News Release 210
Enforcement cases, recovery act update on agenda for Hazardous Waste Management Commission meeting
Volume 38-210 (For Immediate Release)
Contact: Larry Archer
573-751-3807
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 12, 2010 -- Two petroleum underground storage tank enforcement cases will be brought before the Hazardous Waste Management Commission at its April 15 meeting. The meeting will be held at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Elm Street Conference Center, 1730 E. Elm St. in Jefferson City.
Department of Natural Resources staff will present the enforcement cases to the commission. The commission will decide whether or not to refer the following cases to the Attorney General's Office:
- Former Rowland's Amoco located at located at 801 Mitchell Avenue in St. Joseph - The facility currently has four steel underground storage tanks that do not meet current standards. Tanks constructed out of bare steel can corrode, which can result in a release of petroleum and harm the environment and public health. While it is permissible to use steel tanks, the department requires documentation from the facility that verifies the tanks have been and continue to be adequately protected from corrosion. The tanks must be properly, permanently closed.
- Facility located at corner of Highway 37 and Gibbs in Pierce City - The facility has four steel underground storage tanks that have been temporarily closed. A department inspection revealed three of the four tanks contained five or more inches of product. The department has not received documentation to verify the steel tanks have been adequately protected from corrosion. The tanks must be properly, permanently closed. Additionally, the site has failed to pay registration fees for underground storage tanks.
The commission will also hear updates on a variety of activities within the department’s Hazardous Waste Program, including the status of the program’s involvement with cleaning up abandoned underground petroleum storage tank facilities across Missouri with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources received $3.254 million through the Recovery Act to address abandoned underground storage tank sites. So far, Missouri has obligated approximately $2 million in Recovery Act funds to 68 former regulated gas stations to provide site characterization and cleanup activities.
Two new commissioners, recently appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon and confirmed by the senate, will be introduced at the meeting. Michael Foresman, St. Louis, and Charles Adams, Senath, were both appointed by the governor in February and were confirmed by the senate on March 18.
The Hazardous Waste Management Commission was established by state statute and promotes hazardous waste recycling, reuse and reduction; adopts and modifies rules to implement hazardous waste statutes; and establishes regulations for the management of hazardous waste. The commission provides oversight of decisions made by the department and rules on requests for variances from hazardous waste management regulations. The Hazardous Waste Program assists the commission.
A complete meeting agenda, including supporting documents, presentations and additional information about the commission is available on the department's website at dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/commission/commis.htm. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the hearing can make arrangements by calling 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176. Hearing-impaired individuals may contact the program through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966. For more information, contact the Hazardous Waste Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176.
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