News Release No. 245

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES HOSTS PUBLIC MEETING ON DOE RUN'S LEAD AIR QUALITY PLAN ON JUNE 22 IN HERCULANEUM

Volume 34-245

Contact: Renee Bungart

(For immediate release)

573-751-4465

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 16, 2006 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will host a public meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 22, 2006 in the cafeteria of Herculaneum High School, 1 Blackcat Drive, Herculaneum.

During the meeting, the department will inform local citizens and other concerned individuals or organizations about the details of Missouri's obligations to update the State Implementation Plan (SIP). The department will explain plans to address the state's obligations and provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions and comment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves SIPs developed by the state for the establishment, regulation and enforcement of air pollution standards.

After meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for lead for ten calendar quarters, monitors surrounding the Doe Run Company in Herculaneum have recorded air violations in four calendar quarters. The violations occurred in the first, second and third quarters of 2005, and the first quarter of 2006.

In response to these violations, EPA issued a finding that Missouri's SIP for lead was substantially inadequate. The Department of Natural Resources is reviewing the current plan and will make revisions before submitting the plan to EPA by April 2007.

The Doe Run--Herculaneum facility is the largest primary lead smelter in the United States. Historically Missouri has been the largest producer of lead.

For an agenda of the meeting or for more information on the SIP process, you may contact the department at 1--800--361--4827 or 573-751--4817, by e--mail to John.Rustige@dnr.mo.gov or visit the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp/Herculaneumsip.htm.

People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling 1--800--361--4827 or 573-751--4817. Hearing--impaired individuals may contact the program through Relay Missouri at 1--800--735--2966.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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