Bernadette Hoffmeister
| CHAIR'S PERSPECTIVE |
This year has passed so quickly that it is hard to believe we are almost at the end of our fiscal year and I am closer to the end of my term as Chair. Since our fiscal year ends April 30, 1999, and this is the last newsletter for FY1998/1999, I would like to recap our past year's activities and some of the accomplishments that this Section has achieved. Thanks to the Board's hard work and continuous efforts, we have had distinguished speakers present interesting topics for our monthly meetings. Beginning in September, we started the year off with discussions of St. Louis's plans to redevelop abandoned and under utilized properties that are affected by environmental regulations or policies. In October, the recently appointed Director, Steve Mahfood, shared with us his plans and direction for MDNR. November's meeting was a technical meeting on bioremediation followed by a panel of speakers in December discussing the Risk Management Program. In January 1999, we learned about the Lambert airport expansion and February we hosted another panel of speakers on Environmental Compliance Management Programs. As you can see, the meeting topics included technical, regulatory, and local environmental issues with speakers representing the EPA Region VII, MDNR Jeff City and St. Louis offices, St. Louis City, the media (KMOV-Channel 4), and the academic (Wash U) arena. We have seen new faces and have had an increase in attendance at our monthly meetings largely due to the diversity of the topics, the expertise and representation of our speakers.
The Officers and Board of Directors have been working on preparing for the monthly meetings, developing systems to ensure that this Section remains strong and improving service to our members. During the summer months in 1998, the Board identified and formed three committees; the newsletter committee, the membership committee and education committee in hopes of focusing our efforts in an organized manner and toward a common goal. A Section Manual was developed to assist Officers and Board members in understanding A&WMA and a means to document newly established programs, existing programs and the Board's decisions. Thanks to the assistance from Jennifer Markwardt we were able to develop and to host a homepage for the Section. Recently we have been granted a tax-exempt status from the IRS. This project has been ongoing for several years and thanks to Tim Venverloh's persistence our organization and its Board have liability protection for the Section.
There has been a lot of work done for this organization and still more to come. We are excited to be the host for the A&WMA annual meeting this June. The General Conference Committee has been meeting monthly to ensure that the annual meeting is a success. There have been discussions of organizing a technical seminar in St. Louis each fiscal year. However, since the annual meeting is scheduled for this year, the Board decided to focus its efforts on the annual meeting and wait until the FY1999/2000 to begin planning for a technical conference. There are several other projects in the works. The membership committee plans to pursue student interest in A&WMA and organize an Student Chapter at Rolla, the first student chapter that we will start. Also, the education committee is developing a system to educate St. Louis teachers on environmental issues so they can pass this information onto their students. The first training will occur during the annual meeting in June with the assistance from International.
The success of this Section is largely due to the commitment from the Board. We have extremely talented individuals who have worked very closely in improving our organization. I want to thank all the Officers and Board members for volunteering their time and I am glad that I could be a part of this energetic and committed group. Without them we could not have made the progress that we have achieved today. As your Chair, I have enjoyed being a part of the organization. I will continue to be active with A&WMA and remain on the Board as the Past Chair to provide support for upcoming officers and Board members and help in maintaining consistency between the years. I have enjoyed serving as the Chair for this organization and wish A&WMA continued success.
| Chair Bernadette Hoffmeister |
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EPA's Gateway Initiative |
The Gateway Initiative (Gateway) provides a forum to address local environmental issues. Gateway was created by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) along with other Federal, State, and local agencies concerned about environmental issues in southwestern Illinois and eastern Missouri. The governmental agencies work with local citizens, businesses, environmental groups, and others to provide creative, common-sense solutions to environmental problems.
Over the last year, representatives of several environmental, community, and political groups met to discuss the issue of urban sprawl at the Illinois Department of Transportation in Collinsville. Topics discussed at the meetings included transportation, preservation of open space and stormwater management.
Our guest speaker for the March 9th meeting is Mr. Andrew Anderson with U.S. EPA, Region V. Mr. Anderson is an Environmental Protection Specialist at Region V and is the Gateway Team Manager. Mr. Anderson will provide the origin of the Gateway and how U.S. EPA is working as a facilitator for this forum. The presentation will examine recent developments and discuss the top concerns of the forum.
Please join us on March 9th at 11:30 at Favazza's on the Hill for what promises to be an interesting and informative meeting. This will be a joint meeting with our friends and associates of the Gateway Society of Hazardous Materials Managers.
submitted by Jim Myers, Director
Federal agency representatives attending the Federal Compliance Conference in Washington, D.C. the week of October 30 discussed progress in collecting and distributing cost and performance data on federal remediation projects. Plans call for the announcement of new soil and ground water remediation technologies and discussion of 84 new case studies involving their use. In addition, a revised guide for gathering cost and performance data will be released, along with information about 13 in-situ technologies. The case studies were scheduled to be available after November 5, 1998, in a searchable database on the World Wide Web at http://www.frtr.gov. Paper copies are scheduled to be available by late November 1998. To order: call (800) 490-9198 or (513) 489-8190. Fax requests may be sent to (513) 891-6685. The new material comprises volumes 7-13 of a series and includes:
| 1999 ANNUAL MEETING |
| General Conference |
Some four to five years ago, I stood up, upon being given the job of Section Chair, and announced that the Association's 1999 meeting would be in either Chicago, Indianapolis or right here. Chicago was not favored because of the size and cost of the city and Indianapolis did not have the convention facilities that we do. And Toronto and Cincinnati were already scheduled to have meetings. There was, therefore, a good chance to bring this region's meeting to our City.
And ours it was. We've been working hard ever since. The General Conference Group has been organizing technical tours, guest program tours, food and drink and entertainment for the evening receptions, developing the sponsorship solicitations for the group from local businesses, teacher's workshops, student poster sessions, public relations and most recently the International Urban Environmental Infrastructure Forum. The latter is an exciting opportunity that will bring urban environmental leaders from the world's megacities to the meeting in a special forum. Many thanks to HQ in Pittsburgh for their ideas and involvement in this. My apologies to any effort that I have missed.
So, there's nothing left to do? WRONG!!
We still need people for the jobs of monitors for the technical sessions and to staff the host booth and message center. Our sponsorship work still has much left to do. Soliciting is hard work but if we all work together it will seem much less effort. The plans are in place, we just need someone to follow through with the work.
If you still want to contribute, don't despair - your Section needs you. Please contact the following members if you can help:
| Technical Program |
The preliminary program is available through the Internet by going to the address of http://online.awma.org/chart/chart.htm. Click on the program guide for an overview of the sessions or the program listing for the programs in each session. If you have submitted an abstract and want to know where your paper is, check the program listing for your name or paper number. By the time this newsletter is out, the "official" version of the program should be on the A&WMA website along with more details of the program. Check out what's under the arch. All of the last minute help to bring in more papers has given St. Louis a very respectable program of about the same size as last year. There will be 142 sessions plus three poster sessions for a total of about 850 papers.
Many of the sessions show the focus of environmental issues common in the St. Louis area. In addition to many of the CAM, MACT, air quality and assessments, and hazardous waste issues, the international program is especially strong. There will be a new global forum, and a focus on pollution in the mega-cities. Many of the papers that have been accepted show a wider representation from industry, which will give a new perspective to the program.
All of the papers will be produced in a web browser format by A&WMA and a CD will be available so you can browse and print whatever you need in your work. The review process begins in February and continues until the deadline of March 8. Also, there will be a few session slots set aside for late breaking issues or papers. If you have an idea, call or send an e-mail to Tom Blackwood (trblac@solutia.com) or C.V. Mathi (cvmathi@apsc.com).
| Volunteer Opportunities |
Volunteering as a monitor at the conference will involve working one or more 4-5 hour shift by monitoring the various technical sessions. Specifically, this means ensuring that all audiovisual (A/V) equipment is operational, that presenters have whatever is necessary for their sessions, and often, operating the A/V equipment for the presenter. Morning sessions run from 8-11:30 am and afternoon sessions run from 1:30-5:00 pm. Morning volunteers will need to be at the monitors' room by 7:15 am, afternoon volunteers by 12:45 pm.
Special Benefits: If you volunteer as a monitor for one half-day, your same day registration will be free. Full-day monitoring volunteers will receive any other day's registration free. Students volunteering as monitors will earn a full student registration by serving as a volunteer for just two full days. Sign up now on Page 8.
Working at the host booth will involve taking messages for conference attendees and answering questions they may have. Shifts will be 4-5 hours long. For additional information contact:
Christa Andrew
Advance Environmental Associates
2088 Craigshire Drive
St. Louis, MO 63146
phone: (314) 434-5700
fax: (314) 434-7071
e-mail: AdvEnvAsoc@aol.com.
| Cleanup Continues At Former Weldon Spring Ordnance Works |
The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is now in the closing weeks of the clean up of contaminated soils at the former Weldon Spring Ordnance Works. The ordnance works was once the largest explosives plant in the world, producing up to a million pounds of TNT a day during World War II. The incinerator is scheduled to complete the incineration of TNT-contaminated pipeline and soil in mid to late February. To date, the plant has incinerated more than 35,000 tons of TNT-contaminated soil and over 2,600 tons of DNT-contaminated soil.
On Oct. 15, 1998, the U.S. Department of Energy removed 120 linear feet of wooden wastewater pipeline that extended from the ordnance works onto the Weldon Spring Remedial Action Project site. The 20 production buildings on-site used wooden pipelines, resembling hollowed-out utility poles, to carry away wastewater.
Routine radiological scanning of the pipeline and laboratory analysis of interior residues revealed low levels of uranium were present above established background levels. As part of the cleanup activities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had removed and shredded pipeline on the ordnance works that was once connected to the pipeline on the Department of Energy site on July 28, 1998. After shredding, the Corps placed the pipeline in a stockpile with 60,000 linear feet of pipeline that had been shredded. The stockpile at this time contained approximately 3,000 cubic yards of shredded wood. As of Oct. 15, 1998, approximately 1,400 cubic yards (five miles or 47 percent) of shredded wooden pipeline remained in the stockpile.
The Corps is committed to ensuring that no radioactive materials above naturally occurring background levels are treated in the on-site incinerator as part of the ordnance works cleanup. The Corps immediately suspended the incineration of the shredded pipeline upon learning the wooden pipeline removed by the Department of Energy contained uranium levels above background. The Corps collected swipe samples from the interior of the incinerator; analysis of these swipe samples did not indicate any radionuclides were present above established background levels.
In addition, the Department of Energy collected air monitoring data as part of its cleanup. The data did not indicate any levels of radionuclides that would be a threat to human health were present during the period when the shredded wooden pipeline in question would have been incinerated. The Corps sampled the shredded pipeline stockpile in November and submitted the analytical results to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for review in December. DNR review found no radionuclides are present above background levels and concurred with the Corps decision to resume the incineration of the shredded wooden pipeline stockpile.
The Restoration Advisory Board met Jan. 7, 1999. For more information, contact DNR s Hazardous Waste Program at 1-800-361-4827 or (573) 751-3907. You can learn more by visiting the Corps Web site at http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/weldon/schedule.html.
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| EDUCATION CORNER |
A series of workshops will be offered at the Annual Conference to train members and local teachers on the use of the Association's Environmental Resource Guide (ERG) series. In addition, members of the Public Education Division will hold an ERG Extravaganza. The Extravaganza provides potential workshop sponsors an opportunity to browse through a variety of ERG activities as they are demonstrated by A&WMA members. For more information, contact the Education Programs Manager at (412) 232-3444, ext. 3141, or fax (412) 232-3450.
Teacher-Training Workshop
Saturday, June 19, 1999, 8:00 a.m .- 5:00 p.m
St. Louis area elementary and secondary teachers receive hands-on training to integrate the ERG lessons into their daily classroom activities. English and Spanish workshops are available. Registration priority is given to K-12 teachers; if seating is available, members and spouses may attend. For registration information and workshop sponsorship opportunities, contact Dennis Hu at 314/928-0300.
ERG Workshop for A&WMA Members
Monday, June 21, 1999, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (tentative)
Learn how to plan and conduct an ERG workshop for teachers in your community. A panel of A&WMA members who are active in the Association's Teacher-Training Program will share experiences and provide suggestions for facilitation techniques during this hands-on workshop. An "ERG Extravaganza" that demonstrates various ERG activities in an exhibit format, and a "Criteria Pollutants Reunion" play, is included in this year's program. For more information, contact the Education Programs Manager at (412) 232-3444, ext. 3141.
If you are interested in assisting, sponsoring, or participating in these workshops, please contact the numbers above or anyone on the Board.
Dennis J. Hu
Education Committee Chair
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| AGENCY ORGANIZATIONAL CHART |
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(Click graphic for link to EPA page)
| LOCAL SECTION NEWS |
by Cynthia Pavelka, Vice-Chair
Summary of Meeting Minutes
Need Summer Interns at Your Company?
The Collaborative for Applied Experiences in Science (ACES) Program matches the best and brightest science, mathematics, and engineering undergraduate students with St. Louis science or engineering-based companies for work experience during Summer 1999. If you are seeking this kind of student for your company or need additional information, please contact Dr. Kenneth R. Mares at (314) 516-6155 or via e-mail at: biomare@admiral.umsl.edu. You also might want to explore the CAES Website Directory at URL:http:www.umsl.edu/~sep/caestoc.html
Submitted by Courtney Birkel, Director
Web Site
Check out our web site for future meeting programs and more:
Address Change
Need to change your mailing address?
Please send all address, telephone and e-mail changes to: Dennis Dubitsky, Secretary. Fax: 298-6484 E-mail: ddubitsky@hussmann.com
Feedback
The Newsletter Committee wants your input. We want to know what you think of our new look and, as always, encourage you to share ideas for future issues. E-mail or call your Newsletter Committee:
| About the Air & Waste Management Association |
The Air & Waste Management Association is a non-profit technical, scientific and educational organization with more than 14,000 members in 65 countries. Founded in 1907, the Association provides a forum where all viewpoints of an environmental issue (technical, scientific, economic, social, political and risk assessment) receive consideration.
This worldwide network represents many disciplines: physical and social sciences, health and medicine, engineering and law. The Association attracts decision makers from agencies, industry, business, and the academic and research communities.
To serve its members, A&WMA provides opportunities for technological exchange, professional development, public education and networking. Through these efforts the Association will realize its vision of becoming the premier international environmental organization promoting global environmental responsibility.
The Association has a long history of dedication to critical environmental decision making. In 1891, citizens in Chicago formed the Society for the Prevention of Smoke. Their aim was to clean the city before the Colombian exposition was held there in 1893. As part of this initiative, engineers and fireman obtained instruction in the proper method of burning coal. Citizens in other cities followed Chicago's lead to clean their skies. In Detroit, 1906, smoke inspectors from 13 cities in Canada and the United States met with city officials. During the 3-day meeting, the 55 attendees decided that an association should be formed to address the issue of smoke abatement. In 1907, the first meeting of the International Association for the Prevention of Smoke was held in Milwaukee, thus establishing the Association.
Over the years, the name has been changed to more adequately reflect the members' interests. In 1915, we became the Smoke Prevention Association of America and in 1950, the Air Pollution Control Association. The most recent change occurred in 1988 when the members adopted the name Air & Waste Management Association.
The members have structured their Association in a unique fashion. It is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors elected by the members. Five members of the Board are employed by industry, five by government agencies and five by academic, research or consulting organizations. This ensures that no one segment dominates the Association's governance.
Three Councils, Technical, Sections, Chapters, and Education, assist the Board of Directors in the guidance of the Association. These Councils develop programs to ensure that members' needs are met. Two intercouncil initiatives were established by the Board at the 1994 Annual Meeting: the Global Intercouncil Initiative and the Business Risk Management Intercouncil Initiative.
Association members plan, develop, and present programs that are designed to encourage the exchange of information, enhance skills and knowledge and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of environmental professionals. The diversity of the membership ensures that these programs are multi-industry, multi-disciplinary and multi-media in nature.
Association's specialty conferences, symposia, workshops and other activities are designed to address contemporary environmental issues identified as themes by the Board of Directors. These themes are also used by the Sections and Chapters to help focus their programs. Each year the Association conducts the largest environmental conference in North America - the A&WMA Annual Meeting and Exhibition. This conference features a five-day technical program, a three-day exhibition and many business and ancillary meetings that drive the Association. Thousands of environmental management professionals attend this annual event.
The Association also produces a variety of publications. These include a peer-reviewed journal, a news magazine, periodicals, books, preprints of technical papers, training manuals and a monthly membership newsletter.
The Association's main support and administration offices are located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Any questions about the Association, its members, programs or activities can be answered by the staff.
Copyright © 1998 Air & Waste Management Association
Reprinted excerpts from the Department of Environmental Quality's December, 1998 and January, 1999 Newsletters. Complete newsletters can be found on DNR's website at: www.dnr.state.mo.us/deq
Missouri Air Conservation Commission held recent public hearings on the concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) rule amendments. Agenda items included restriction of emission of odors from Class 1A CAFOs in addition to other business.
DNR proposed amendments to current odor regulations to address odor problems from Missouri s largest concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). On Nov. 2, 1998, the Air Pollution Control Program submitted amendments for Missouri's four odor regulations that removes the odor emission exemption for Class 1A CAFOs. A Class 1A is defined as 7,000 animal unit equivalents. There are currently 20 Class 1A CAFOs in Missouri: 13 swine, 6 poultry and 1dairy operation. Any new Class 1A CAFO that begins operation in Missouri after the amendment becomes effective would also be required to comply.
Each facility must develop an odor control plan and submit it for approval to the department by Jan. 1, 2000, and then implement the plan by Jan. 1, 2002. While no specific methods of control are required by the amendments, the odor control plan is required to evaluate all feasible odor control options.
Documents are available for public review at DNR's Air Pollution Control Program office in Jefferson City and at DNR regional offices across the state. Rule proposals considered at this hearing may be adopted by the Missouri Air Conservation Commission. For more information or a meeting agenda with the rules being presented for adoption, contact DNR's Air Pollution Control Program at (573) 751-4817.
Reprinted excerpts from the Department of Environmental Quality's December, 1998 Newsletter. Complete Newsletter can be found on DNR's website at: www.dnr.state.mo.us/deq
New air pollution sources applying for construction permits in Missouri will soon see improvements in the way their applications are processed. These changes are the result of recommendations made by the Construction Permit Streamlining Workgroup.
"The workgroup's mission was to re-evaluate the permitting process, looking at opportunities to improve both the permit regulation and the way the program processes applications." said Roger Randolph, director of DNR's Air Pollution Control Program. Workgroup participants included representatives from organizations typically impacted by the construction permitting industry, including environmental advocacy groups, environmental consultants and government agencies.
This workgroup was convened at the direction of the Division of Environmental Quality to address concerns about construction permitting issues including permit consistency, application difficulties and timeliness.
The last of eight workgroup meetings was held in November. Staff expect to distribute a formal set of workgroup recommendations this month. Highlights of the recommendations include revised application forms, clearer instructions, clarification on what size projects can be expected to be reviewed for air quality and several internal processing changes.
"The changes should help both applicants and reviewers share information more effectively and focus more attention on larger and more significant air pollution sources," said Division of Environment Quality Director, John Young. For more information, contact John Rustige of DNR s Air Pollution Control Program at (573) 751-4817; or e-mail nrrustj@mail.dnr.state.mo.us.
| EPA Hotlines |
The following phone numbers and website addresses have been established to provide quick answers to questions on emergency response, health and safety, the environment, and related topics. Reprinted from U.S. EPA's website: www.epa.gov
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