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News Release 056
DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONDERS ASSESSING IMPACT OF JOPLIN FIRE ON LOCAL WATER SOURCE
Volume 36-056 |
Contact: Larry Archer |
(For immediate release) |
573-751-3807 |
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JAN. 31, 2008 -- The runoff from fire fighting efforts at a Joplin cabinet shop have turned Shoal Creek, the city's primary water source, "tea colored," and have environmental emergency responders working today to determine what water supply and environmental impact the runoff may have, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
The Department of Natural Resources dispatched environmental emergency responders to the scene before dawn today to assess the environmental damage caused by the runoff of firefighting foam and water, and stains, lacquers and paint thinners stored at the business.
Attempts to prevent the runoff from leaving the site of the fire, located at 4820 Jackson Ave., were unsuccessful, allowing it to flow nearly two blocks to Shoal Creek, approximately one-quarter mile upstream from the Missouri American Water Company plant that serves Joplin. Responders reported a "tea colored" discoloration of the water, but no signs of a fish kill.
Environmental responders and Missouri American Water Company staff are monitoring the water at the plant's water intake site and to discuss options. As of 7:30 a.m. none of the discoloration noted in some areas of the creek had been seen at the plant. As a precaution, the plant has activated its carbon filters.
The department's 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.
To report an environmental emergency, including fuel spills, please the contact spill line at
573-634-2436. For more information contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at
800-361-4827 or 573-751-3443, or visit the department's Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov.
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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