EPA NEEDS TO CLEAN UP ITS ACT IN LOCAL PROJECTS

Its name implies a mission to protect the environment. But at what costs does this protection come - to the taxpayers and businesses? After observing local cleanup efforts, we can only question the integrity and direction of this burgeoning federal bureaucracy. And we're not the only ones with serious concerns about an all-too-powerful Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh last week sided with former owners of Kem-Pest Laboratories in a dispute with the EPA. In his ruling, the federal judge characterized the EPA as "arrogant."

He said "it is clear to the court that the EPA's `concern' about the public safety and the increasing costs to taxpayers is insincere and sanctimonious." the judge further stated that EPA's refusals to communicate with the Knote family about the demolition of their building, and the EPA's "arrogant pontificating, reflect nothing less than an attitude of supremacy tantamount to contempt."

Strong words from a federal judge - but right on the money. We commend Judge Limbaugh's grit in standing up to this governmental giant and telling it like it is.

The EPA is working on two environmental cleanups in Cape Girardeau. Both cases deal with local families - who have received dubious cooperation from the agency. Kem-Pest Laboratories operated from 1965-1977 on a site three miles north of Cape Girardeau. In 1987, the EPA added the site to the Superfund list, citing the presence of pesticide-laced soil. Missouri Electric Works, a motor and transformer repair and sales business, operated at 824 S. Kingshighway since 1953. An inspection in 1984 discovered that some drums of transformer oil were leaking. Tests showed the oil contained PCBs, and that soil and ground water had been contaminated.

The EPA should work with people to settle these cleanups - many are victims of changing regulations and research as opposed to criminals. Many chemicals and treatments that were common decades ago are banned today. We must also consider that the panics of today may become tomorrow's mockeries. The Alar scare devastated the apple industry, and was later discovered to be a farce. The dangers of Dioxin have since been questioned - after millions have been spent on cleanups. Removing asbestos from old buildings and schools may be the next fiasco. More health problems may stem from the removal than leaving it concealed in the walls and ceilings.

As a governmental agency, the EPA should work for the people. As Judge Limbaugh pointed out Congress did not give the EPA "unfettered authority to deceive and bully people into submission."

It's tough to challenge such an all-knowing and all-powerful agency - especially if you're at the end of its microscope. But we maintain that the EPA is run by people, and people are not beyond mistakes nor reproach. While EPA's toxic waste cleanup efforts are commendable, Judge Limbaugh said it best: "Vigorous protection of the environment does not make it an administrative deity."

Judge Limbaugh provides a voice of reason in this EPA dispute. We hope the EPA takes his words to heart, and cleans up its act.