Volume 16 Number 2 Spring 2005 - eec.ky.gov Air Water/Spring 2005.pdf · analysis. The training will cover the proper collection, preservation and transport of samples to a lab. Data

Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet

Volume 16 Number 2Spring 2005

Land, Air & Water is publishedquarterly by the Environmental and PublicProtection Cabinet with state and federalfunds. Subscription to this publication isfree. Write the Office of Communications

and Public Outreach, 5th Floor, CapitalPlaza Tower, Frankfort, KY 40601 or phone(502) 564-5525 to have your name added to

the mailing list. Address changes anddeletions also should be sent to this office or

faxed to (502) 564-3354.

The Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet does not discriminate on the basis ofrace, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability and provides, on request, reasonableaccommodations including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford an individual with adisability an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs and activities. Torequest materials in an alternative format, contact the Office of Communications and PublicOutreach, 5th Floor, Capital Plaza Tower, Frankfort, KY 40601 or call (502) 564-5525.Hearing- and speech-impaired persons can contact the agency by using the Kentucky RelayService, a toll-free telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD). For voice to TDD, call(800) 648-6057. For TDD to voice, call (800) 648-6056.

Printed on recycled paper with state and federal funds

Agency CoordinatorsMartin Bess, Maleva Chamberlain,

Leslie Cole, Mary Jean Eddins,Gwen Holt, Lola Lyle, Elizabeth Robb,

Lee Ruggles, Eva Smith-Carroll,Rose Marie Wilmoth and Chuck Wolfe

Visit Land, Air & Water magazine on the World Wide Web atwww.environment.ky.gov/law/default.htm

Online

State of KentuckyErnie Fletcher, Governor

EditorDesign & Production

Cindy Schafer

Environmental andPublic Protection Cabinet

LaJuana S. Wilcher, Secretary

Department for EnvironmentalProtection

Lloyd R. Cress, Commissioner

Department for Natural ResourcesSusan Carole Bush, Commissioner

Department of Public ProtectionChristopher Lilly, Acting Commissioner

Department of LaborPhilip Anderson, Commissioner

Kentucky’sWatershed Watchprogram is offering aseries of freeworkshops to trainpeople to find theanswer to thisquestion.

Participants willlearn about streamecology, waterchemistry andbiology—and gettheir feet wetalongside some ofKentucky’s leading stream scientists. After training, participants will be asked tochoose a stream, river, lake, wetland or cave system to monitor, then pay several visitsover the summer to collect data on its condition.

Participants also will collect water samples for delivery to professional labs foranalysis. The training will cover the proper collection, preservation and transport ofsamples to a lab. Data from the analysis will be returned to volunteers so they can seeactual water quality values for their chosen streams. Monitoring data will also be usedby state and local agencies, research organizations and cleanup programs such asPRIDE (Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment).

To find out more about the project or register online, visit the project’s Web sitehttp://kywater.org/join.htm. Select an area of the state, check dates of work-shops in the area and complete the registration form. You can also call(800) 928-0045 ext. 473.

Watershed Watch is a statewide citizens’ monitoring effort to improve and protectwater quality by raising community awareness and supporting implementation of thegoals of the Clean Water Act.

How clean is your creek?By Ken CookeDivision of Water

Jean Watts (standing in creek) instructs volunteers on Carr ForkCreek in Perry County. Photo by Ken Cooke

what’s insideSpring 2005

featuresVolume 16 Number 2

Printed by Post PrintingLexington, Kentucky

3

on the cover

contentsHow clean is your creek? .................................... Inside front coverGuthrie stream runs clean ............................................................. 2New LEDs will save energy and money ....................................... 4Blue Grass Army Depot ................................................................ 5KBEAP helps local business lower emissions .............................. 6Commencement graduates cadre of environmental educators ...... 7Crumb rubber grants awarded ...................................................... 8Kentucky’s Brownfields Program seeing organizational changes .......................................................... 11Get the fat on biodiesel ............................................................... 12Kentucky pursues carbon sequestration in an effort to tackle climate change ........................................................ 13EPA announces PM2.5 attainment designations ......................... 14Compliance assistance offered to the regulated community ....... 15DAQ and EQC partner with ENERGY STAR ............................ 16Oil spill one of worst in state’s history ....................................... 17Survey: Kentuckians have much to learn about the environment ........................................................... 18Woodland owners course gears up for second year .................... 19Students learn about farming ...................................................... 20This Earth Day, make protecting the environment your personal responsibility ..................................... Back cover

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1 Monitoring “ahead of the curve”Kentucky beginning to monitor mercury in OhioCounty.

3 Energy policy promotes environmen-tal protection, energy conservationPlan will help the state continue to lead the nationin affordable energy.

9-10 Children’s environmental healthStudy reveals that much needs to be done toreverse the effects of pollution on public health.

Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum). Photographedby Thomas G. Barnes, University of Kentucky,Department of Forestry.

Land, Air & Water 1

Monitoring the quality of the air is atechnical and scientific process requiringadvanced technology, skilled technicians,data collection and processing, andapplication of the scientific method.

Monitoring locations are selectedbased on guidance from the EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) and are generallyestablished near populous areas orpollutant sources. Each year the locationsare reviewed to ensure that adequatecoverage is being provided. Data from thenetwork is used to demonstrate compliancewith and progress toward meeting ambient(outdoor) air quality standards, set by theEPA, and to identify pollution trends. Thedata are also used to provide pollutantlevels for daily air quality index reportingand to detect elevated pollutant levels foractivation of emergency control

procedures. Air monitoring stations mayalso be set up for special studies forlimited time periods to address specificissues with air quality in areas where thereare numerous complaints, or where theDivision for Air Quality (DAQ) feels thatair quality is affected by a localizedactivity.

The DAQ runs one of the mostcomprehensive air monitoring networks inthe United States. This year, the DAQ isrunning a network of 104 monitors at 34sites in 29 counties.

The new Ohio County site, located inEchols, will sample ambient levels ofozone, sulfur dioxide, PM2.5, mercury andair toxics. The site features one of four

new Tekran monitors, which have theability to sample air continuously over a24-hour period, and to measure ambientlevels of mercury vapor. Two othermonitors are operating at sites inNicholasville and Grayson Lake, and afourth will operate at the East Bendmonitoring site in the Florence region. Afifth monitor has been part of the networksince 2001.

The DAQ began monitoring forambient levels of mercury vapor in 2001after purchasing its first Tekran Model2537A mercury vapor analyzer. TheTekran analyzer was set up inMiddlesboro, where sampling lastednearly six months. It was then moved toMammoth Cave National Park in 2002 andrelocated in 2003 to DAQ’s air monitoring

New air monitoring station in Ohio County online

By Elizabeth RobbDivision for Air Quality

Continued on Page 8

The EPA has noted that Kentucky is ‘aheadof the curve’ in beginning to monitor forambient levels of mercury.

DAQ Environmental Engineer TechnicianStephanie McCarthy audits and calibrates aTekran monitor. DAQ photo

Land, Air & Water2

Decades of pollution from a woodpreservative used at a 93-year-oldplant in Todd County have been

cleaned up in a remediation projectoverseen by the Hazardous Waste Branchof the Department for EnvironmentalProtection (DEP) and the U.S. Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA).

The plant, which produced railroadties and timbers, was built in 1912 byL&N Railroad in Guthrie, where two mainlines intersected. Today the 130-acre

facility, owned by Koppers Inc., is aprimary supplier of crossties, switch tiesand track panels to the CSX and nationalrailroad systems.

Over the years, soil, sediment andgroundwater were contaminated bypolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),the primary constituents of creosote, achemical wood preservative.

The Hazardous Waste Branch and theEPA Region IV worked with Beazer EastInc., a previous owner that retained

Guthrie stream runs cleanRemediation goals at Koppers plant are achievedBy Ahad ChowdhuryDivision of Waste Management

environmental liabilities, to performcorrective action in accordance with theDEP-administered Resource Conservationand Recovery Act (RCRA) permit forassessment and clean up.

Remediation has been ongoing since1994. Cleanup actions include contain-ment, extraction and recovery of creosote-dense aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) andgroundwater, including both on-site andoff-site systems, within a complicatedsubsurface karst setting. Other actionshave included removal and solidificationof impacted soil and sediment. Solidifiedwastes produced during the recent cleanupof the source contamination, ditches andstreams were placed within a CorrectiveAction Management Unit constructed onsite under permit with the EPA. The unitconsists of a clay bottom liner and amultiple-component liner cap. It encapsu-lates more than 10,000 cubic yards ofsolidified soil and sediment.

Groundwater remediation has evolvedthrough multiple phases of groundwater

Continued on Page 16

ABOVE: A wetland was constructed after remediation in a downstream portion of the on-sitedrainage. RIGHT: Post-remediation is evident at the on-site drainage ditch, which includes abuffer zone (mulched area), the DNAPL barrier (along yellow posts) and riparian zonerevegetation (on both sides of the drainage ditch). Photos submitted

LEFT: Placement of a geosynthetic clay linerhelped to isolate remaining sediments fromthe restored stream bottom. Photo submitted

Land, Air & Water 3

Governor Fletcher unveils Kentucky’scomprehensive energy policyBy Lola LyleDivision of Energy

“This new energy plan reflects theprinciples I laid out with the formation ofthe energy task force: to maintainKentucky’s low-cost energy, to responsiblydevelop Kentucky’s energy resources andto preserve Kentucky’s commitment to ourenvironment,” stated Governor Fletcher.

Co-chairmen of the CommonwealthEnergy Policy Task Force—CommerceCabinet Secretary Jim Host and LaJuanaS. Wilcher, secretary of the Environmentaland Public Protection Cabinet—presentedthe policy to the governor. The seven-member task force formulated the planafter conducting a series of public meet-ings around the Commonwealth. The taskforce heard testimony from citizens,business representatives, environmentalorganizations and energy producers.

“As we implement our comprehensiveenergy plan, which includes greater use ofclean coal technology, biofuels and energyefficiency, Kentucky will be well-posi-tioned to continue to lead the nation inaffordable energy while we become betterstewards of the environment God hasgiven us,” stated Governor Fletcher.

The governor’s plan calls for greaterenergy efficiency—using technology toreduce energy consumption and energycosts without sacrificing performance inappliances, office equipment, homes andbuildings. Energy efficiencies can reduceenergy bills by 20 percent to 30 percentfor many homeowners and businesses.

For years, Kentucky has enjoyed thenation’s lowest residential electric rates.But because there was no incentive to cutconsumption, the nation’s lowest rates didnot translate into the nation’s lowest bills.

It is estimated that Kentucky stategovernment, which spends more than $200million a year on energy, could cut thatcost by 10 percent—up to $20 million—with a comprehensive energy managementprogram. By changing the way stategovernment buys products, builds build-ings and works internally, greater efficien-cies and savings could be realized.

One program mentioned in GovernorFletcher’s energy strategy is ENERGYSTAR—a joint venture of the U.S.

Members of theCommonwealth Energy

Policy Task Forcewatch as Governor

Ernie Fletcher signsKentucky’s first

comprehensive energypolicy. Creative Services

photo

A comprehensive energy policy forKentucky was announced byGovernor Ernie Fletcher in

February. The policy, the first of its kindin the state, aims to preserve Kentucky’shistorically low energy costs, whilepromoting environmental protection,energy conservation and expanded use ofrenewable fuels.

The average residential electric rate inKentucky is 33 percent below the nationalaverage. The average residential bill inKentucky is only 17 percent below thenational average. The governor’s planprovides for energy efficiency resulting inreduced consumption, lower bills and animproved environment because of reducedemissions.

The policy also calls for state govern-ment to lead by example in energyefficiency. It says an aggressive utilitysavings initiative should be developed toaddress excessive energy use, and policiesencouraging the purchase of energy-efficient products should be implemented.The state should also encourage high-performance, energy-efficient design fornewly constructed state-funded buildingsand examine state building codes todetermine if enhanced energy efficiencygains are possible through progressivepolicy.

Department of Energy and the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency to helpbusinesses, governments, schools andindividuals protect the environmentthrough superior energy efficiency.Appliances, heating and cooling equip-ment, electronics, lighting, office equip-ment and commercial equipment areeligible for an ENERGY STAR rating.New and existing homes, as well as certaintypes of buildings, can also be ENERGYSTAR certified. For several years, theKentucky Division of Energy’s ENERGYSTAR program has been a frontrunneramong the southeastern states.

The new policy also supports use ofrenewable fuels. According to the EnergyInformation Administration, United Statesreliance on foreign oil, currently 56percent, will increase to 68 percent by2025 unless there is a change. Use ofrenewable fuels such as ethanol andbiodiesel can help reduce this dependency.The governor calls for use of a 10 percentethanol and gasoline blend (E10) and a 2percent blend of biodiesel (B2) in thestate’s fleet and encourages Kentucky’spost-secondary institutions to do the same.The governor also supports the use of a 20percent blend of biodiesel (B20) in thepublic school bus fleet.

To view Kentucky’s energy policy inits entirety, as well as related executiveorders, visit the Division of Energy’sWeb site at www.energy.ky.gov.

Land, Air & Water4

Kentucky will soon be the second state inthe country, behind Delaware, to convert all ofits traffic signals, highway flashing beacons andschool flashers on state maintained routes toLight Emitting Diodes (LED). LED signalsare 80 percent to 90 percent more efficientthan incandescent lights and can last morethan a decade.

Siemens Building Technologies Inc.has a contract with the Kentucky Transpor-tation Cabinet to change out the lights atmore than 2,500 intersections statewide andbegan the change in January.

“Once this project is complete, it willresult in a tremendous savings for thetaxpayers of Kentucky,” stated KentuckyTransportation Cabinet Secretary MaxwellBailey. “This is one of many projects in our effortto become more efficient and cost effective asdirected by Governor Fletcher.”

The contract allows the cabinet to make theseupgrades with no capital expenditures by financing the funds

New LEDs will save energyand moneyBy Lola LyleDivision of Energy

A crew from Siemens Building Technologies changes incandescentbulbs to LEDs at traffic signals on Mero Street in Frankfort.Transportation Cabinet photo

“Once this project is complete, it will result ina tremendous savings for the taxpayers ofKentucky.”

Secretary Maxwell BaileyKentucky Transportation Cabinet

necessary to complete the project. Payback forthe financed funds will be made though energycost savings resulting from the upgrades withinthe first four years. The project is expected tosave the state about $1.7 million per year.

A typical utility bill for a signalizedtraffic intersection costs taxpayers approxi-mately $65. Once the LEDs are installed, theTransportation Cabinet expects bills to drop to

$12 per intersection, on average.Energy use statewide will drop approximately

30 million kilowatt hours every year, which is enoughenergy to power 3,000 Kentucky homes. This reduction

in energy use is the equivalent of removing more than 4,000cars from the road every year.

LED bulbs have to be replaced every 11 or 12 years, andare brighter and clearer than incandescent bulbs. Incandescentlights usually burn out in less than a year.

The personnel and equipment hours that have beenpreviously spent changing faulty bulbs can now be spent onpreventive maintenance and better operation of systems andinfrastructure.

“This is truly smart energy management. By creating awin-win for all involved, energy savings are financing a projectthat will improve traffic safety while lightening the load on ourpower grid and helping the environment,” said KentuckyDivision of Energy Director John Davies. “Using energyefficiency to benefit all Kentuckians is a great example ofGovernor Fletcher’s energy strategy.”

To learn more about energy savings performance contract-ing, visit the Kentucky Division of Energy’s Web site at http://www.energy.ky.gov/programs/espc/.

Land, Air & Water 5

Located in the heart of the BluegrassRegion between Richmond and Berea isthe Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD). Theinstallation sits on more than 14,000 acresand is used for storing conventionalexplosive munitions and assemblingchemical weapons.

The BGAD has about 523 tons ofchemical agents stored at its facility inRichmond. Most of these agents arecontained in rockets and projectileshoused in earth-covered igloos. However,almost 100 gallons are stored in a one-toncontainer (OTC) commonly used byindustry for storing chlorine gas.

This OTC stores Sarin, a highly toxicnerve agent manufactured by the Armyspecifically for chemical warfare.

Recently, BGAD officials concludedthat the container’s carbon steel plugsneeded to be replaced, and a work planwas developed and submitted to theKentucky Division of Waste Management.

Each OTC contains eight plugs—fiveplugs on one end and three on the other—that allow the container to be maintainedand serviced. The carbon steel plugs wereinstalled 10 years ago when testingrevealed the original brass plugs were

deteriorating. The work plan called for the carbonsteel plugs to be replaced with stainlesssteel. At the same time, a sample of thecontainer’s content was to be collected andtested to determine the best method ofdemilitarizing it.

In November, a specialized team fromUtah’s Deseret Chemical Depot wasbrought in to do the plugs replacement.

However, due to problems found

Blue Grass Army DepotPlug replacements turn into container replacements

By Bill BuchananDivision of Waste Management

during the operation, plans changed. Theteam noticed that one of the plug holes inthe container was severely deteriorated,and the new plug could not be fittedproperly. A temporary, expandable rubberplug was installed while corrective actionoptions were considered. Only five of theeight plugs were replaced during thisoperation. After thorough consideration, theBGAD opted to transfer the contents intotwo new OTCs in case a neutralizing ordecontaminating agent was needed oncethe sample analysis was obtained. Thesenew containers were shipped to theBGAD, and the Technical Escort Unit, aspecialized Army unit from Pine Bluff,Ark., was selected to perform the transfer.

The transfer took place outside theigloo but inside two glove boxes (onecontainer inside the other) under negativepressure provided by a 1,000 cubic-feet-per-minute filter that would absorb anymaterial if there was a leak. The gloveboxes were housed inside a negatively-pressured vapor control shelter that actedas a secondary containment should theglove boxes have leaked. Monitoringinstruments were also used during theoperation that could detect chemicalagents at extremely low levels.

Most of the contents of the originalOTC was placed in the first recipientcontainer. About 20 percent had to beplaced in the second container. Some ofthe original liquid chemical agent hadsolidified into sludge on the bottom of theOTC and could not be distributed.

Because safety is the top prioritywhen an operation of this magnitude isundertaken, the transfer into new contain-ers took four days. All three containerswere put safely back into the igloo and arebeing monitored on a routine basis toensure that they remain in good conditionuntil demilitarization. For more information, contact ShannonPowers at (502) 564-6716, or [email protected]

Members of the Technical Escort Unit, aspecialized Army unit from Pine Bluff, Ark.,prepare the BGAD one-ton container (OTC)for the transfer of its contents into two newOTCs. Photo by the Blue Grass Army Depot

Land, Air & Water6

Somerset Recycling Services hasbeen in the recovery and recyclingtrade for 20 years. It does business

with 25-30 states, purchasing byproductsand scraps from manufacturing anddistribution centers. It processes thesematerials for use in post-consumer plasticproducts.

The company operates three shifts aday, typically processing 3,000 to 4,000pounds per hour, and also manages morethan a dozen trucks involved in thetransportation division of the business.Hauling also includes discarded materialsthat do not require processing at theSomerset plant.

Last year, the company recycled morethan 90 million pounds of materialsranging from plastic bottles and construc-tion hard hats to automobile air bags. Theforecast for 2005 is more than 100 million.

The processing of scrap materials atthe plant generates a large quantity of dust.Somerset Recycling had always compliedwith air quality standards. However, MikeHannon of the Division for Air Quality’sLondon Regional Office suggested that thecompany contact the Kentucky BusinessEnvironmental Assistance Program(KBEAP) for help with its paperworkneeds. KBEAP did more than help withthe company’s paperwork. It providedvaluable recommendations on how toreduce dust emissions.

Somerset Recycling’s commitment toreducing dust, along with the technicalassistance provided by KBEAP’s EricByrd, has led to some major changes at theplant. Substantial investments have beenmade in equipment and processes tosignificantly reduce dust emissions.

“Our experience with KBEAP hasbeen very positive. The staff was profes-sional, caring and informative,” said SteveKeck, president of Somerset Recycling.“Their involvement assisted our companyin developing an effective improvement inair quality.”

Somerset Recycling now has three baghouses in the plant that trap dust createdduring the processing of materials and thenchannel it outdoors. The third one wasinstalled based on Byrd’s recommenda-tion.

Dust generated from plastic grindingis sent through ducts to the outside andcollected with bag filters.

The company also has added lids tothe auger moving pans to reduce floatingdust within the plant. It plans to add fourmore lids to other auger-moving pans inthe future.

Keck is committed to providing abetter work environment for his employeesand being a better corporate citizen bysignificantly reducing the dust releasesfrom his business.

The availability of free technicalassistance from KBEAP was a key factorin identifying the changes he needed tomake at his plant to achieve these goals.

If you are a business owner interestedin receiving air quality complianceassistance from KBEAP, call Greg Copleyat (800) 562-2327 or visit the KBEAPWeb site at www.kbeap.org

KBEAP helps localbusiness lower emissionsBy Rose Marie WilmothDivision of Compliance Assistance

RIGHT: Bag filters located outsidethe plant catch dust created during the

processing of materials inside the facility.

BELOW: Samantha Gibson, safety managerat Somerset Recycling Services, and Pete

Davis, plant manager, stand in front ofremnants of automobile air bags.

Photos provided by Millinda Rumble, KBEAP

Land, Air & Water 7

In March, more than 30 environmentaleducators made history in Kentuckywhen they became the first to graduate

from the Kentucky Certification forNonformal Educators Program.

A year of training, assessments andcamaraderie finally came to an end for theprogram participants. The graduates—representing government agencies,nonprofit organizations and businessesacross the Commonwealth—and instruc-tors looked back at their accomplishmentsduring the graduation ceremony inLexington.

The program is known for its rigor-ous, standards-based approach to training.Participants attended several workshopsthroughout the year that incorporatedstandards described in the North AmericanAssociation for Environmental Education(NAAEE) Guidelines for the InitialPreparation of Environmental Educators.In addition to studying environmentalsystems and education design strategies,participants were also trained in providingeducation without bias, which is a compo-nent of environmental education thatdistinguishes it from environmentaladvocacy.

“Environmental education is a highlycomplex endeavor, requiring an under-standing of the interrelationships of bothnatural and human systems, plus theunique instructional strategies we use toteach about these systems,” said Jane Eller,executive director of the KentuckyEnvironmental Education Council. “Foryears we have asked people to teach thesecomplex systems with little or no specifictraining. The certification program is ourstrategy for preparing better environmentaleducators and, from there, better environ-mental education,” Eller said.

One of the best aspects of the programis the camaraderie experienced during theworkshops and activities. The certificationprogram attracts participants from acrossthe state providing for diverse perspectivesand viewpoints. Participants ranged inexperience levels from one year to morethan thirty years of experience.

“What a great group to be associatedwith; everyone was there to learn and hada great time during the learning process,”said Doug McLaren, cooperative extensionservice employee and certificationgraduate.

The program, in addition to otherenvironmental education efforts, makesKentucky one of the leading states in thenation for environmental education. Itstraining approach makes it a modelprogram for other states wishing to createsimilar certification programs.

“What impressed me the most was theabsolute dedication of my Kentuckycolleagues to the field of environmentaleducation. In the national context,Kentucky is providing the kind of visionand leadership that I would hope willinspire others elsewhere to action,” saidBill Dent, a program graduate who isexecutive director of the North AmericanAssociation for Environmental Education.

Most importantly the program givesenvironmental educators the resources,skills and accountability they need to bettereducate the citizens of the Commonwealthabout the environment.

“There is no doubt that this programwill strengthen the field of environmentaleducation across the Commonwealth,”stated Yvonne Meichtry, certificationinstructor and professor at NorthernKentucky University.

The program was a great success in2004. The second year of the programbegan in March with a full class and alengthy waiting list. Those interested inparticipating in future classes cancontact Jane Eller at (502) 564-5937.

By Kate ShanksOffice of Communications and Public Outreach

Commencement graduates cadreof environmental educators

ABOVE: Certification participants got alesson in teamwork during the final certifica-tion workshop at Cumberland Falls StateResort Park.

LEFT: (left to right) Rayetta Boone,Department of Agriculture; Doug McLaren,Department of Forestry/UK CooperativeExtension Service; and Sara Gilbert, EastKentucky PRIDE, study field, forest andstream systems during the first certificationworkshop at Lake Cumberland State ResortPark. Photos provided by Joe Baust, Murray StateUniversity, Center for Environmental Education

Land, Air & Water8

station on Bloodworth Farm in the Paducah region, where it remains today.Mercury (Hg), a natural element, is found in very small amounts in rocks, oceans

and soils. As rocks erode, soil decomposes and volcanoes erupt, elemental mercury isreleased into the environment.

Mercury has been extracted and utilized by humans for ages. However, mercury isknown as a ‘heavy metal’ and can be toxic to living organisms. Humans have takenadvantage of mercury despite its known toxicity, because of its wide range of applica-tions. Mercury has the ability to conduct electricity, measure temperature and pressure,act as a disinfectant and catalyze reactions, and it is the only metal that can remain liquidat room temperature. It is also the most volatile of all the metals and vaporizes tobecome an odorless and colorless gas.

The use of mercury for so many applications has greatly increased the amount ofmercury mobilized and released into the environment due to human activities. Someexamples of man-made sources of mercury emissions include coal-fired power plants,municipal waste incineration, sewage and medical waste incineration, chlor-alkali plants,mineral ores processing, steel manufacturing, petroleum refining and fossil fuel combus-tion.

Mercury is not biodegradable and once released into the environment can convert tovarious forms that affect human health. Elemental mercury is most toxic when itvaporizes. Children playing with or exposed to elemental mercury can become seriouslyill if they breathe the invisible vapor from mercury spilled onto carpet, furniture or othersurfaces.

Reactive gaseous mercury and particle-bound elemental mercury are easily depos-ited in water bodies. There, they can be transformed into methylmercury by bacterialiving in mud at the bottom of lakes, streams, and rivers. Methylmercury increases inconcentration as it moves up the food chain—from bacteria to insects to fish to humans.Unlike elemental mercury, methylmercury is easily absorbed into the human body; themost likely source is consumption of contaminated fish.

Overexposure to mercury can result in long-term damage to the kidneys, liver andcentral nervous system. Children and developing fetuses are the most at risk, resulting inthe issuance of a statewide fish consumption advisory to discourage pregnant womanand children age 6 and under from eating more than one meal of freshwater fish perweek. The advisory, issued in 2000, remains in effect.

The Tekran mercury vapor analyzers provide a continuous measurement of the totalgaseous mercury concentration in the ambient air. They do not, however, differentiatebetween the three mercury forms—elemental, reactive gaseous and particle-bound.

In 2002, the DAQ and the Metro Louisville Air Pollution Control District deployeda network of ten speciation samplers across the state. These samplers detect 48 ele-ments, one of which is mercury. Speciation methods extract the signal due to reactivegaseous or particle-bound mercury, disregarding the elemental component. Hence, thespeciation samplers used in our network provide data for “speciated” mercury, whereasthe Tekran gives “total gaseous” levels.

According to John Lyons, director of the DAQ, “In the southeast, there is limitedmonitoring and data regarding ambient mercury levels. The EPA has noted that Ken-tucky is ‘ahead of the curve’ in beginning to monitor for ambient levels of mercury. Thismonitoring is a first step in determining if correlations can be made between mercury inambient air and the problems we see in our streams.”

After one year of mercury monitoring, the division will assess results and determinethe future direction of monitoring efforts.

New air monitoring station inOhio County onlineContinued from Page 1 Athletic fields and playgrounds

across the state will be safer for theplayers and children using the facili-ties, thanks to more than $1 million ingrants awarded by Governor ErnieFletcher. Grants to use crumb rubberfor the fields and playgrounds weregiven to 48 school districts, cities andcounties throughout the state.

Crumb rubber, a product fromrecycled waste tires, can be used asthe primary surface on playgrounds toreduce the risk of injuries from falls.

“The use of crumb rubber willhelp local governments create saferplaygrounds for our children,”Governor Fletcher stated. “Studieshave shown that crumb rubber onathletic fields makes turf more durableand gives playing surfaces more of acushion. Maintenance costs for thefields are also reduced by using crumbrubber.”

There are additional benefits tousing the product, according toLaJuana S. Wilcher, secretary of theEnvironmental and Public ProtectionCabinet (EPPC). “The use of crumbrubber in these applications providesanother market for the five millionwaste tires generated in Kentuckyannually,” said Wilcher. “We musttake advantage of every opportunity torecycle the goods we used to think ofas waste, turning them into a productwith value.”

The EPPC set aside approxi-mately $1 million from the Waste TireTrust Fund to provide the grants, justone segment of the state’s waste tireprogram. Around 14 million wastetires have been collected and recycledthrough an amnesty program anddump cleanup program since 1998.

The state’s waste tire amnestyprogram was recognized by officialsfrom Keep America Beautiful’s GreatAmerican Cleanup for collecting morethan 860,000 waste tires duringthe 2004 campaign.

Crumb rubbergrants awarded

Land, Air & Water

EQC suggestions

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Children are differentThis is especially true when it comes

to the health of our children. In Kentucky,children represent 25 percent of the state’spopulation and 100 percent of our future.Children are more exposed and morevulnerable to hazards in the environment.Pound for pound, kids breathe more air,drink more fluids and eat more food thando adults.

Children are better protected fromenvironmental hazards now than theywere 20 or 30 years ago. Measures tocontrol pollution and target toxins, such asthe elimination of lead from gasoline,have reduced the exposure to someenvironmental hazards. However,children continue to be exposed to a rangeof toxins such as mercury, lead, PCBs,solvents, asbestos, radon and pesticidesthat have found their way into the homes, children’s environmental health and

Children’s environmental health in KentuckyThe latest ‘snapshot’report of environmentaltrends and indicators asreported by the EQC.

By Leslie ColeEnvironmental Quality Commission

schools and playgrounds of our children.Protecting children from environmen-

tal hazards requires that we betterunderstand the relationship betweenenvironmental conditions and healthoutcomes. Without this information it isdifficult to assess the extent to whichenvironmental factors may be impactingthe health of our children and how best toaddress these concerns.

The EQC has produced the state’sfirst comprehensive report to look at theincidence of certain childhood illnessessuch as asthma and cancer and theirpotential relationship to the environment.This core set of 18 indicators, along withcounty data included on a CD-ROMversion of the report, is intended toimprove our understanding about

The EQC has recommended thatthe state create a Children’s Environ-mental Health Partnership to bettercoordinate state programs anddevelop an action plan to:• Strengthen health surveillanceprograms for children to improvecollection, coordination and use ofhealth surveillance data.• Build public awareness amongphysicians, health care providers,schools, employers and the publicabout children’s environmental healthissues.• Evaluate and update state healthstandards to ensure they incorporatenew information and are focused onchildren and vulnerable populations.• Prioritize and target high risks bybetter tracking childhood diseases andenvironmental hazards.• Promote safe and pollution-freeindoor environments to targetschools, day cares, homes and publicplaces to advance safe and healthypollution-free indoor environmentsfor children. .

For some time, the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) has beenmonitoring environmental trends and conditions in Kentucky. As a result, thesereports have revealed that we have made progress in restoring water and airquality, but much more remains to be done to reverse the effects of pollution onthe environment and public health.

Land, Air & Water10

housing units may contain lead-basedpaint hazards. Local health departmentshave been testing children under 6 forlead since 1992. However, the number ofchildren tested for lead poisoning hasdeclined 50 percent, from a high of42,000 screenings in 1986 to a low of19,000 screenings in 2002. Yet lead isstill a problem in Kentucky. Of the bloodtests conducted in 2002, unsafe leadlevels were detected in 4.9 percent of thechildren, which was well above thenational average of 2.2 percent.

Birth Defects• Birth defects are the leadingcause of infant mortality in theUnited States, accounting foralmost 20 percent of all infantdeaths. In Kentucky nearly one infour infant deaths in the state iscaused by congenital anomalies,one of the highest rates in thenation, according to the Universityof Louisville Birth Defects Center.• Mercury has been proven tocause severe brain damage ininfants whose mothers wereexposed to it during pregnancy.Sixty percent of the 27 lakestested in Kentucky had medianfish methylmercury concentrationsgreater than the state and EPA

risk-based level.• Kentucky ranks fifth in the nation inthe industrial generation of mercury andmercury compounds. Coal-fired powerplants released 72 percent of the mercuryemissions to the air during 2001.

Progress MadeKentucky is making progress in

addressing some of these issues. In 2004,the state created work groups to assess

advance strong and sustaining children’senvironmental health policies in theCommonwealth.

Asthma in children increasingAmong some of the report’s findings

was that childhood asthma is on the rise inKentucky. Asthma is by far the mostcommon chronic childhood disease. It isresponsible for more missed days ofschool and more hospitalizations than anyother childhood illness.

Data show that childhood asthmahospitalizations increased 45 percent inKentucky from 2000 and 2003. Of the14,753 Kentuckians hospitalized with anadmitting diagnosis of asthma in 2003, 35percent were children under 14. JeffersonCounty led the state in childhood asthmahospitalizations during 2003 at 650.

Numerous studies have demonstratedthe potential of air pollution to triggerasthma attacks in children. In Kentucky,an estimated 312,000 children are at risk

in nine counties with unhealthy levels ofozone and particulate air pollution.

Another contributing factor to asthmais secondhand smoke. The U.S. Environ-mental Protection Agency estimates thatbetween 200,000 and 1 million childrenwith asthma have had their conditionworsened by exposure to secondhandsmoke. Kentucky has one of the highestadult smoking rates in the nation at 30.5percent. A review of smoking ratesreveals the Kentucky River Area Devel-opment District leads the state with a 40.6percent smoking rate followed by the

Cumberland Valley District with a 39.5percent rate.

Lead in children still a problemResearch has linked certain environ-

mental toxins to learning and behavioraldisorders in children. For example, leadcan cause a range of health effects inchildren, from behavioral problems andlearning disabilities to seizures and death. In Kentucky, an estimated 300,000

EQC also reviewed a number ofother childhood health concerns inKentucky. Among the findings were:

Cancer• Cancer is the leading cause of death,by disease, among U.S. children under theage of 15. The five-year incidence ratesfor various pediatric cancers in Kentuckywere above the national rate, with theexception of leukemia.• Three million pounds of industrialtoxic chemicals released into Kentucky’sair in 2002 were listed as carcinogens.

The good news is that these chemicalreleases have declined 43 percent since1999.

Waterborne Diseases• During the past two decades,cryptosporidium, a microscopic parasite,has become recognized as one of the mostcommon causes of waterborne diseases inhumans in the United States. During thepast six years, 86 cases ofcryptosporidiosis have been documentedin Kentucky. In 1999, six of the sevendocumented cases were in children.• During 2003, some 2,500 Kentuck-ians were served by 13 public drinkingwater systems with persistent bacteria andturbidity violations. Two of these systemsprimarily served schools.• During 2001, 59 percent of the 1,291private water wells tested by local healthdepartments detected fecal coliform, anindication the water is contaminated.


Land, Air & Water 11

Changes are being made in Kentucky’s Brownfields Program to promote the cleanupand reuse of contaminated property.

The program is being divided. Promotional and administrative aspects are movingto the newly established Division of Compliance Assistance. The focus of this newdivision is to bring businesses and public entities into environmental compliance bycombining nonregulatory training and technical assistance programs with recognitionand incentive programs. Technical aspects of the Brownfields Program, such as conduct-ing and reviewing assessments, will remain in the Superfund Branch of the Division ofWaste Management. The Superfund Branch oversees approximately 120 voluntarycleanups per year. The branch also conducts cleanups using the Hazardous WasteManagement Fund in cases where a responsible party cannot be found or is unable to act.

The 2005 General Assembly included a great deal of legislative activity related tobrownfields. The legislature passed a tax reform package that included tax incentives forbrownfield redevelopment. The package also included a provision to provide liabilityprotection to those who purchase property without knowing of possible contaminationand to owners of properties contaminated by releases of pollutants from adjacentproperties. In addition, the legislature passed a bill to modify real estate law to providegreater assurance that protective measures remain in place at properties where contami-nation is being managed on-site rather than removed.

But, many aspects of Kentucky’s Brownfields Program remain the same. Theprogram continues to maintain a “help desk” to connect you with informational andfinancial resources. Also, the Targeted Brownfield Assessment Program continues toprovide free assessments of abandoned or publicly owned properties for local govern-ments and nonprofits.

Though the program is still in its infancy, three Kentucky brownfield projects, all inLouisville, have been recognized with Phoenix Awards—Papa John’s Stadium, theLouisville Waterfront Park and the Home of the Innocents. However, much workremains to be done on the estimated 8,000 brownfields in the state.

For additional information, contact Herb Petitjean, Division of ComplianceAssistance at (800) 926-8111 or [email protected].

health and environmental issues associ-ated with toxic air pollution and mercurycontamination. Among some of thepreliminary recommendations arestepped-up sampling of mercury in fishand additional air toxics testing in urbanareas.

The Kentucky Department ofEducation recently formed a GreenSchools Committee to promote healthyschools in Kentucky. Also, GovernorErnie Fletcher recently announced that hewould provide funding in the budget toexpand Kentucky’s newborn screeningprogram to the national standard set bythe March of Dimes and the KentuckyDepartment of Health and HumanServices. The Governor’s Healthy KidsInitiative also will require screening to beconducted during immunizations todetermine whether a child lives in ahouse with potentially high levels of leadand it will direct parents on ways toaddress the problem.

“This report represents the firstsummary of data related to children’senvironmental health in the state. To myknowledge, it is the first state report of itskind in the United States,” said KimberlyB. Henken, extension associate forenvironmental issues, Family andConsumer Sciences. “I both admire andappreciate the energy and vision thecommission brings to addressing thesevital issues. I look forward to using thisreport and sharing it with a network ofextension agents throughout the state,”said Henken.

To view the Children’s Environ-mental Health report visitwww.eqc.ky.gov or contact the EQC at(502) 564-2150 to request a copy. Tolearn more about how you can protectyour children from environmentalhealth threats visit www.epa.gov/epahome/children.htm

Children’senvironmentalhealth in Kentucky

Kentucky’s Brownfields Programseeing organizational changesBy Herb PetitjeanDivision of Compliance Assistance

A 42-unit apartment building for low-income senior citizens is the first phase of an“intergenerational” residential development being constructed on a brownfield site in Louis-ville. Photo by Jeff Grow, Superfund Branch

Continued from Page 10

Land, Air & Water12

In early February, about 150 peopleattended the second annual KentuckyBiodiesel Showcase in Frankfort. Theshowcase promotes the use of biodieseland celebrates advances in the industry.

Biodiesel, which is made fromsoybean oil, recycled cooking oil oranimal fats, is the fastest growing alterna-tive fuel in the United States. It is widelyconsidered a viable way of reducing theneed for foreign oil, and it is significantlycleaner than petroleum diesel. SinceKentucky has extensive access to feedstocks, producers and distributors, theCommonwealth is in a unique position tocapitalize on biodiesel’s potential.

At the showcase, Commerce CabinetSecretary James Host discussed biodiesel’srole in Governor Ernie Fletcher’s newcomprehensive energy plan (see GovernorFletcher unveils Kentucky’s comprehen-sive energy policy on Page 3). The planrecommends that the Commonwealthrequire the state fleet to use a 2 percentblend of biodiesel whenever possible, topromote the production, consumption andavailability of biodiesel, and design apolicy that promotes the use of a 20percent biodiesel blend in the publicschool bus fleet.

A state-promoted increase in biodieseluse will likely be significant to Kentucky’ssoybean farmers. According to a recentreport from Murray State University, theuse of a 5 percent biodiesel blend acrossKentucky would increase soybean process-ing capacity by 158 percent. This wouldadd about $570 million to Kentucky’seconomy, increase tax revenue by $68.5million and produce more than 3,000 jobs.

The showcase also highlightedimportant players in the biodiesel industryby giving out two awards. Griffin Indus-tries, a biodiesel production company nearCovington, received the 2005 Shining StarAward for Biodiesel Production inKentucky. The award was accepted byDennis Griffin, chairman of the board.

The Kentucky Soybean Board (KSB)

received the Shining Star Award forBiodiesel Promotion in Kentucky. Theaward was accepted by KSB PresidentGeorge Martin.

Also in February, Owensboro GrainCo. officials announced plans to build abiodiesel plant adjacent to thecompany’s edible oil complex inOwensboro. The plant may be ready forproduction within 16 to 18 months, withconstruction expected to take about oneyear to complete. It will likely produceapproximately 30 million gallons ofbiodiesel per year.

Get the fat on biodieselBy Lola LyleDivision of Energy

ABOVE: Griffin Industries inCovington received the ShiningStar Award for Biodiesel Produc-tion in Kentucky. Photo provided byGriffin Industries

LEFT: Kentucky Soybean BoardPresident George Martin acceptsthe Shining Star Award forBiodiesel Promotion in Kentucky.Photo provided by KSB

John Wright, Owensboro Grain Co.vice president of strategic planning anddevelopment, said, “We intend to be asupplier of biodiesel here at home…andaround the globe.”

For more information on theKentucky Biodiesel Showcase contactMelissa Howell, Kentucky Clean FuelsCoalition, at (502) 452-9152 or [email protected].

Also, see the Kentucky Division ofEnergy’s Web site at www.energy.ky.gov.


The Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership(MRCSP), one of seven regional partnerships established bythe U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technol-ogy Laboratory (DOE/NETL), is studying carbon sequestra-tion as an option for addressing the global problem of climatechange.

The partnership region consists of seven contiguousstates—Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio,Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Universities, state geologi-cal surveys, nongovernmental organizations and privatecompanies were assembled to carry out this importantresearch.

Carbon sequestration refers to the capturing, or removal,of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the emissions of industrialsources. Once captured, CO2 can be stored safely in deepunderground geologic formations, a process calledgeologic sequestration, or in soils and vegetation, which iscalled terrestrial sequestration.

Carbon dioxide, a common gas that is present in the air webreathe, occurs naturally within the earth’s crust and is utilized byplants in the production of oxygen. Since the industrial revolu-tion, man-made CO2 has increased dramatically, largely due touse of fossil fuels and changes in land use. Many scientistssuspect that a strong correlation exists with this increase in CO2(as well as other greenhouse gases) and global climate change.Carbon sequestration is one set of promising technologies andactions to help in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The partnership region contains a variety of terrestrialsequestration options, such as eroded and prime croplands,marginal cropland, forests, surface mining areas and wetlands.

Kentucky has already begun two important sequestrationprojects. The Division of Forestry’s Green River State Forestproject is attempting to re-establish a bottomland hardwood forestthat was earlier cleared for cropland. American Electric PowerService Corp. planted 400 acres of oak seedlings, roughly174,000, that they purchased from the Division of Forestry’snurseries. More than 70 percent survived and are growingalongside native species that reseed themselves. The long-termeconomic benefit of the hardwood forest is enhanced with theenvironmental benefit of decreased CO2.

A second option lies in the restoration and reforestation ofKentucky’s large area of abandoned mine lands and surface minesites. As a charter member of the Appalachian Regional Refores-tation Initiative (ARRI), Kentucky is already pushing for refores-tation as the preferred reclamation technique for these sites. Theselands can serve as important terrestrial sequestration reservoirs,

simultaneously improving water quality by stabilizing these landsand growing the economies of these traditionally depressed areas.

The partnership region as a whole has great potential forgeologic sequestration in deep geological formations. In particu-lar, Kentucky’s depleted gas fields and deep unmined coal seamsseem natural candidates. In addition, depleted oil reservoirs coulduse CO2 to help boost domestic oil production while simulta-neously sequestering the carbon dioxide. A primary focus of thepartnership’s geologic research will address the location of theseformations and their ability to sequester CO2.

The hope of this initiative is to develop practical strategiesfor the management of CO2 by sequestration, to find real-life costeffective solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and toestablish the region as a leader in creating local and globalsolutions for the future. Carbon sequestration is one of manypotential ways to address climate change. Other measures toexplore are reducing energy consumption through energy effi-ciency and conservation, identifying alternative ways of produc-ing electricity and using renewable energy such as solar and wind.

These options may need to be used concurrently to effec-tively tackle the growing problem of global warming. Thechallenge requires all of us to make the economic, technical andlifestyle changes that will protect our planet for generations tocome.

Additional information may be found by contacting DavidBall at [email protected] or visiting the MRCSP Web site atwww.mrcsp.org.

Kentucky pursues carbon sequestrationin an effort to tackle climate changeBy Linda PotterDepartment for Natural Resources

Oak seedlings planted along with native species in the Green River StateForest will help to re-establish the bottomland hardwood forest that wascleared for cropland. Cabinet photo

Land, Air & Water14

After undergoing extensive legalchallenges, fine particulate (PM2.5)standards are being implemented by theU.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA). Designations of attainment andnonattainment areas under this newstandard went into effect on April 5, 2005.

Fine particles can present a problemfor healthy people, and can seriously affectpeople with respiratory or pulmonaryillnesses. On top of that are potentialeconomic costs from increased hospitaliza-tions, medication increases and absencesfrom work and school. Fine particles canhave an impact at both short-term andlong-term exposures.

Fine particulate is a year-roundproblem. It can be emitted directly orformed from other pollutants beingemitted. Diesel particles from motorvehicles, iron oxides from iron and steelmills and soot from wood burning areemitted directly into the air. However, fineparticulates are also formed from sulfurdioxide and nitrogen oxides from powerplants, industrial facilities, automobilesand other sources that burn fossil fuels.

Standards were originally adopted in1997, but EPA was challenged on imple-mentation plans for the new ozonestandard, as well as EPA’s authority torevise or set new ambient air qualitystandards. In February 2003, the SupremeCourt upheld EPA’s authority under theClean Air Act to set and revise theNational Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ)standards when research deemed neces-sary. EPA is required to review thosestandards every five years and make adetermination of adequacy to protectpublic health. The addition of the fineparticle standard in 1997 was the firstchange in particulate standards in 10 years.EPA had last revised the particulatestandard in 1987, with addition of a PM10standard. There are actually two fineparticulate standards—the annual standardset at 15 micrograms per cubic meter and

the 24-hour standard set at 65 microgramsper cubic meter.

The final designations of attainmentor nonattainment culminated a lengthydialogue between states and the EPA.Areas where monitoring data showed fineparticulate levels above the standard hadto be identified, as well as areas that maybe contributing to air quality problems inanother region.

States submitted information to theEPA in February 2004, recommendingareas to be designated as nonattainment forthis standard. Kentucky proposed onlytwo counties—Jefferson and Fayette.Both counties, based on 2001-2003monitoring data, showed violations of thenew fine particulate standard. But EPA’srecommendation to Kentucky included 10other counties that EPA suggested couldhave the potential to impact other areashaving violations of the standard.

The Division for Air Quality

EPA announces PM2.5attainment designationsBy Lona BrewerDivision for Air Quality

developed a response to EPA, thoroughlydocumenting potential contributions fromeach area listed by EPA. Although EPAdid not agree with Kentucky’s proposalentirely, the list was revised somewhat.EPA formally proposed seven counties andtwo partial counties as nonattainment.EPA’s January 5, 2005, Federal Registernotice included Jefferson and Bullittcounties; Boone, Campbell and Kenton

counties in northern Kentucky; Boyd and aportion of Lawrence County in theAshland area; and Fayette and a portion ofMercer County in central Kentucky.

“Although more areas are beingdesignated as nonattainment than previ-ously hoped for, I am very pleased that theEPA listened to Kentucky’s arguments forexcluding many of these areas,” saidEnvironmental and Public ProtectionCabinet Secretary LaJuana S Wilcher.



“I believe we made very persuasivearguments against including many of ourareas, and I’m glad the EPA recognized theimportance of considering this informationbefore making the final designations,” saidWilcher.

However, EPA’s Jan. 5 proposal alsoallowed states to submit data from the2002-2004 monitoring period—if thatmonitoring data showed compliance withthe NAAQ standard. EPA’s plan was torevise the proposed designations in thoseinstances and allow the area to avoid beingdesignated as nonattainment. Data showedthat both monitors in Fayette County were

meeting the standard. Therefore, Kentuckypetitioned EPA to remove Fayette andMercer counties from the nonattainmentlist. Mercer County had a partial countydesignation that included the KentuckyUtilities Brown Power Plant. EPA’sposition was that emissions from the powerplant were contributing to the previousviolation in Fayette County. At press time,the DAQ was still awaiting the finaldesignation for Fayette and Mercercounties (see map on Page 14).

Revisions to the State ImplementationPlan documenting the state’s strategy forbringing PM2.5 problem areas back into

EPA announces PM2.5 attainment designationsContinued from Page 14

attainment will be due on April 5, 2008,three years after final designations weremade. To date, EPA has not released anyguidance for states to follow in draftingthese plans. It remains unclear what localcontrols, if any, are necessary. Severalnational measures on the horizon couldhelp lower fine particulate emissions andlevels throughout the country. Theseinclude measures to lower the sulfurcontent of gasoline and diesel fuel, newdiesel standards for highway andnonhighway engines, and the possibilityof stricter controls on fossil fuel-firedpower plants and boilers.

The name tells the story at the Department for EnvironmentalProtection’s Division of Compliance Assistance. It exists to helppeople comply with Kentucky’s many environmental require-ments. This assistance is proving to be very valuable to thosewho lack a full-time environmental staff or the financial resourcesto hire a consultant.

Most of the individuals requesting assistance have been smallbusinesses and communities, as well as new businesses interestedin locating in Kentucky. They seek training, compliance auditsand assistance with the administrative processes associated withacquiring permits and submitting required reports. The division isworking diligently to meet these needs and is also seeking to formcompliance assistance partnerships across the state.

To assist as many small businesses and communities aspossible, a hotline has been established to provide a one-stoplocation for obtaining compliance assistance. When a call isreceived, a coordinator will log the call into a tracking system.The call will then be referred to the appropriate staff, to anotherprogram within the department or to a compliance assistancepartner such as the Kentucky Business Environmental AssistanceProgram (KBEAP) located at the University of Kentucky.

Regardless of who responds, the division will ensure that allrequests for assistance are handled in a timely manner and that the

individual requesting assistance is provided the informationneeded.

The Division of Compliance Assistance is happy to providethis service and has seen positive environmental benefits. Indi-viduals in need of assistance and entities interested in partneringwith the division to assist others are encouraged to call theDivision of Compliance Assistance at (800) 926-8111 or(502) 564-0323.

DIVISION OFCOMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE

HOTLINE

(502) 564-0323(800) 926-8111

Compliance assistance offeredto the regulated communityBy Rose Marie WilmothDivision of Compliance Assistance

Land, Air & Water16

In January, the Division for AirQuality (DAQ) and the EnvironmentalQuality Commission (EQC) became thenewest Kentucky state governmentpartners to join in the ENERGY STARprogram.

ENERGY STAR, sponsored by theU.S. Department of Energy and the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency, is avoluntary government and industrypartnership program that sets superiorenergy efficiency standards for productsand buildings.

Appliances, heating and coolingsystems, electronics, lighting, officeequipment and commercial equipmentare eligible for an ENERGY STAR rating. New and existing homes can also beENERGY STAR certified.

Results are already adding up. Last year alone, Americans, with the help ofENERGY STAR, saved enough energy to power 20 million homes and avoid green-house gas emissions equivalent to those from 18 million cars—all while saving $8billion. Also, if every household replaced its five most-used lights or bulbs with lightsthat have earned the ENERGY STAR rating, 1 trillion pounds of greenhouse gasescould be prevented.

“The DAQ is pleased to announce that we are working to model best managementpractices for energy efficiency within state government by becoming an ENERGYSTAR partner,” stated John Lyons, director of the DAQ.

Kentucky has more than 70 ENERGY STAR partners. Partners include publicand private organizations, K-12 schools, universities and governmental organizations.In the private sector, the range of partners includes manufacturers, retailers, utilities,hospitals and religious congregations. Nationally, more than 7,000 organizations arepartnered with ENERGY STAR.

According to Leslie Cole, executive director of the EQC, “Efficient use of energyis one of the simplest, most cost-effective and most immediate steps we can take toreduce air pollution while lowering energy demand and cost. All of us need to make aconscious effort to embrace energy-efficient practices and products. As an ENERGYSTAR partner, the EQC will work to raise public awareness of energy efficiency andconservation to promote smart and informed choices in Kentucky about energy useand alternatives.”

The Kentucky Division of Energy (KDOE) has been an ENERGY STAR partnersince 2002. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and KDOEwork together to provide energy efficiency and education about renewable energy toKentucky’s consumers.

To learn more about the ENERGY STAR program, visit the ENERGY STAR Website at www.energystar.gov or the Kentucky Division of Energy’s Web site atwww.energy.ky.gov.

DAQ and EQC partnerwith ENERGY STARBy Lola LyleDivision of Energy

study, including nested monitoring wellsampling and performance of a dye tracetest. The groundwater remediation consistsof a series of wells where groundwater iscollected, treated and discharged to thepublicly owned treatment works. Anycreosote-DNAPL that may be present isrecovered separately within the wells and iscollected for off-site disposal.

Migration of PAH constituents from thesite into on- and off-site ditches continuedunabated for decades. Cleanup of creosoteat the site required removal of impactedsoil, drainage of water through treatmenttrenches containing coke as an adsorbentmedia, construction of two barrier trenchesto separate creosote from water and plantingtrees to serve as an additional buffer andbarrier between the site’s “mud track,”where treated woods dripped on soil andclay, and the main surface water drainagefeature, the South Ditch.

Cleanup of the off-site ditch and streamsediments included first negotiating accessagreements with multiple corporate andprivate property owners. An aggressiveremoval of impacted sediments wasperformed over 3,365 feet of streams andditches.

To remove sediment and restore thestream, sections of stream were isolated andwater diverted. The exposed stream bed wasexcavated and backfilled, restoring thebottom and adjacent banks. A wetland wasconstructed in the section farthest down-stream of the on-site drainage for mitigationpurposes.

In one off-site stream section adjacentto a steep embankment of a rail line,removal of sediments had to be limited forthe stability of the embankment and becauseof the site’s proximity to buried utilities. A625-foot low permeability geosynthetic clayliner was installed.

Completion of cleanup activities hasachieved the remediation goals set out in thehazardous waste permit. The Guthrie streamflowing through rural Guthrie will remainclean, and potential migration of dissolvedconstituents in groundwater from the site isprevented.

Guthrie streamruns cleanContinued from Page 2


One of Kentucky’s worst environ-mental accidents of recent years,the rupture of a crude oil pipeline

on a bank of the Kentucky River in OwenCounty, first announced itself throughtechnology.

Technicians monitoring the pipelineowned by Mid-Valley Pipeline Co., ofTulsa, Okla., noted a sudden drop inpressure in a segment of line that crossedbeneath the river. A weakened section of22-inch pipe had given way about 50 feetfrom the water’s edge at 1 a.m. onWednesday, Jan. 26.

Valves on either side of the river werequickly shut by remote control, butconsiderable environmental damage hadbeen done. Eighty-three thousand gallonsof crude oil gushed free, producing a slickthat fouled miles of waterway and riverbanks.

Before it was over, more than a dozenstate and federal agencies had responded,in addition to local emergency personnel.The pipeline company, a subsidiary ofSunoco, brought in a small army ofcontractors for cleanup and recovery.

The slick began at the accident sitenear the Owen County community of PerryPark and streamed northward to Lock andDam 1 outside Carrollton, about four milesfrom the Kentucky’s confluence with theOhio River.

For days, spilled oil was containedbehind flexible, pipe-like booms thatstretched from bank to bank. However,heavy river debris of trash and tree limbs,coupled with a rapid change in water level,eventually caused the booms to bebreached. Oil flowed past Lock and Dam 1and into the Ohio River. The oil soonreached the intakes of Louisville WaterCo., where workers countered withactivated carbon.

No deaths or serious injuries resultedfrom the spill. But because it came on theheels of an explosion of a natural gaspipeline beneath a subdivision in FloydCounty, the accident heightened concernsabout the network of interstate pipelinescrisscrossing Kentucky.

Governor Ernie Fletcher, whoinspected the spill area by helicopter onthe first day of the emergency response,called for an assessment of pipeline safetyand security. The Southern States EnergyBoard, of which the governor is chairman,

has its own initiative—the Partnershipfor Pipeline Safety—in conjunction withthe U.S. Department of Transportationand the National Association of StateFire Marshals.

The Kentucky Department ofEnvironmental Protection issued aNotice of Violation against Mid-ValleyPipeline Co. on Feb. 2.

The department, part of the Environ-mental and Public Protection Cabinet(EPPC), provided personnel from threeof its agencies—the Division of Water,Division of Waste Management andDivision for Air Quality—as part of the

Oil spill one of worstin state’s historyBy Chuck WolfeOffice of Communications and Public Outreach

cabinet’s Emergency Response Team.Personnel from the state fire marshal’soffice and Public Service Commission,two other EPPC agencies, also wereinvolved. Other state agencies involvedwere Kentucky Emergency Management,Kentucky State Police and the Departmentof Fish and Wildlife Resources.

On the federal side, the EnvironmentalProtection Agency had general oversightof the cleanup operation and provided an“on-scene coordinator.” The federal Officeof Pipeline Safety, U.S. Fish and WildlifeService and Coast Guard were alsoinvolved.

The Mid-Valley Pipeline accident nearly coincided with the anniversary ofthe worst oil disaster in Kentucky history—the rupture of a Marathon Ashlandpipeline near Winchester.

The accident, which happened on Jan. 27, 2000, sent 489,000 gallons ofcrude oil gushing onto a golf course and into a small stream, Two Mile Creek.

A bit of history

Faintly visible, a yellow boom stretches across the Kentucky River trying to hold back the oil.However, the boom was breached and oil flowed northward past the Lock and Dam 1 outside ofCarrollton. Aerial photo provided by J. Hamon

Land, Air & Water18

Results of the survey

Survey: Kentuckians have muchto learn about the environment

In 1999 the University of Kentucky Survey Research Center and the Ken-tucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) conducted a survey of Ken-tuckians’ environmental knowledge, attitudes and behavior. A second version ofthe survey revealed that the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors had notchanged dramatically in five years and remained consistent with nationalaverages. Despite the expected outcome of the survey, there were severalconclusions made that should be of interest to people concerned about theenvironment.


Kentuckians asked to cite the state’sNo. 1 environmental problem most oftensay water pollution, but fewer than one infive knows what causes it. Most Kentuck-ians don’t know that the nation’s electricityis produced mainly by burning coal. Abouttwo in fivethink coal is arenewableresource.

Those areamong the moreeye-openingfindings of twosurveysconductedjointly by theUniversity ofKentuckySurvey Re-search Center and the Kentucky Environ-mental Education Council. The survey wasfirst conducted in 1999. It was conductedagain in 2004. The conclusion—even afterfive years, Kentuckians have much to learnabout their environment.

But then, so does everyone else. TheKentucky results were consistent withnational averages—as was another curioustidbit: Kentucky women tend to be moreconcerned—but less knowledgeable—thanmen about the environment.

There are various theories but noconclusive explanation for the gender gap.

Nor is finding an answer of paramountimportance, said Jane Eller, executivedirector of the Kentucky EnvironmentalEducation Council.

“What matters here is that you takethe population that is more concerned and

make them more environmentally literate,”Eller said.

Both surveys indicate that educatorshave their work cut out. For example, theprimary cause of water pollution is runofffrom pavement, fields and lawns—a factcorrectly identified by 17 percent of 669survey respondents last year. Over halfthought the cause was factory waste. Abouta fourth said it came from householdwaste.

The survey also asked people toidentify the major source of electricity inthe United States. A bit fewer than half the

respondents correctly identified coal-burning power plants. Forty-eight percentthought most electricity was either hydropower or nuclear.

Fifty-five percent correctly identifiedsolar energy and trees as renewableresources. Forty-one percent incorrectlyidentified coal, iron and oil as renewables.

As part of an attempt to plug theknowledge gap, the ComprehensiveCommonwealth Water Education Projectwill be launched this summer. It is amultiagency program funded in part by agrant to the University of Louisville fromthe U.S. Environmental Protection Agencyunder a section of the Clean Water Actthrough the Kentucky Division of Water.

The objective is to teach people aboutnonpoint source pollution—otherwiseknown as runoff. The program will beginwith a documentary by Kentucky Educa-tional Television. It will include workshopsfor local officials and teachers, electronicfield trips and media campaigns.

Elsewhere, the Kentucky NEEDproject—National Energy EducationDevelopment—and ENERGY STARcampaign provide education and promoteawareness about energy and related issues.

The 2004 survey indicated a correla-tion between education and environmentalknowledge but no appreciable difference inattitude or behavior. Survey participantsalso were questioned on such topics asbiodiversity, watersheds, wetlands and airpollution. Survey results provide asnapshot of Kentuckians’ environmentalknowledge and willingness to makedecisions favorable to the environment.

For more information about thesurvey, contact the Kentucky Environmen-tal Education Council at (502) 564-5937 orvisit the Web site at www.state.ky.us/agencies/envred/


Kentucky’s natural resources areamong the state’s greatest assets.One of the more widespread

natural resources is the 11.9 million acresof forests that cover nearly half of theCommonwealth.

In Kentucky, nearly 90 percent offorestland is privately owned.

Forests contribute to the economy,provide habitat for wildlife and plants,provide recreational opportunities, andhelp protect water quality and quantity.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry,University of Kentucky Department ofForestry Cooperative Extension Serviceand the Kentucky Woodland OwnersAssociation are once again conductingthe Woodland Owners Short Course tohelp landowners gain the informationthey need to manage their woodlands in asustainable manner.

A wide range of managementoptions are available to woodland ownersin Kentucky, including generatingincome from timber and forest crops,recreational use, scenic beauty and

wildlife management. Regardless of themanagement objective, basic informationabout forest management helps ensurethe future sustainability of Kentucky’swoodlands.

Woodland Owners Short Courseattendees will learn practical forestrymanagement principles and techniquesthat can be applied to their woodlands.

Experts from around the state willprovide the most up-to-date informationon woodland management. Woodlandowners will have the opportunity to meetand learn from other woodland ownersfrom across the state.

The Woodland Owners Short Coursewill take place during four separate days.A variety of topics will be addressedrelevant to woodland management.Topics will include exotics and invasivespecies identification and control, smallwoodland management, bottomlandhardwood management and alternativelogging systems and marketing. Thefinal day will include a small graduationceremony with a presentation of a

Exotic and Invasive SpeciesIdentification and Control• Date: June 9, 2005• Location: Henry County

Small Woodlands Management• Date: July 14, 2005• Location: Woodford County

Bottomland HardwoodManagement• Date: Aug. 11, 2005• Location: Pennyrile State Forest

Alternative Logging Systems andMarketing• Date: Sept. 8, 2005• Location: Fleming County

2005 Woodland OwnersShort Course schedule

Woodland owners coursegears up for second yearBy Billy ThomasDivision of Forestry

certificate of participation to thoselandowners that attend at least three ofthe four field days.

This is the second year of theWoodland Owners Short Course. Themajority of participants, totaling 105,who attended last year’s course indicatedthey gained valuable information andwould apply it to their property. Theirfeedback helped guide this year’s topicselections.

The cost of the entire short courseprogram is $50. Individual sessions areavailable for $15 each.

Registration is required and eachday will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4p.m. Lunch will be provided. Abrochure with full details and registra-tion information will be available inApril.

Visit the Division of Forestry’sWeb site at www.forestry.ky.gov todownload the brochure and registrationform, or contact Billy Thomas, forestlandowner education coordinator at(800) 866-0555, or Dylan Dillaway,extension associate with the Universityof Kentucky Cooperative ExtensionService at (859) 257-9153.

Last year’s attendees of the Woodland Owners Short Course learned many factors that go intodetermining the value of a log, including species, diameter, length, quality and marketdemands. Photo by Dylan Dillaway, University of Kentucky

Land, Air & Water20

Conservation districtshave been sponsoringeducational field days forstudents for years. Field dayprograms deal with agricul-ture, safety and the environ-ment and are held at farms,parks and other locationsaway from the schoolenvironment.

Last year, approxi-mately 400 students,teachers, administrators andother volunteers participatedin the eighth annual YouthAg Days at Luttrell Farms inOhio County. DarrenLuttrell, chairman of theOhio County ConservationDistrict Board of Supervisors, began the program with his familyin 1997, and they have hosted it each year.

Youth Ag Days bring approximately 350 fourth-gradestudents from six public elementary schools to Luttrell Farmseach year. Students arrive at the farm around 9 a.m., spend theday visiting agriculture education-oriented stations and gainknowledge about farm life that they may not get anywhere else.

“I come from an agricultural background, as well as work forthe Ohio County Conservation District. Youth Ag Days is anexcellent source of education for kids,” said Jackie Westerfield.“There are so many children who do not realize the importanceof agriculture and that farmers feed us. This event opens a lot of

By Shanna A. DrakeDivision of Conservation

Students learn about farming

doors for kids who wouldn’tnormally get to see this kindof day-to-day activity.”

Demonstrations includeproper land use and erosioncontrol by the Ohio CountyConservation District, primarysponsor of the event, and theNatural Resource Conserva-tion Service. There also is ademonstration of lawn mowersafety from the Farm ServiceAgency; and a forestrypresentation from the Ken-tucky Division of Forestry.

The erosion controldemonstration gives the

students a chance to see the benefits of sowing grasses andmaintaining land to prevent soil erosion.

Other stations include entomology, a petting zoo and astation with $1 million worth of equipment for students to view.

Luttrell hopes that Youth Ag Days will allow the students togain “a greater appreciation of the agriculture community—fromfarming to food on the table.”

This is just one of the conservation district’s ongoingagriculture and conservation awareness programs available toschools. For more information on Youth Ag Days, contact MartinBess, Division of Conservation, at (502) 564-3080 or [email protected].

LEFT: Youth Ag Days participants used hayrides to get fromone agricultural station to another on the Luttrell Farms.

BELOW: Jackie Westerfield and Brad Haney, both from theOhio County Conservation District, present an erosion controldemonstration using a variety of soils, crop residue and grasses.Division of Conservation photos

This year’s Youth Ag Days will be heldagain in September at Luttrell Farms. If youwould like to participate in this event, call theKentucky Division of Conservation at(502) 564-3080.

2005 Youth Ag Days

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This Earth Day, make protecting theenvironment your personal responsibility

Every year on April 22 people across the world celebrateEarth Day. It is a time not only for celebrating accomplishmentsbut also for looking forward to opportunities that exist to worktogether to protect the environment.

Last year, the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinetspearheaded a statewide Earth Day campaign by involving stateagencies, organizations, schools and private businesses inopportunities to celebrate and protect the environment.

This effort continues in 2005, as Kentuckians are encouragedto understand their personal responsibility to protect the environ-ment and also to learn how they can better manage solid wastethrough recycling.

To learn more about protecting the environment in yourhome, backyard, community, business and on the farm this EarthDay and every day, visit the Environmental and Public ProtectionCabinet’s Earth Day Web site at www.environment.ky.gov/earthday

Look for Earth Day 2005 highlights in the summer issue ofLand, Air & Water.


Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet

Volume 16 Number 2 Spring 2005 - eec.ky.gov Air Water/Spring 2005.pdf · analysis. The training will cover the proper collection, preservation and transport of samples to a lab. Data

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