MISSOURI WATCH: PESTICIDES PART OF POLLUTION MIX (SECOND OF TWO PARTS)

JEFFERSON CITY -- There are two principal sources of greenhouse gases in Missouri, transportation (cars, trucks, airplanes) and the generation of electricity to meet the demands of private consumers and large and small industries. In 1990, transportation alone released about 38 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), 69.5 percent of which came from motor gasoline, 21.5 percent from diesel and 8 percent from jet fuel.

Highway traffic, much of it concentrated in small geographical metropolitan-suburb areas, emits the largest share of pollution, with autos and light trucks accounting for 67 percent of Missouri's greenhouse emissions.

Burning coal to generate electricity produces even more emissions than burning petroleum. According to a recent Department of Natural Resources study, electric utilities in the state released about 52 million tons of CO2 in 1990, which constituted 46 percent of all emissions from fossil fuels. About 95 percent of these emissions came from Missouri's 12 largest coal-fired plants.

The Missouri Division of Energy divides the courses of all CO2 emissions from fossil fuels this way: 33.5 percent from all forms of transportation; 25.8 percent from residential consumption of electricity; 20.5 percent from commercial energy use; and 20.2 percent from industrial consumption.

A third major pollution component that is changing the state's once-pristine environment is the widespread use of pesticides and herbicides. When this subject is discussed, it usually provokes one of two responses: "We can't farm without it" or "Why does the government allow it to be sold?"

Joining forces with the pesticide industry, the Department of Natural Resources has sought to develop methods to prevent dangerous pollution, but as residents of intensive-farming regions know, there's still plenty of work to be done. University of Missouri studies point to a decreasing reliance on pesticides on major grain crops, but these were treated with more than 13 million pounds of pesticides in 1992.

Regulating industry dealers and applicators is now part of the DNR's workload, but it took years before the General Assembly would create proper regulation. The idea was first advanced by the late Sen. Nelson B. Tinnin of Hornersville, who was a cotton ginner and producer and recognized the need to supervise the use of chemicals that can produce health hazards when improperly applied.

State officials offer six suggestions to prevent pesticide pollution: look for alternatives to pesticides, use the least toxic varieties, purchase only the amount needed, follow label directions to the letter, properly clean used containers before disposal, and never mix, store or apply pesticides near wells, springs or streams.

Natural Resources Director David A. Shorr, who is sometimes the target of legislative complaints over alleged excessive pollution-fighting efforts by the DNR, holds one of the capital's most visible and controversial jobs. He says he views his job as one of protecting both the health and climate of 5.3 million men, women and children and balancing the state's economic interests.

As for the state's climate, the agency believes these changes may or be likely to occur in the future:

1. Average temperatures in the state will likely show an increase.

2. Increased temperatures might make air quality problems worse by increasing reaction rates among chemicals in the atmosphere.

3. Weather might grow more turbulent with more severe storms and even, paradoxically, bigger snowstorms.

4. Earlier snow melts might be longer and drier due to lower mid-continent precipitation and faster evaporation.

5. Stress on particular species or biosystems might lead to their migration or extinction.

6. Forage yields might increase but decrease in nutrient value.

7. The availability of water to agriculture might be reduced when it is most needed.

Ironically, the emergence of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Missouri has done much to highlight the Natural Resources department and its efforts to protect the environment. Adopting a relative patient view toward industry negligence, the agency has nevertheless acted promptly and firmly when mishaps have occurred. Its actions have strengthened its support among the general public.

As for Shorr, often the target of criticism, his words to large pork producers ("Missourians are fair, but their patience is limited") brought loud applause from his Capitol critics.

It remains to be seen whether other DNR initiatives in the future are greeted with the same enthusiasm.

~Jack Stapleton of Kennett is the editor of the Missouri News and Editorial Service.