Thu, Nov 26 2009
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DNR, EPA wrestle over list of state’s impaired streams Another disagreement with the EPA is over mercury, which is found in most water bodies in the state because of global cycling of the toxic substance in the atmosphere.
“All waters of the state are affected to some degree,” Ford said. “We, through our tests, were aware of a few waters. We did not list them because people would think that other streams were OK when, in fact, they were not. We now have more data and are able to list 90 streams for the 2008 list of impaired waters.” Another dispute is over bacteria and what constitutes an acceptable level. Ford said the EPA rejected the DNR’s standard as too lenient. The EPA added 23 streams to the list because of bacteria. Ken Midkiff, chairman of the Sierra Club’s Clean Water Campaign in Missouri, said the DNR’s decision not to list some streams polluted with bacteria was troubling. “It is particularly of concern that a number of the streams that the DNR and the Clean Water Commission had left off their list are impaired by bacteria,” he said. “These streams are hazardous to human health and are situated in or near major metropolitan areas. Thankfully, the EPA did the right thing.” With the 2008 list under development, Ford said the DNR is getting closer to resolving its differences with the EPA. Ford said specific causes of water pollution can be addressed if the source is easily identified. But with farmland, it’s more difficult to pinpoint all of the contributing sources. “That’s why we have watershed groups forming down there in Southwest Missouri to help local residents determine ways to reduce pollutants from entering a water body,” he said. “We have two citizen groups working on the upper and lower ends of Shoal Creek, and other groups working on the James River and Spring River.” Comment period A public comment period on the EPA’s proposal with regard to Missouri’s impaired streams ends on Nov. 24. The EPA will consider written comments in reaching its final decision on the water bodies to be identified for inclusion. Comments may be sent to Rebecca Landewe, Water Quality Management Branch, EPA Region 7, 901 N. Fifth St., Kansas City, KS 66101. 
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