65809 Community Association Presents February, 2002 Meeting Notes Presentation by Barbara J Lucks, City of Springfield, Public Works Dept., Materials Recovery/Education Cord. Chair of the Environmental Collaborative of the Community Partnership of the Ozarks State of the Environment: Springfield-Greene County, Missouri 2002 final report is expected to be released very soon. This project was undertaken by The Environmental Collaborative of the Community Partnership of the Ozarks in association with the Greene County Health Dept. In keeping with one of the primary goals of the Environmental Collaborative, members began the process of developing a community-based assessment of the environmental health of Springfield and Greene County. The value of such a project to many area organizations and groups will be vast. The assessment and final report will serve as a reference base from which many programs and policies can be developed with respect to preserving and improving Greene County's environmental health. The process of developing this assessment included addressing issues of population growth, urban sprawl, water and air quality, solid waste management, and community health. Included were the issues of environmental justice and environmental education. A vast amount of published research material as well as a broad base of information gleaned from interviews with persons from many environmental disciplines was utilized in the development of this document. A dialogue with the general public and officials from public, private, and not-for-profit segments of the community was included. Without a doubt, the quality of human health is linked to the environment in which we live, work and conduct activities of every day living. As a matter of practicality, it therefore follows that a community must effectively address the improvement of its health status by focusing on the maintenance of its environmental health. After the release of this report, it will be up to the community to read the document and then make a commitment to become good stewards in preserving our environmental integrity for present and future generations. Storm Water Services Division of Public Works Department and Storm Water Permit: Barbara told us about the new Storm Water Services Division formed within the Public Works Department and the application by the City of Springfield to the Department of Natural Resources for a storm water permit. This permit is an agreement between the City and the DNR to monitor and manage the quality of storm water runoff as it is discharged into the state's rivers and streams. When issued, Springfield will be the first city in MO to successfully obtain the permit. Harry Price, formerly the District Engineer in Springfield for the Missouri Dept. Of Transportation (MoDOT) is now Assistant Director of Public Works over Engineering and Storm Water. Todd Wagner is the Principal Storm Water Engineer over the Storm Water Services Division. New EPA guidelines: The USEPA has announced on February 12, 2002, the voluntary phase out of CCA Pressure Treated Lumber for residential use. Several viable alternatives to this product are currently on the market, including several composite decking materials made from recycled plastics. Barbara presented information and examples of several environmentally responsible products made from recycled materials, such as carpeting, tile, and others. Contact Barbara for more information at her office: 417-864-2001

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