that use hazardous chemicals;
- Homeland security issues.
Environmental Emergency Response staff use specially designed vehicles that contain protective gear, air monitoring instruments, sampling equipment and spill cleanup equipment. The department's Environmental Emergency Response Team is funded from a hazardous waste generator fee. To report a hazardous substance spill call 573-634-2436.
On Nov. 8, a tanker truck lost 800 gallons of unleaded
gas following an accident on southbound 270 in St. Louis
County. The gasoline soaked into right away soils along
southbound 270 and migrated south. Local firefighters
and the department's Environmental Emergency
Response unit were immediately dispatched to the scene.
The local fire department applied foam to reduce fuel vapors
and Missouri Department of Transportation personnel
constructed three sand dikes in the ditch to contain
the product. The department conducted a follow-up visit
to ensure proper clean-up of the gasoline spill.
(DNR photo by Adam Vrabec)
DEPARTMENT OVERSEES CLEANUP OF MULTIPLE ST. CHARLES MERCURY RELEASE SITES
A St. Charles woman and her two sons were evacuated from their home after emergency responders, including environmental emergency responders from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, found a pound of mercury in the family's basement.
The department's Environmental Emergency Response section was called to a home in St. Charles after the St. Charles Fire Department reported a possible mercury release at the home. Responders from the department's emergency response section at Route 66 State Park found the mercury on the basement floor, performed air monitoring tests and discovered mercury vapors present in the air at levels 28 times higher than levels considered safe.
The family was evacuated from the home and advised to seek medical attention for the possible effects of mercury exposure. Department responders, working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, returned to the house with a cleanup contractor to remove the mercury from the house.
Additional evidence of the mercury was found on the clothing and shoes of a neighborhood friend at school. The principal of the school first notified fire officials after beads of mercury were found near the desk of one of the boys.
Elevated mercury vapor levels 10 times the level considered safe were discovered the neighborhood friend's home. His clothes had been contaminated. A bag of contaminated clothes and shoes was removed from the house, and the house was allowed to ventilate to reduce the vapors.
The mercury beads found at the school were removed and air monitoring of the site determined that no additional action was needed.
Metallic mercury is liquid at room temperature and has no odor. It was once commonly used in thermometers, barometers, switches and blood-pressure measuring devices.
When spilled, some of the metal will evaporate into the air and can be carried long distances. Mercury is toxic when inhaled. Improper clean up with a vacuum, paintbrush or household cleaner increases exposure by dispersing the mercury into the air.
Short-term exposure to high levels of mercury vapors may cause serious health effects including lung damage, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as increases in blood pressure or heart rate, skin rashes and eye irritation. Symptoms from chronic or long-term exposure can develop in just a few weeks. Tremors, decreased eye-hand coordination, memory problems, insomnia and irritability can develop quickly. If these symptoms are not correctly identified and exposure is not prevented, then permanent nervous system damage can occur. For more information about health risks, contact the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at 573-751-6102.
The Department of Natural Resources Environmental Emergency Response section 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.
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 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. 14, the 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 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.
Excelsior Springs firefighters and Department of Natural Resources responders used absorbent booms and pads to clean the spilled oil. The drum was also removed.
DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO PARKING LOT COLLAPSE AT FERGUSON SERVICE STATION
On Nov. 26, emergency responders from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources were called to investigate a petroleum product release caused by the collapse of a portion of Ferguson service station parking lot.
Officials from the Ferguson Fire Department contacted the department's Environmental Emergency Response section after a storm sewer drain collapsed under the parking lot of Convenience Food Mart at 1108 South Florissant. Local fire officials noted the smell of petroleum products and contacted the department.
An environmental emergency responder was dispatched from Route 66 State Park and found that approximately 10 to 20 gallons of kerosene had entered the storm sewer when the collapse damaged a pipe that connected an underground storage tank to a service pump. The storm sewer empties into a creek approximately 150 yards from the collapse. Further investigation determined that none of the fuel left the site of the collapse.
DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO GASOLINE LEAK AT PUTNAM COUNTY SERVICE STATION
On Nov. 18, emergency responders from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources were called to investigate the release of an estimated 480 gallons of gasoline from a Unionville service station.
The department’s Environmental Emergency Response section was contacted by Putnam County Emergency Management Director Dave Garrison, who reported a gasoline leak from McCormack’s MFA Service at 28637 Highway 136 in Unionville. The release was discovered after gasoline was found in the road ditch on both sides of Highway 136. The Unionville Fire Department built berms in the area to contain the fuel.
The department ordered the service station owner to shut down the station’s aboveground gasoline storage tank until the cause of the leak was determined and to make arrangements to remove the gasoline from the ditch. Environmental Emergency Response section staff from the department’s Northeast Regional Office in Macon also responded to oversee the cleanup.
An environmental cleanup firm has been hired, and the Missouri Department of Agriculture, which oversees weights and measures issues, including service station pumps, has also been notified. Excavation at the site is likely to remove soil contaminated by the gasoline.
DEPARTMENT RESOURCES RESPONDS TO SCENE OF LINCOLN COUNTY TRAIN DERAILMENT
On Nov. 28, emergency responders from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources were called to Lincoln County to assess the environmental impact of a train derailment accident.
The department's Environmental Emergency Response section was contacted by Lincoln County officials who reported that the train, owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, struck a tractor trailer at a crossing, causing the train to derail. Unknown amounts of diesel fuel spilled from the truck's fuel tanks into a small creek that eventually enters the Mississippi River.
The department dispatched a state on-scene coordinator from the emergency response station at Route 66 State Park to assess the environmental situation and to oversee the cleanup. The railroad and Deutsch Trucking have both contacted an environmental contractor to perform cleanup at the site.
DEPARTMENT MONITORING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF JEFFERSON CITY EXPLOSION
The department's Environmental Emergency Response section will continue to oversee the cleanup of waterways affected by the release of diesel fuel following the Nov. 28 crash and explosion involving a tanker truck carrying nearly 8,000 of gasoline, ethanol and diesel fuel in Jefferson City.
One of two vacuum trucks from Environmental Restoration, a St. Louis environmental cleanup company contracted by the truck's owner, Western Oil Inc, Earth City, arrived at the scene and began retrieving contaminated water from an area behind one of the two containment dams built to prevent escaped fuel from entering Wear's Creek. The second truck was used to clean up water that was used by the Jefferson City Fire Department to wash the remaining fuel and firefighting foam from the roadway at the accident site.
Work to excavate a spillway near the accident scene was conducted. Fuel from the scene had seeped under the spillway, contaminating the soil underneath.
The department responded to the scene of the accident after receiving reports of significant amounts of the gasoline fuel being carried by the tanker truck had spilled. Foam used by firefighters was also entering the storm water drainage system.
Department emergency responders determined the extent to which the fuel had migrated from the site and coordinated with the Cole County Emergency Response Team and Jefferson City public works employees to build two underflow dams to contain the spread of the fuel while allowing uncontaminated water to continue downstream. Dams were built along an unnamed storm water ditch near the end of Washington Street and near Duensing field west of Highway 54. The first dam is believed to have captured most of the fuel, with the second dam being added as a precaution. The ditch is a tributary of Wear's Creek, but responders found that no fuel entered the creek.
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.
CLEAN WATER COMMISSION TO MEET JAN. 9
The Missouri Clean Water Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m., Jan. 9 at the Courtyard by Marriott, 3301 Lemone Industrial Blvd., Columbia.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1300.
LAND RECLAMATION COMMISSION TO MEET JAN. 24
The Missouri Land Reclamation Commission will hold a public meeting at 10 a.m., Jan. 24 at the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, 1101 Riverside Dr., Jefferson City.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources’ Land Reclamation Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-6893.
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 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
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