(From Missouri State Auditor Thomas Schweich)
State Auditor Tom Schweich released an audit of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hazardous Waste Program today.
In the areas audited, the overall performance of this entity was Fair.
The Hazardous Waste program has not completed investigations of potential environmental concerns at 23 identified or potential former manufactured gas plants. Based on past investigations, it appears these sites have a high probability of hazardous waste contamination. State law requires the DNR to investigate all known or suspected abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
The DNR has not yet completed investigations of potential environmental concerns at 111 former lead smelters and 3,300 former mining waste sites. While these sites are generally exempt from being regulated as a hazardous waste site under state law, the DNR is required to conduct investigations involving releases or potential releases of hazardous substances under its cooperative agreements with the EPA. Lead is recognized as a hazardous material and can pose a threat to public health and the environment.
To read the full report, visit: http://www.auditor.mo.gov/AuditReports/AudRpt2.aspx?id=57
Fair, that about sums it up for the DNR. They won't even really go after the bad actors in agriculture! Do Nothing Responsible should be their motto!
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