FEMA TO PAY FOR RETRIVAL OF POSSIBLE FUEL DRUMS FROM BIG OAK TREE STATE PARK

FEMA Funds Project to Remove Orphan Drums From Park
December 5, 2011


COLUMBIA, Mo. -- At the request of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), The Federal Emergency Management Agency will fund the Environmental Protection Agency to assist with the retrieval of orphan drums from Big Oak Tree State Park.

Big Oak Tree State Park is located in Mississippi County.

Orphan drums are missing tanks which may contain fuel such as propane or diesel. The tanks, which have been displaced due to flooding and severe storms, are considered a significant threat to public safety. The project covers eight sites within Big Oak Tree State Park where orphan drums naturally collected after the summer flood waters receded. Previously, up to 15 feet of water prevented the area from being accessible.

Under the direction of the EPA, the mission runs Nov. 22 through Feb. 28 and includes the cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials and oil. These actions will mitigate actual and potential threats to public health and safety.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards."