News Release 021

Department Of Natural Resources Issues Storm Waivers
After Recent Winter Storms

Some Disposal Regulations Temporarily Suspended to Clean Up Storm Debris

Volume 35-021

Contact: Renee Bungart

(For immediate release)

573-751-4465

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JAN. 15, 2007 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has suspended specific solid waste regulations to address wastes generated by the recent winter storms that occurred over the weekend.

Because of the severity of the storms, the ice has resulted in widespread damage in Missouri. Following Executive Order 07-04 issued by the Gov. Matt Blunt on Jan. 14, the department is temporarily suspending specific statues and administrative rules or regulations currently in place in order to manage the storm debris.

Brush and yard waste debris normally excluded from disposal at permitted sanitary landfills will be allowed under these extraordinary circumstances. Where practical, the recycling of these items is encouraged, though not required. The waiver applies only to yard waste and does not allow disposal of other items normally prohibited in sanitary or demolition landfills.

The suspensions of the solid waste regulations are valid only for debris resulting from the recent severe storms and will expire Feb. 15 unless extended. Further information, including the full text of the waiver authorizations, is available on the department's natural disaster resources Web page at: www.dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm. Factsheets on proper disposal of storm debris and other related is also available on this Web site.

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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