KDHE Home - Division of Environment
Kansas Environmental News
April 2000
Secretary's Corner
Spring, of course, is a very busy time for all of us at KDHE. The legislature meets for only a few more weeks, and that means it will likely get even busier for us. Thank you for all of your hard work on legislative issues this session.
A lot of exciting things are happening in the Division of Environment. The Kansas Environment 2000 report is now available. We believe it will give the public a better understanding of the environmental issues we face in Kansas. All of those involved in putting this publication together are to be commended for such a fine product. We plan to do an updated report every other year.Recently KDHE completed a successful statewide dioxin pesticide collection. We partnered with several private entities including Kansas Farm Bureau, Safety-Kleen, county governments, and local household hazardous waste facilities. The 60-day program was targeted at old pesticides and herbicides manufactured prior to the mid-1980's which contained dioxin contamination.
Approximately 5,700 pounds of dioxin contaminated pesticides were collected through this program. The incineration took place at Safety-Kleen's Coffeyville, Kansas facility which is the only facility licensed in the U.S. to destroy dioxins.KDHE is also working with the KBI to educate Kansas citizens on the dangers of illegal meth production. This is in response to the Chemical Control Act passed by the legislature on July 1, 1999. We are initiating an education and notification program associated with meth labs. In the near future, you will begin to see a public-awareness campaign known as "MethWatch." The voluntary effort will encourage retailers to submit reports to KBI of suspicious purchases of products used to make meth.
On another note, Project Topeka has concluded. KDHE exceeded last year's donations with a total collection of 14,207.47 ounces and $1,638.69. The Division of Environment donated 1,929.25 ounces and $397.00 resulting in a considerable increase from last year. Thank you for giving of yourselves to this very worthwhile cause.
KDHE Responds to Concerns Over MTBE
Recent news reports about the gasoline additive MTBE is causing undue alarm for Kansas residents. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has received many questions about how methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) is contaminating the state's water supply. Some news reports have left the impression that this issue is going unaddressed. That is not the case in Kansas.
Kansas is ahead of many states in that KDHE laboratories first detected MTBE in Kansas water samples as early as 1985. Since 1996, the KDHE labs have routinely monitored MTBE compounds in public water supplies while monitoring volatile organic compounds, commonly called VOCs. KDHE staff began studying how to remove MTBE from the water, and treatment systems were successfully designed and put into place in 1997.
These were developed by consulting engineers along with KDHE staff. The systems have led to a 94-100 percent reduction of MTBE contamination from public water supply systems.
MTBE is an octane enhancer and is used to make gasoline burn cleaner and produce less air pollution. It is soluble in water and has been found in soil and groundwater near leaking storage tanks, along with benzene, toluene, and other contaminants.
Even though there is no regulatory standard established for MTBE in terms of an unsafe level in drinking water or human exposure, in 1997 EPA issued a health advisory level for MTBE at 20-40 ppb (parts per billion). KDHE considers any detection of MTBE at a water supply a reason for investigation and possible corrective action to protect individuals from exposure and possible health risk. Actions can range from requiring the affected well to be shut down, blending it with other wells, or in severe cases, building treatment systems to remove MTBE from the water. At this time, no water supplies are delivering water with greater than 20 ppb of MTBE in the water, based on current test results.Since 1996, 27,935 water samples from public water supplies have been tested for MTBE and the compound has been detected 101 times. The latest round of sampling has shown 18 of the state's 1,122 public water supplies have had some detect of MTBE in one or more of their sources since 1996. Detected levels of MTBE range from 0.5 to 90 ppb. As part of an a petroleum storage tank release investigation, MTBE was detected at levels significantly higher than 90 ppb at one water supply. A treatment system was designed and installed in response to this problem and has effectively removed the MTBE from the water system.
To date, KDHE has installed treatment systems to remove MTBE at three public water supplies and is planning to install two additional treatment systems. In contrast to recent news reports, the treatment systems have been very effective in removing the contaminant. The treatment units are either granular activated carbon or air strippers which are common technologies used for removal of other petroleum compounds from water. The treatment units are paid for by the Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund, and have been installed with minimal cost to the affected water supplies.
Water treatment is only part of an overall clean up project undertaken to eliminate MTBE from the soil and groundwater. KDHE has worked with owners of the underground storage tanks (USTs) to ensure that all active tanks have been upgraded to the new standards which went into effect in December of 1998. These requirements for USTs will dramatically reduce the number of releases in the future. Additionally, owners of USTs are required to perform routine testing of tanks to detect and eliminate releases quickly.
When releases are discovered, the extent of contamination is determined and clean up efforts are undertaken to eliminate the type of impacts other states are seeing. Those actions include additional monitoring of public and private water supplies in the areas where releases are detected.Bureau of Environmental Remediation
Kanopolis Cleanup Successful
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)/State Water Plan Contamination/ Remediation Program in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) recently completed a Remedial Action in Kanopolis, Kansas.
The Remedial Action consisted of the removal and transport of over 3,000 tons of waste salt left over from a former salt mining operation. The waste salt had been left on the ground surface at the site following the cessation of operations at the mine and, despite a cover of soil, salt leaching from the pile impacted nearby agricultural fields, surface water, and ground water in the region.
KDOT's assistance and cooperation was essential to the completion of the removal action by identifying salt storage facilities with the need and capacity to accept the salt, and suspending the purchase of salt to fill the domes until the removal action could begin. The treated salt recovered from the operation was provided at no expense to KDOT, resulting in a significant monetary savings.
The joint cooperation and resourcefulness demonstrated by both KDHE and KDOT brought a successful completion to this contamination project: KDHE's environmental goals were achieved by the removal of an environmental hazard thus protecting the surface and ground water of the region from additional chloride contamination, and the KDOT saved the cost of purchasing over 3,000 tons of road treatment material.
Tom Peterson, Bureau of Environmental Remediation
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KDHE REGULATIONS IN PROCESS |
Prepared 3/01/00 |
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REGULATION |
DIV. |
EPA REVIEW |
DOA REVIEW |
AG REVIEW |
PUBLIC HEARING |
EFFECTIVE |
|
Solid Waste |
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|
Composting (N) |
Completed |
N/A |
8/98 |
8/98 |
10/98 |
10/99 |
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Monofill Definition(N) |
Completed |
N/A |
8/98 |
8/98 |
10/98 |
10/99 |
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Financial Assurance |
9/99 |
11/99 |
9/99 |
9/99 |
12/99 |
2/00 |
|
Hsehld Haz.Waste(N) |
8/99 |
N/A |
1/00 |
1/00 |
4/00 |
*6/00 |
|
Groundwater(A) |
*2/00 |
*3/00 |
*3/00 |
*4/00 |
*6/00 |
*8/00 |
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Vertical Expansions |
*2/00 |
*3/00 |
*3/00 |
*4/00 |
*6/00 |
*8/00 |
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Permit Fees |
*2/00 |
*3/00 |
*3/00 |
*4/00 |
*6/00 |
*8/00 |
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Medical Waste |
*8/00 |
N/A |
*9/00 |
*10/00 |
*12/00 |
*2/01 |
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SW Planning |
*5/00 |
N/A |
*6/00 |
*7/00 |
*9/00 |
*11/00 |
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Hazardous Waste |
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Update(A) |
*3/00 |
*4/00 |
*4/00 |
*5/00 |
*7/00 |
*9/00 |
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Air and Radiation: |
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BakeryFac.RACTRule-KCarea(N) |
6/98 |
4/99 |
4/99 |
12/02/99 |
*4/00 |
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Hospital/Medical/Infectious |
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Waste Incinerator Emission |
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Guidelines (N) |
6/98 |
1/27/00 |
*4/00 |
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Acid Rain ProvisionsUpdate(A,N) |
*3/00 |
*4/00 |
*4/00 |
*6/00 |
*8/00 |
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UpdateEmissionsStnds(A) |
*3/00 |
*4/00 |
*4/00 |
*6/00 |
*8/00 |
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Environmental Remediation |
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Dry Cleaning (A) |
in process |
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*projected New(N) Amended(A) Revoked(R)* |
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Kansas Radiation Control Workshop 2000
The Radiation Control Program, Bureau of Air and Radiation, KDHE, announces their 2000 Kansas Radiation Control Workshop, May 3-4, 2000. The program will provide information for Kansas licensees and registrants and sessions will concern the safe and proper use of radioactive materials and radiation producing devices. General sessions and specific concurrent sessions will include industrial, medical/academic, MQSA/mammography and X-ray.
The Radiation Control Workshop has been submitted for credit to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and is anticipated to provide between 10-12 Continuing Education hours. It will be held at the Ramada Inn, Topeka, located downtown just off I-70. Rooms are available at the conference rate of $65 and may be reserved by calling the Ramada directly at 785-234-5400. Be sure to mention that you are with the Radiation Control Workshop and reserve your room by April 19.Cost to participate in the program is $75 for both days, or $50 for one day only if registration is postmarked by April 1. Please preregister as soon as possible. Late registration deadline is April 27, $90 for both days or $65 for one day. No on-site registration will be available. Registration forms and additional information are available by calling the Radiation Control Program at 785-296-1560.
Justin Spence, Radiation Control Program
Wichita Implements P2 Strategy to Recycle Silver and Mercury
On March 14, 2000, The City of Wichita in conjunction with KSU Pollution Prevention Institute and the National Silver Coalition, sponsored Pollution Prevention (P2) workshops to increase silver and mercury recycling practices and reduce the amount of silver and mercury discharged to the environment. The workshops introduced area business leaders to a Code of Management Practices for silver and mercury recycling and practices. Attending the workshops were businesses such as photofinishers, medical and dental offices with X-ray developers and dental offices who replace and restore mercury/silver amalgams.
Traditionally, these materials were washed down the drain, put in the trash or sent for incineration with other medical waste, practices which negatively impact our land, water and air.
Facilities were asked to sign a commitment stating they have implemented recycling practices, thereby avoiding the alternative command and control approach, using penalty fines and inspections.
For more information, on silver and mercury recycling, contact Becky Gagnon of Wichita Water and Sewer at 316/529-9900 or Nancy Larson of the Pollution Prevention Institute at 800/578-8898.Nancy Larson, Pollution Prevention Institute, KSU
Environmental Conference Update
Planning for the environmental conference is now well underway! The planning committees have met and planned a great program for the annual conference to be held in Topeka, Capitol Plaza Hotel, September 12-13. The agenda should be available by mid June, and you may want to make your hotel reservation soon, as we anticipate well over 300 attendees this year. Exhibit space is available, and applications to exhibit will be mailed with the agenda.
Cost for this year's conference will increase due to the loss of federal funding, which, in the past, has helped defray certain costs. Registration for this year's conference will be $115 which includes breakfast, lunches, reception, breaks and all materials. Exhibit space will be $250 per 8X8 space with a table (if desired) and will include two paid registrations.Governor Bill Graves has been invited to provide the welcome address, and Secretary Graeber has been invited to present the Pollution Prevention Awards at the P2 Awards Luncheon on September 12.
Keynote speaker Ken Lerman, will be providing us with an inspiring presentation on "Civility." Mr. Lerman has provided his presentations to many nationally recognized companies (such as America On Line and Pizza Hut). We're looking forward to an outstanding keynote by Mr. Lerman and you won't want to miss it.
For information about the conference, call the Office of Planning and Prevention at 800-357-6087.
P2 Award Applications are due JUNE 30. Don't miss the deadline!
Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Lower Arkansas, Upper Arkansas, and Cimarron River Basins
Total Maximum Daily Loads describe the plans to reduce pollution and achieve water quality standards. The Section 303(d) list submitted to and approved by the EPA in 1998, identifies 99 river segments and 33 lakes in the Lower Arkansas, Upper Arkansas, and Cimarron River Basins as water quality impaired. Among the streams, the greatest number of impairments was caused by excessive levels of fecal coliform bacteria. Among the lakes, eutrophic conditions indicative of excessive algae production was the predominant cause of impairment.
Other
pollutants limiting the use of the streams include ammonia, selenium, dissolved
oxygen depletion, boron, chloride, chlordane, fluoride, sulfate, and pH. Additional
lake impairments were caused by chloride, selenium, dissolved oxygen depletion,
pH, fecal coliform bacteria, siltation, excessive aquatic plants, and hydrologic
limitations. Each parameter causing impairment requires a TMDL.
The general public is invited to attend the meetings and hearings to discuss the issues centered on establishing TMDLs in the basins. There is a standing offer to meet with any interested group wishing to discuss the issue and its implications. After June 30, KDHE will move its attention to setting TMDLs in the Missouri and Marais des Cygnes basins. Similar opportunities for public involvement will be available in those basins over 2000-2001.
For additional information about TMDLs, check the TMDL web site (www.kdheks.gov/tmdl/) or contact Tom Stiles (phone: (785) 296-6170, e-mail: tstiles@kdhe.state.ks.us ).
The following public meetings and hearings are scheduled:
Cimarron River Basin Upper Arkansas River Basin:
Lower Arkansas River Basin
Bonnie Liscek and Tom Stiles, Office of Planning and Prevention
Workshops for Dry Cleaners
For information, contact the Pollution Prevention Institute, KSU, 1-800-578-8898
In May, 1994, the City of Abilene contacted KDHE concerning the level of nitrates found in the Abilene public water supply wells drawing water from the Sand Springs Aquifer. Nitrate concentrations frequently exceeded the MCL of 10mg/L and appeared to have an increasing concentration trend. In addition to Abilene, this aquifer is the source of water for the public water supplies of Dickinson County RWD 1 and RWD 2 and the City of Solomon as well as many private households. The letter indicated the city believed that livestock feedlots in the area were the source of the elevated nitrate concentrations. The letter also requested KDHE designate the area as a "critical water quality management area" pursuant to Kansas Administrative Regulation 28-16-69 et. seq. KDHE's Bureau of Environmental Remediation (BER) was given responsibility of conducting an investigation to identify sources of nitrate. The final BER report was issued in July, 1996 and indicated that many sources of nitrate contribute to elevated concentrations. Sources of nitrate contamination include active and abandoned livestock confinement facilities, greyhound kennels and septic tank lateral fields.
After reviewing the final report, officials of the City of Abilene and Dickinson County established the Dickinson County Water Improvement Board. The Water Improvement Board was charged with responsibility to develop and implement a plan to improve and protect Sand Springs aquifer water quality. The Water Improvement Board applied for and received financial assistance from the KDHE-Bureau of Water. KDHE provided the Water Improvement Board financial assistance grants through the Kansas Water Plan - Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Grants. The Board's water quality restoration and protection plan consists of information and education activities, demonstration projects, technical assistance and technology transfer. The Board continues to meet monthly to assess progress and direct the water quality protection project.
One of the many sources of nitrates uncovered as a result of the study was a subdivision west of Abilene. This area had a number of homes and a small number of businesses utilizing on-site waste water systems to dispose of domestic wastes. Dickinson County, the City of Abilene and the newly formed Water Quality Improvement Project worked together with local homeowners and businesses to formulate a plan to provide sewer connections. In December of 1999, KDHE performed the final inspection of the new Dickinson County Sewer Improvement District #2.This project has been nominated for a national award to be announced Spring, 2000 and it is an excellent example of various entities working together to solve an environmental problem and everyone associated with the project deserves a great deal of credit.
Rick Brunetti, District Environmental Administrator, Northcentral District Office
Don Snethen, Non-point Source Section, Bureau of Water
Catalytic Industrial Group Completes NICE3 Project
In 1997, the Catalytic Industrial Group in Independence was one of 17 facilities awarded a National Industrial Competitiveness Through Energy, Environment and Economics (NICE3) grant. The Catalytic Industrial Group was awarded $346,000 from the Department of Energy to develop and commercialize an infrared wood drying system. The total project cost was $893,000. The original proposal was to work with the pellet fuel industry to replace a rotary dryer with an infrared drying system. Due to some reorganization within the pellet fuel industry, the project shifted to the oriented strandboard industry.
The wood industries accept wood fiber at a 50-60% moisture level and must reduce this level to 4-6% to use it in the production of their products. Massive amounts of energy are employed, typically in a rotary drum flash type dryer that shoots a raw flame through the center of a 20-30' rotating drum while tumbling the product around inside. This produces air emissions, particularly NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as creating safety issues. Conventional drum dryers operate at input temperature of over 1000o F and with exit temperatures between 160 - 300o F.Infrared energy is effective in raising the temperature of matter when it is absorbed, which is the key need in drying a product. The advantages of a catalytic infrared unit over other forms of infrared, in addition to efficiency, primarily relate to the safety and the environment. Catalytic is flameless and does not even glow. The chemical reaction that produces the heat and generates the infrared waves is flameless. Infrared in 4 to 7 micron range transfers energy directly to the water molecules, activating them to a gaseous form at temperatures in the 135 - 220o F range with carbon dioxide and water as the primary emissions. The flameless nature of catalytic drying is also important for safety by reducing the number of fires that occur in the wood drying industry. This technology is not limited to the forest products industry, but has applications in many industries that include drying in their processes. For more information, contact Virgil Macaluso, Catalytic Industrial Group, PO Box 827, Independence, Kansas 67301.
Theresa Hodges, Bureau of Environmental Field Services