The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 conducted removal operations at a private property near Hillsboro, Missouri, last week following a Request for Federal Action from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR).
On July 25, EPA Region 7 dispatched an on-scene coordinator along with contractors to stabilize and secure over 30 abandoned drums found on a rural undeveloped property west of Hillsboro. The drums were reportedly dumped on the property, and responders noted puncture holes and nearby soil staining, suggesting that the drums may have been drained on-site.
The drums were sampled and secured, impacted soil was excavated, and observed liquid waste in a concrete cellar was collected.
At this time, there are no known impacts beyond the incident location. EPA is currently arranging for the safe and secure disposal of the materials recovered during its removal operations.
Individuals can report suspected environmental violations to EPA Region 7 via phone at 913-281-0991 or through an online form.
If you suspect a potential environmental violation may be an environmental emergency that poses an immediate threat to public health and the environment, call the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.
