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Division of Environment

Secretary's Corner

James O'Connell

Thank you for all the support and keep up the good work! By the time readers receive this issue of the Environmental News, I will be completing my service as Secretary of KDHE. The decision to submit my resignation to Governor Graves was made by my wife and me around the Christmas holidays, but the effective date was postponed because I wanted to see our agency budget and legislative package through the legislative session.

The decision to step down from the Secretary's post was an extremely difficult one because it is a great privilege to serve as a member of Governor Graves' Cabinet and to serve with the cadre of fine people in KDHE. A decision to leave a job is made easier if there are conflicts or dissatisfactions present. That is not the case here--I could not ask for more support, freedom to exercise independent judgment an encouragement than the Governor and his staff have shown me. Nor could I ask for more support, cooperation and collegial working relationships than I have been given by Director Hammerschmidt and the Division of Environment staff. It was a growing frustration with two and one half hours of daily commuting time combined with a request that I return to the law firm from which I have been on leave of absence that led to this conclusion.

I will be returning to practice with the Kansas City law firm of Sinclair, Sawyer, Thompson, Haynes & Cowing as of May 5, where my practice will focus on health law, employee benefit and insurance matters and environmental law. I shall always be proud of my service as KDHE Secretary and especially proud of my association with the true professionals in the Division of Environment who work very hard at jobs that often bring more criticism than compliments. Kansans are much better off because of this staff's presence and perseverance. Recognition of that fact is certain to grow over time. In the meantime, I know we can all rely on this first class crew and I shall miss feeling that I am a small part of their work.

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Mailing List Review Completed

Thank you to everyone who completed and returned the "green card". We believe that we were able to efficiently update the newsletter mailing list, however, we did receive a few "green cards" without the mailing labels affixed. If you returned the "green card" and indicated that you did not want to continue receiving the newsletter, but you received this issue, please call Janet Neff toll free at 1-800-357-6087 and indicate that you would like your name removed from the mailing list.

Thanks again for your help in updating the Kansas Environmental News mailing list.

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Linking Community, Business, and Government: Connections for a Clean Environment

The Kansas environmental conference, Linking Community, Business and Government: Connections for a Clean Environment, will be held at the Holidome, Lawrence, on September 24-25, 1997 with a special optional workshop on Tuesday, September 23. The optional workshop taught by Jean Waters, Pollution Prevention Institute, KSU, will focus on developing an environmental management system. Registration information for the conference and workshop will be available July 1.

This year, three conference planning meetings were held with representatives from businesses, communities and KDHE staff to determine the types of programs that businesses and communities would like to have presented. With so many good suggestions, we plan to have four concurrent sessions which will provide for about 28 different breakouts. Some of the planned topics include "Ask the Regulator...about Hazardous Waste" and "Ask the Regulator...about Water Issues" which will provide a forum for questions and answers. There will be a session focusing on new and recently implemented regulations, and several sessions focusing on new technologies and pollution prevention techniques. Community recycling issues, including current markets, will be provided - this topic was requested on the 1996 conference evaluations as well as from the community representatives. We are in the process of arranging for another dynamic and motivational keynote speaker, and will again have Dr. Ron Hammerschmidt, Director, Division of Environment, provide an update on a variety of issues within the division. The 1997 Pollution Prevention Awards at Wednesday evening's banquet.

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Exhibitors will again be featured at the conference. This year, as requested by exhibitors last year, a separate room has been reserved. Exhibitor invitation letters will be mailed in May, however, those interested in exhibiting may call to be sure that they will be included on that mailing list. (Contact Janet Neff, 1-800-357-6087.)

It is not too late to provide your suggestions for topics to be presented at the conference. If you have an issue or subject that is of special interest to you, please let Janet Neff know either by fax (913-291-3266) or phone (1-800-357-6087). Although we have a rapidly filling agenda, we are open to your suggestions!

We sincerely appreciate the time (and travel on icy roads) and of course the excellent suggestions, provided by those who met with us from communities and businesses. In order to make this a successful conference, we rely the excellent suggestions and guidance provided. Thanks again to those who met with us in February and to those who provided thoughtful suggestions on the conference evaluation forms at the 1996 conference.

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Area Code Change

The area code in northeast Kansas will change on July 1, 1997. When contacting the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, or any state agency in Topeka, use the new area code - 785.

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KDHE Regulations in Process

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"Composting and Recycling Works!" Conference Successful

The third annual statewide conference on composting and recycling was held in Lindsborg, March 12-13, 1997. Nearly 400 persons representing cities, counties, private companies, schools, and citizens groups attended this year's conference. The conference name "Recycling & Composting Works" illustrates the belief of most participants that waste reduction efforts make an important difference in local solid waste management practices.

The implementation of waste reduction programs is voluntary in Kansas and we at KDHE have no intention of changing our philosophy that local solid waste planning yields the best long-term results. Kansas' voluntary approach to recycling and composting with educational and financial assistance offered by the state, is "working." The interest level throughout the state to establish new programs or to enhance existing programs is at an all time high as evidenced by the excellent attendance in Lindsborg and by the growth in facilities. A combination of factors has prompted communities to implement a variety of waste reduction programs including: the recent need to prepare comprehensive local solid waste management plans; the increased cost of disposing of waste in properly designed and constructed landfills; financial aid for waste reduction projects through grant programs; local educational efforts; and the statewide "Kansas: Don't Spoil It" educational campaign.

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One of the highlights of this year's conference was the announcement of awards by KDHE Secretary James O'Connell. There were 13 new waste reduction grants and the presentation of composting and recycling recognition awards to Kearny County, Nemaha County, and Crawford County Citizens for Recycling. A special grant award ceremony was held for JAWS Recycling of Lakin which will receive $293,000 to purchase a "rubble hog." The "rubble hog" can process unwanted concrete and asphalt into usable gravel.

Other highlights included the Keynote Address by Mr. Jerry Powell, the Editor-in-Chief of Resource Recycling Magazine; the announcement of a new kids solid waste educational campaign and an associated presentation by a Topeka children's group, the Voices of the Earth; an exceptional demonstration of the best available composting and wood processing equipment at the Lindsborg tree growing station; many excellent presentations on recycling markets, city/ county case studies, worm composting, state grants, the "Kansas: Don't Spoil It" program, and regional efforts. Of course, the friendly hospitality and excellent facilities of Bethany College and the City of Lindsborg always help create a successful conference.

The department is thankful for the hard work of many people who made this third conference a great success. Special thanks is due to Wes Adell, conference coordinator and McPherson County Commissioner, who showed that a good thing could still be improved. We are already planning for next year and request your input about how we can best meet the needs of Kansans in 1998. If you have any comments or suggestions about how we should proceed, please contact Bill Bider at (913) 296-1612.

Bill Bider, Director

Bureau of Waste Management

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Wellhead Protection Efforts Underway

The rapid growth of Wellhead Protection planning activities for public water supply wells indicates a high level of awareness among the state's citizens of the program's benefits. As citizens have become more aware of problems encountered by their own or neighboring communities, they are investing time and money to protect their own water supplies. These efforts are intended to protect the public's health but also protect the community's economic base by ensuring quality water is available to support industry and by keeping the cost of providing water low.

The City of Hays and Ellis County were the first to complete and implement their wellhead protection plan. They are now in the process of establishing a monitoring program to increase the level of protection for their water supply.

In the northwest part of the state, the Northwest Kansas Local Environmental Planning Group (NWKLEPG) has initiated development of city wellhead protection plans for Brewster, Oakley and Goodland. Contacts have also been made to study wellhead protection with Leoti, Hill City and Wakeeny. These efforts are supported by funds from the State Water Plan to the NWKLEPG.

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County level programs, which are eventually intended to protect the public water supply wells for municipalities and water districts as they choose to participate, are underway in Barber, Reno, McPherson and Marion Counties. Leavenworth is seriously considering participation and has had several meetings on the subject.

An effort to develop wellhead protection for the community public water supply wells located in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties along the Kansas River is underway including the City of Olathe and the Johnson County Water District #1. Several smaller communities are considering participating in the program.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is working in cooperation with the EPA, the Kansas Rural Water Association and the National Rural Water Association to increase the number of individuals providing technical support to local efforts. These efforts should prove productive in the next few months.

Bob Hipple,

Bureau of Water

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Financial Assurance Workshops Held for Publicly Owned Municipal Solid Waste Landfills

In late January and early March, the Bureau of Waste Management held meetings in four locations across the state to present new financial assurance information to members of local governments operating municipal solid waste landfills (MSWLF). New financial assurance procedures are required in 1997 and thereafter by Federal Regulation 258, promulgated by EPA under authority granted by RCRA Subtitle D, and adopted in Kansas regulations.

The new procedures are intended to provide annual demonstrations of a local government's ability to pay for eventual closure and post-closure care of its MSWLF. This includes performing ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the closed facility for at least 30 years after closure to ensure that groundwater is adequately protected and that the integrity of the landfill cap is maintained.

A total of 103 persons attended meetings in Emporia, Great Bend, Garden City and Colby, representing 49 local governments which operate MSWLF themselves, or which participate in regional organizations operating MSWLF. Initial compliance dates are April 9, 1997 or October 9, 1997, depending upon the type of MSWLF operated.

Any questions regarding these requirements should be referred to Jim Gilliland at (913) 296-0680.

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Pollution Prevention Award Applications Sought

Has your organization put together a successful pollution prevention or waste reduction plan? If so, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment wants to hear from you.

KDHE is seeking applicants for its annual Kansas Pollution Prevention Awards. Awards will be presented at the environmental conference, Linking Community, Business and Government: Connections for a Clean Environment, to be held on September 24-25, 1997, Lawrence Holidome.

All Kansas businesses, industries, communities, schools, organizations and individuals are eligible to apply for pollution prevention awards. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria: commitment to pollution prevention; success in defining environmental needs and meeting pollution prevention goals; use of innovative approaches, techniques and technologies; soundness of approach, rationale, scientific design and cost effectiveness; duration of program; ability to serve as a model for other efforts; and clarity of application.

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KDHE is also inviting interested persons or organizations to take the "Pollution Prevention Pledge", which is included in the awards brochure. Those who take the "pledge" will receive a certificate and will be recognized in the 1997 P2 Awards Program brochure.

Applicants for the P2 Awards Program may compete in one of three categories: education/communication; new technologies/initiatives; and cooperative efforts. The deadline for submitting applications is July 1, 1997. For additional information, contact Theresa Hodges, 913-296-6603.

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Water Quality Standards Meetings

Section 303 of the Clean Water Act requires each state to review their surface water quality standards every three years. The current standards, K.A.R. 28-16-28b-f, were adopted in 1994. In preparation for the triennial review, five "listening" town meetings were held last fall in Salina, Garden City, Wichita, Lawrence and Fort Scott.

In addition, four advisory panel meetings, which were open to the public, were held at the State Defense Building, Topeka. The advisory panel consisted of individuals representing municipalities, industries, environmental and trade associations, academia, and other state agencies. On January 30, the panel focused on designated uses; the February 4 meeting focused on criteria, and the February 6 meeting focused on administration/implementation. The fourth meeting held on March 12, provided an opportunity to address over-arching provisions of the standards. In addition to panel members, each meeting was attended by 25 to 50 members of the public who were provided the opportunity to comment following panel discussions.

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The KDHE was pleased with the public participation and assistance provided by the advisory panel. These meetings were held to receive input from the public and regulated entities and to define the concerns and issues to be addressed in the review. No minutes of the meetings were prepared, however, all written comments have been compiled and are available at each of the six district offices for public review.

Public comments are still being accepted and may be mailed to: Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of Science and Support, Building 283, Forbes Field, Topeka, Kansas 66620, or faxed to 913-291-3266.

Theresa Hodges

Office of Science and Support

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Midwest Pollution Prevention Conference Planned

The first Midwest Pollution Prevention Conference will be held June 2-4, 1997 at the Downtown Kansas City Marriott, Kansas City, Missouri. The conference is sponsored by Region VII Pollution Prevention Roundtable and the US Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII.

The conference will feature the latest pollution prevention trends, technologies and resources with industrial facility tours providing a look at pollution prevention at work.

The first day will begin with the tours followed by a welcome reception in the evening. Tuesday's session will feature welcome and keynote speeches presented by EPA's Assistant Administrator of the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxic Substances, Dr. Lynn Goldman; EPA's Regional Administrator, Dennis Grams; and EPA Region VII's Director of the Air, RCRA and Toxics Division, William "Art" Spratlin. A variety of breakout sessions will be offered Tuesday and Wednesday, along with many opportunities to visit the exhibits. Breakout sessions will include P2 Basics, Energy, Financial, Marketing P2, Partnerships, Agribusiness, P2 Education, Water, ISO14000/Information Sources, Local Government/Municipalities, Coatings and Solvents, case studies and other technical sessions. The conference will be of interest to representatives of businesses, industries, trade associations, universities, and governmental agencies who are involved with pollution prevention policy, technology, education or implementation.

Agendas and registration information should be mailed mid-April with the registration deadline early in May. For more information about this regional conference, contact Mr. Ron Stone, US EPA, 913-551-7158.

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Calendar of Events

April 18:

Risk Management,Kansas City, MO Chris Barritt, (913) 864-3968
How to Conduct an Environmental Audit, Kansas City, MO
Chris Barritt, (913) 864-3968

May 13-16

CHMN Review Course and Exam, Wichita, KS
Pam Hicks, (913) 897-8522

June 3-4

EPA Region VII Pollution Prevention Conference, Kansas City, MO
Downtown Marriott
Jim Callier, EPA Region VII, (913) 551-7646

September 24-25

KDHE Environmental Conference, Lawrence, KS
Holidome
Ricquelle Landis, KDHE, (913) 296-6603

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