DNR imposes new requirements on landfarm

ADVANCE, Mo. -- An environmental cleanup facility near Advance will incur some increased cost from new monitoring requirements handed down by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

In its new operating permit, made effective June 29 and revised July 13, Poplar Bluff, Mo.-based S.H. Smith and Company Inc., will be required to conduct weekly visual inspections to make sure piles of contaminated soil at its landfarm facility near Advance remain properly covered.

The landfarm is a place where soils contaminated with petroleum products are placed in a lined pit to allow bacteria and sunlight to break down the chemicals.

The new rules were instituted following complaints from people living near the facility that piles of contaminated soil were laying in the open where rain might cause runoff into nearby Wolf Creek.

Company President Paul Ridlen said he's not sure how much extra cost will be involved with the new requirements, but the company is prepared to pay that cost to ensure it's being environmentally responsible and a good neighbor.

"We wanted to be treated fairly, of course, and we certainly understand the concerns all the neighbors have, and we've tried from the very beginning to be responsive to those," Ridlen said.

Ridlen said he doesn't think all the changes to the landfarm's operation are necessary, but taking these steps are worth the cost if they reduce the concerns of those living nearby.