MISSOURI DNR SUSPENDS DISPOSAL RULES IN FLOOD-AFFECTED COUNTIES

In an effort to help residents in 14 flood-damaged Southeast Missouri counties clean up flood debris as quickly and safely as possible, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced it will extend the adjustment of state solid-waste disposal regulations for flood-related debris in 14 flood-affected counties until March 31.

The 14 counties are: Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Madison, Oregon, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Francois, St. Louis, Shannon and Wayne.

Many of the 14 counties sustained major damage from the summer-long flood of 1993. Others were damaged by flash flooding that occurred during the fall. Some counties were hit by both types of flooding, the DNR said.

The DNR said the suspension of its disposal regulations for those counties in the rest of the state that were affected by the summer flood will continue through Dec. 31, 1993.

"We're extending our adjustment of disposal regulations for Southeast Missouri because of extensive flooding and continuing cleanup," said David Shorr, DNR director. "We want to do everything we can to help people in these 14 counties get their property cleaned up quickly and safely."

DNR officials said local governments in Southeast Missouri have until March 31 to clean and remove flood-related items and debris from any temporary disposal facility that was set up during the flood.

The DNR said landfill operators will not have to pay the tonnage fee on flood debris disposed of in landfills from now until March 31, if they accept it free of charge. Fees will remain in place for waste not related to the flood, and landfill operators who do charge tipping fees for flood debris should continue to collect and remit tonnage fees for all flood debris and municipal wastes they accept.

The DNR emphasized the restriction that bans major appliances from Missouri landfills has not been suspended.

Although the DNR said it prefers that individuals place flood debris in landfills whenever possible, the agency is extending its open burning policy until March 31. Wood, trees branches, logs, brush and building materials should be stockpiled and allowed to dry. Residents should check with local governments for area restrictions before doing any burning.

The DNR said flood debris will continue to be accepted at landfills and will not be considered yard waste through March 31. Tires may also be disposed of in landfills, provided they are cut in two halves. Tires must not be burned or buried on site.

Building debris and personal property should be disposed of in a permanent demolition landfills. DNR said it will work with communities on a case-by-case basis to determine whether burning of materials is an option.