Mo. DNR waives some requirements to aid flood cleanup

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will waive special solid waste and air pollution regulations to provide flexibility in flood cleanup operations in 19 Missouri counties.

The waiver applies to Barry, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, McDonald, Mississippi, New Madrid, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Francois, Scott, Stoddard, Stone, Taney and Wayne counties, the DNR reported in a news release.

The waiver allows plant waste and appliances to be taken to sanitary landfills if the landfills will accept the them. The department is encouraging local governments to coordinate collection of damaged appliances so they can remove refrigerants before the appliances are recycled.

The waiver also allows the burning of "vegetative waste" on the property where it originated, at least 200 yards from the nearest occupied structure. Such burning must be approved by local fire officials.

The waiver will be in effect until May 23 unless extended and can be found at www.dnr.mo.gov/Waiverflood5-10-2011.pdf.

Residents or businesses involved in storm debris cleanup should call the Department of Natural Resource's Southeast Regional Office at 573-840-9750 or the Southwest Regional Office at 417-891-4300 for additional information or clarification of the waiver.