Department issues storm waivers after floods
Some disposal regulations suspended to clean up flood debris
JUNE 28, 2008
JEFFERSON CITY
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is suspending specific solid waste regulations to address wastes generated by recent flooding and related cleanup activities that began June 1.
Following Executive Order 08-21 issued by the Gov. Matt Blunt on June 20, the department is temporarily suspending the requirements of specific statutes and administrative rules in order to manage the flooding debris.
The department's waiver allows any brush and yard waste generated and any major appliances damaged or destroyed as a result of the June 2008 flooding to be disposed of in a permitted sanitary or demolition landfill when it is not practical to compost or segregate them for recycling. Brush, yard waste debris and major appliances are normally excluded from disposal at permitted sanitary landfills; however, they will be allowed under these extraordinary circumstances as long as the landfill agrees to accept the waste.
Cities and counties should coordinate collection of damaged appliances so refrigerants can be legally recovered from air conditioners, freezers and refrigerators before recycling. Where practical, the recycling of these items is strongly encouraged, though not required. The waiver applies only to yard waste and major appliances and does not allow disposal of other items normally prohibited in sanitary or demolition landfills.
The suspension of the solid waste regulations is valid only for debris resulting from the recent flooding. All provisions of this waiver shall be in effect until July 11, 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 flooding debris and other related is also available on this Web site.
The department is aware wastewater overflows or bypassing may have occurred following the recent flooding. In light of this situation, the department will take into account the circumstances of each individual occurrence. The department would like to remind all entities subject to Missouri's Clean Water Law and its implementing regulations that if such an overflow or bypass should occur they are required to notify the department's nearest regional office during normal business hours or the environmental emergency response at 573-634-2436 after hours.
For more information, contact the Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3443, or visit the department's Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov.
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