United States Region 7
Environmental Protection 1735 Baltimore
Agency Kansas City, Mo 64108 1978
&EPA REPORT OF
WEST PLAINS, MO.
LAGOON INCIDENT
EPA - REGION 7
KATHLEEN Q. CAMIN, Ph.D
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR
-------
REPORT OF WEST PLAINS LAGOON INCIDENT
MAY 5 - JUNE 22, 1978
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region VII
1735 Baltimore
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
June 30, 1978
-------
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ~"T~
HISTORY OF THE WEST PLAINS LAGOON 3
CONTROLLING THE EMERGENCY 4
EPA CONSTRUCTION GRANTS PROGRAM INVOLVEMENT 5
Long-Range Solution 5
Interim Solution 6
SAMPLING PROGRAM 7
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION 9
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS 9
CHRONOLOGY J
APPENDIX 18
Requests for Assistance
A telegram from Governor David Pryor of Arkansas
to the Regional Administrator 19
Transcript of a Telegram from the Mayor of West
Plains to Governor Teasdale 20.
A Telegram from Governor Joseph Teasdale of
Missouri to Douglas Costie, EPA Administrator 21
Memo from Kathleen Q. Camln, Regional Administrator
to Douglas Costle, EPA Administrator 24
State Geologic Reports on West Plains
May 18, 1978 - Cover Letter for a Geologic Report
on the West Plains Area 28
Addendum to the Above-Mentioned Report 29
May 24, 1978 - Geologic Report on the West Plains
Lagoon 30
June 19, 1978 - Addendum to the May 24, 1978, Report 31
MAPS
Map 2 - A map of the West Plains Sewage Lagoon Area 32
Maps 3, 4, 5 - Three maps showing other lagoons in 33
Missouri which could be in a similar situation to 34
the one in West Plains , 35
Map 6 - A map showing the area of probable contamination 36
Map 7 - A map showing the wells sampled by the EPA staff 37
GRAPHS OF SAMPLE ANALYSIS
Nitrates ™
Chlorides 40
MISCELLANEOUS
Demographic Data on West Plains *jz
Geologic Information on the West Plains Area 43
Bibliography . 44
EPA Region VIT Personnel Who Participated in the West
Plains, Missouri,. Emergency Response 45
-------
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Is a. report by Region VII staff on the participation of the
U-S» Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in events following the
failure of a. 37-acre sewage lagoon ceil 1n West Plains, Missouri.
The first of the two major collapses occurred on May 5 with a
second occurring on May 15. The EPA regional office was first
informed on May 17, 1978. These major collapses allowed about 50
million gallons of sewage to enter the local groundwater. The lagoon
failure caused a great deal of concern to all agencies and the press
because of the large number of dangerous diseases which could be spread
by sewage flowing through the porous limestone rock to wells as far
away as Arkansas. Ultimately, about 800 cases of flu-like illness were
the only reported type of disease. However, this plus a threat of more
serious Illness provided the Impetus to extensive sampling and public
health measures, as well as substantial engineering and geological
work on both the Interim and long-term solution. In addition, extensive
thought was given to similar groundwater endangerment across the entire
state..
EPA personnel were on-scene May 18, 1978, and Immediately began dis-
cussions with local and state officials about possible solutions. Because
of the extreme fear of those living 1n the area plus the possibility of
the spread of major diseases, EPA began an extensive sampling effort
to determine the extent and seriousness of the groundwater pollution.
Up to 38 EPA representatives collected and analyzed 596 samples from public
and private wells. The results presented an extremely complex picture
because of Influences ranging from septic tank pollution to poor well
construction, but tended to Indicate a wave of the lagoon's contents
moving through the groundwater toward Arkansas.
The EPA's position is that all reasonable measures should be taken to
increase the reliability of the existing system until a permanent waste
treatment facility can be designed and constructed. To this end, a
recommendation was made that an interim mechanical waste treatment
facility be constructed on an emergency basis. Federal financial
assistance for this emergency effort was requested on May 22, but even
now, 1s not assured. The state responded to EPA's recommendation by
indicating their concerns about constructing an emergency interim
mechanical plant, and by indicating their technical reservations about
the effectiveness of the completed system at the capacity which would be
possible on an emergency basis. EPA had considered the Issues raised in
their response to the proposal, and maintains a belief that the proposed
interim plant could be constructed and operated in such a manner that
the risk of additional pollution to groundwater would be minimized. It
1s recognized that the success of such an endeavor 1s dependent on the
support and cooperation from both the state and the city. Short of that,
the chance of an expeditious and successful interim facility becomes
lessened with the passage of time.
-------
2
There are other measures that can be taken to increase the reliability
of the existing emergency dike, and EPA supports and encourages any
measures necessary to maintain the integrity of the remainder of the
existing lagoons. Reinforcement of this emergency dike has been
proposed. We support and encourage immediate implementation..
Beyond the inmediate problem of the West Plains incident lie the dangers
elsewhere, pointed up by this lagoon collapse. This same geology (a
limestone full of caves and fractures) lies under much of southern
Missouri. All this area has the chance of rapid catastrophic collapse
with the rapid movement of pollution to nearby water wells. To prevent
this, the EPA Regional Office has examined their files and Identfied
49 additional municipal lagoons and 212 private lagoons located within
the. geographical area subject to sinkhole collapse. The Missouri State
Geological Survey Is 1n the process of Investigating the local geological
conditions of 24 of these, and Information gathered will be utilized to
determine whether and how quickly these lagoons should be replaced so that
future disasters such as the West Plains incident can be avoided. EPA
1s developing plans to evaluate the questionable private lagoons. Maps
showing areas of concern are located In the appendix.
One method of further protection for this area which is being very
seriously evaluated Is using the Sole Source Acquifer provisions of the
Safe Drinking Water Act. This designation requires the review of
federally-funded projects to prevent their potential pollution of wells
in the area. In this area of rapid and serious groundwater pollution
spread, this review would make each well a little safer.
To summarize such a complex series of events as the West Plains 1-agoon
failure, one can only note that this emergency cut across organizational
lines. Specific knowledge was needed in geology, soil science, reporting,
hydrology, epidemiology, water supply, waste treatment, sampling,
funding legislation, and construction techniques. This knowledge was
partially available at the local, state, regional, and national level.
As a result, the response to this emergency has shown a need for
communlcation and cooperation among all concerned. As the quest for
Interim and ultimate solutions continues, this same spirit of working
together will be needed.
-------
3
The History of West Plains Lagoon
West Plains, Missouri, is. located in a karst geologic region, an area
where the limestone has a great number of caves and crevices. This
geology carries a great deal of groundwater very rapidly, but is very
weak and unstable. The result 1s frequent collapses, allowing a
core of rock and dirt to fall Into underground streams leaving a
cavity at the ground's surface called a sinkhole. To put an earthen
lagoon in such a geologic area 1s to gamble that such a sinkhole will
not drain the lagoon. This has happened with several lagoons in the
southern Missouri area. One of these was the lagoon serving West Plains,
Missouri. Additional geological discussions are located in the Appendix
as well as additional demographic data.
The West Plains lagoon had problems with sinkholes before construction
was completed. The smaller lagoon cell, which occupies about 12.4
acres, collapsed in two points in 1964. The larger of these two
collapses was about 17 feet 1n diameter and between 10 and 20 feet
deep. The sinkholes were plugged with cement, clay and bentonite and
apparently no further problem occurred In this location. However, in
1966, a collapse occurred 1n the larger cell of the lagoon. This ^ell
contained about 45 million gallons of effluent at the time of collapse
and all of the water drained out within 52 hours.
This created a whirlpool of such magnitude that the operator was afraid
to approach it 1n a boat. It was later estimated that 13,000 gallons
per minute were exiting through the sinkhole. This collapse was
repaired by filling the hole with clay and bentonite to the level of
the dike wall, and the lagoon was returned to use. At the time, the
Assistant City Engineer of West Plains reported that he walked about
4- miles of the Howell Creek Channel below the lagoon collapse but
found no evidence of lagoon sewage.
There was no report of well contamination in connection with either the
1964 or 1966 collapse. It was speculated that the water probably appeared
at one of the large springs in the region. More complete details about
this series of the collapses are available in the Missouri Geologic
Survey report on sinkhole collapse listed in the bibliography.
Another minor collapse Incident was thought to have occurred in 1974,
1n the polishing lagoon. No further activity was reported until the
most recent disaster, which probably occurred May 5 and was discovered
on Saturday, May 6, 1978. On Monday, May 8, the City staff attempted
to reach Poplar Bluff and/or Jefferson City to report the Incident,
but because of a State holiday, were unable to reach anyone in the
State Government. Early May 9, they reached the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) Regional Office in Poplar Bluff and reported the
incident. Meanwhile, the resident sanitarian for the Missouri
Division of Health office in West Plains, was becoming aware of a
-------
4
health problem 1n the city. An outbreak of gastroenteritis developed
on May 8, and rapidly intensified with a significant number of cases
being reported to the Health Department on May 12. An epidemiological
study traced the apparent source of Illness to the Dairy Queen 1n
West Plains and to the other businesses served by the same well, all
of which were located south and east of the lagoon (refer to figure IIT).
However, additional cases of illness not associated with the Dairy Queen
well soon began to appear.
Controlling the Emergency
By the time EPA was notified on May 17, the Missouri Division of Health
and the Division of Environmental Quality, working^with the City
Engineer of West Plains and his staff, had taken immediate steps to
secure the lagoon to prevent further loss, and to make a preliminary
geological analysis which was required before repairs could be made.
The State Division of Health began an Immediate notification program to
advise citizens how to safeguard their water supplies. A joint plan
between the Division of Health and the Division of Environmental Quality
was readied to provide chlorlnatlon to the public water supplies, with
a subsequent plan to assist private suppliers with emergency chlorination.
EPA did not become aware .of the lagoon failure until a telephone query
was received late In the afternoon of May 17, from a reporter, to find
out what EPA's Involvement 1n the crisis would be. When the Regional
Administrator, Dr. Kathleen Q. Camin, was informed, she immediately
appointed an emergency response coordinator who contacted the DNR in
Jefferson City and requested a briefing. Realizing the urgency of the
situation, an emergency response team was dispatched to the site.
The next morning, members of thatteam met with local and state officials
to assess the situation as well as discuss emergency solutions. It was
determined that EPA's field sampling and laboratory analytical capabil-
ities would be of the most immediate use in determining the magnitude
of the problem. This monitoring was deemed urgent because of the public's
great fear of the unknown danger, location and movement of the
possible harmful bacteria 1n the groundwater supply. Because of
rising sickness rate and the potential of very serious Illness, the
Regional Administrator made available substantial sampling and analyti-
cal resources.
On May 18, an earth and clay dike to isolate the largest sinkholes was
begun by the city crews with contract help. This dike was completed
on May 21 at the city's expense which was about $30,000. The sewage
inflow was bypassed to a losing stream between the two dates,
-------
5
but the flow was returned to the lagoon on May 21st.
Virtually all parties have expressed concern about the integrity of the
emergency dike, and in the interest of increasing its reliability have
recommended its reinforcement. The State's recommendation is to construct
an additional emergency dike approximately 100 foot outside of the perimeter
of the initial circular dike section. EPA has supported this and has
recommended its inmediate implementation. It is believed that federal
assistance funds will be available to reimburse the City for this additional
work. However, the mechanism for funding is yet to be determined.
By June 2, 1978, the rate of occurrence of disease had stabilized to the
point that the extensive state and federal involvement could be withdrawn
and an 8-week monitoring program was negotiated between EPA and the Missouri
Division of Health.
EPA Construction Grants Program Involvement
While emergency response activities went on in West Plains, interim and
long-range solutions were being evaluated in the EPA Regional Office.
long-Range Solution
The West Plains lagoon was constructed in 1964 at an approximate cost of
$358,000. However, the lagoon effluent is not capable of meeting the
losing stream requirement of 5 mg/1 of BOD and 10 mg/1 suspended solids
which were adopted in 1974. Therefore, due to the necessity of replacing
the lagoon with a facility capable of producing an effluent which would
protect the groundwater supplies, the City of West Plains was already
involved in the EPA construction grants program prior to the lagoon failure.
The facility plan has been completed, recommending an aerated lagoon (using
a portion of the existing lagoon cell) followed by a bio-disc and sand
filter. The city's consulting engineer, who was designing the facility,
estimated that the facility would be completed in 1 year at an estimated
cost of $3 million.
On May 22, 1978, EPA Construction Grants representatives met with the
city's consulting engineers, Crane and Fleming, Incorporated, and the
Missouri Oivision of Environmental Quality officials in Jefferson City.
In this meeting all parties agreed that the new treatment facility must
eliminate any continuous use of earthen holding basins. Therefore, the
proposed final treatment facility design was abandoned, since it included
continuous use of a portion of the existing lagoon as flow equalization.
Considering the sewage flow characteristics, all parties agreed that the
most reliable and cost effective alternative was a concrete lined oxidation
ditch followed by sand filtration. Due to the infiltration/inflow problem,
this plant would require the use of a surge basin to hold stormwater over-
flows on an infrequent basis. These overflows would be routed back through
the treatment plant after the high incoming flow has receded. Accordingly,
-------
6
the city's engineers were advised by EPA to proceed with this design.
EPA' also committed to methods of "fast tracking" the design, construction,
and administrative handling of the project. The consultants sought and
received approval to dike off the westerly end of the largest cell with
the use of 10 acres as an overflow to facilitate site soil investigations
at the earliest possible date..
Interim Solution
The EPA Regional Office simultaneously began considering interim alter-
natives for treatment until the new plant could be constructed. Obviously,
there is a degree of risk involved with continued use of the existing
lagoon system. The alternatives considered and their associated risks
were evaluated by May 19,. T978, and ranged from continued use of the
existing two-cell lagoon system without additional construction (maximum
use of existing lagoon, highest associated risk) to the replacement of the
existing lagoon with a package mechanical-type treatment system (minimum
use of existing lagoon, lowest associated risk). Because of high flows
received at the treatment facility during storm periods, use of the package
plant would require some type of storm surge basin on an infrequent basis
for stormwater overflows only. In order to further reduce the risk associ-
ated with this holding basin, it is proposed that the holding basin be used
essentially as a clarifier with the contents pumped through disinfection
units and discharged. It was felt that using a portion of the lagoon as
a storm surge basin on an infrequent basis was an acceptable level of risk
while continuously using the lagoon was not. One of the middle-of-the-road
alternatives considered would use the existing lagoon divided by dikes into
smaller cells (up to six). This was discouraged by the State Geological
Survey, which feared further collapse could be caused by the use of heavy
equipment.
Numerous contacts were made in an effort to locate package plants which
could be transported and installed at West Plains in a minimum amount of
time. Potential suppliers of package mechanical facilities were located
and costs were estimated. An analysis of the available alternatives;
including such factors as time to implement, reliability,. public accepta-
bility, effluent quality, and estimated costs, was made in order to support
a recommendation and request for funding. The EPA Regional Office selected
as the preferable interim solution the installation of a mechanical treat-
ment plant in lieu of continued use of the existing lagoon. Although such
a facility is more costly, reliability, public health and public accepta-
bility were deemed to be overriding factors. The EPA Regional Office made
plans to provide startup and operation and maintenance personnel to the
City of West Plains for 6 months.
Because of the large scale of the West Plains emergency, much work has
been done by Region VII to locate and request emergency funds. The City
-------
7
of West Plains, the State of Arkansas, and the State of Missouri have
alT requested emergency funds (see Appendix). Because of the great need,
Dr. Kathleen Q„ Camin, Regional Administrator of EPA, made two trips to
Washington, D.C. to attempt to gain disaster assistance and to locate
sources of emergency funds. The first was an unofficial meeting held
with the Office of Management and Budget (0MB) representatives of various
EPA offices and 0MB representatives to alert them that a request was being
prepared under Section 504 of the Clean Water Act which contains an emer-
gency funding provision.
A decision was made to seek 0MB approval of Section 504 funding and an
official meeting was held June 1, 1978, with 0MB officials. An answer
was- promised by 0MB within 1 week from the date of the meeting.
At this time there has been no firm decision on the Section 504 funding.
The EPA Region VII office plans to continue to "fast track" the Section 201
construction grant process for the long-range solution using project segmen-
tation, preordering of equipment, priority reviews and minimum time periods
for bids.
Such wide ranging efforts to seek all possible solutions and funding reflect
EPA's realization that a town on a limited budget is faced with a very
serious problem. Yet at the same time it is necessary to have as safe a
system as possible during the interim while a long-range treatment plant
solution is being designed and constructed. In many discussions and letters,
EPA has recoitmended to the city and state that an interim mechanical waste
treatment facility be constructed on an emergency basis. Concerns have been
expressed by the State of Missouri about successfully operating, such a plant
especially during short high flow situations such as storms. EPA had con-
sidered such concerns but felt for the interim that successful disinfection
to protect groundwater was more important than a continuously very high
treatment level. However, all recognize that getting such a plant built
and operating depends on a high level of cooperation by all concerned. With-
out this cooperation, the chance of a successful interim facility becomes
less as time passes.
Sampling Program
The sampling program was undertaken in response to the threat of serious
illness and the widespread fear of citizens of the West Plains area. For
days, they had been hearing of a rapidly growing number of illnesses, an
unseen wave of germs moving through their underground water, and dire public
health warnings. For these reasons, the public needed the reassurance that
a thorough, organized sampling program could bring. For this reason,
Dr. Kathleen Q. Camin, Regional Administrator of EPA, chose to bring per-
sonnel from other programs to give priority to such a sampling program.
It was apparent from the outset that clear conclusive data were going to
be difficult to find. It had been 12 days now since the initial lagoon
-------
8
drainage. The geology of the area is known to be extremely complex and
unstable. Further, Missouri has no well drilling code, which tends to
alTow private wells to be improperly constructed so as to be contaminated
from, the surface of the ground. Finally, there is localized groundwater
pollution from scattered sinkholes draining, as well as septic tanks drainage.
With all of these drawbacks in mind, a well water sampling program was
Initiated by the Emergency Response Team at West Plains on May 20, and
completed about May 30. The purpose of the sampling program was to define
the extent of the contamination caused by the Tagoon failure, the direction
of travel of the contamination, and some indication of whether the contami-
nation would tend to remain in the area. Prior to the start of sampling,
an area of probable contamination and a "control" area were established
along with tests to be used. The boundaries of the area of probable con-
tamination were established based upon the direction of flow of the ground-
water, the obstructions to the groundwater, and the direction of fractures,
in the area. A map of these areas is contained within this report.
The Missouri Division of Geology and Land Survey was consulted after the
boundaries were established and they concurred with them. The shape of
the-area of probable contamination was roughly triangular with West Plains
at the northern point. From West Plains, one leg of the triangle extended
in a southern direction toward the Arkansas state line and intersecting
the state line approximately 29 miles west of Mammoth Springs, Arkansas.
The other leg of the triangle extended in a southeastern direction from
West Plains to the state line, intersecting the state line approximately
TO miles east.of Mammoth Springs, Arkansas (see map). The "control" area
was established north of Pomona, Missouri and extended to the Willow Springs,
Missouri area. This area was chosen because it is situated in an adjacent
groundwater basin and because the area is upstream from the lagoon and should
not have been contaminated.
Within each area there were certain wells that were tested. These included
municipal wells, private wells, and wells designated as sentinel wells.
Sentinel wells were wells checked periodically by state agencies and thought
to be so well constructed that they had no surface or casing contamination.
The state did not have any information on file for private wells. Therefore,
the construction details or quality of these wells could not be established.
By far, the largest category of wells sampled was the private well.
The tests chosen included total coliform bacteria, fecal coliform bacteria,
nitrates and chlorides. Total coliform and fecal coliform were chosen
because the contamination from the lagoon would show high bacterial counts.
Chlorides and nitrates were chosen as indicators of possible local contami-
nation caused by run-off from septic tanks or leaky well casings, and
because chloride and nitrate values for samples of lagoon effluent were
low. Samples were taken as close to the wellhead as possible. Municipal
-------
9
supplies were sampled before and after chlorination. Some repeat sampling
was conducted, particularly when the samples revealed high fecal coliform
counts.
Data Analysis and Discuss ton
As was anticipated, so many localized Interferences clouded the pattern
of sample results randomly that no clear conclusions could be drawn. Fecal
coliform test results from the control area averaged 16 per 100 ml. and
averaged 50 per 100 ml in the area of probable contamination, but this is
not a great difference for this type of test. The chloride and nitrate
values in the two areas were almost identical. No pattern could be deter-
mined to link the chloride and nitrate data with the coliform results.
The chloride and nitrate graphs in the appendix show very similar charac-
teristics. Neither could a pattern be seen to link this test data with
epidemiological data. However, using a combination of interviews and
microbiological testing of the lagoon and human wastes, both the Missouri
Division of Health and the Center for Disease Control were able to show
that the. large number of illnesses in the area resulted from the lagoon
failure.
Despite the interferences and complex results, the data tended to indicate
that the sewage followed a very narrow path from the lagoon toward Mammoth
Springs. This indication was later strengthened by dye tests run by the
Missouri Geological Survey which showed a similar flow pattern.
Most important, the sampling program allayed many fears because it showed
that bacteria were not remaining trapped underground and continuing to
breed. The sewage contamination was moving through and passing out of
the area. By showing this clearing effect, the sampling program relieved
many fears.
Other Considerations
The many contaminated wells in this area pointed up by the test results
has caused EPA to take a careful look at means of groundwater protection
for the West Plains area. One method of further protection for this area
which is being very seriously evaluated is using the Sole Source Acquifer
provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act. This provides for the review
of federally-funded projects to prevent their potential pollution of wells
in the area. In this area of rapid and serious groundwater pollution spread,
this review would make each well safer.
Alerted by the events surrounding the West Plains lagoon collapse, the
EPA staff searched their files for other public and private lagoons situ-
ated in similar geologic areas. Three maps in the appendix outline the
geologic areas of concern and the preliminary numbers of lagoons. A total
of 49 municipal lagoons was located in areas subject to sinkhole collapse.
-------
10
The Missouri State Geological Survey is in the process of investigating
the local geological conditions of 24 of these on a priority basis, and
Information gathered will be utilized to determine whether and how quickly
these lagoons should be replaced so that future disasters such as the
West Plains incident can be avoided. Another 212 private lagoons were
also located in counties which showed sinkhole activity. The EPA staff
1s planning methods to .evaluate the private lagoons. The third map shows
areas of occasional sinkhole occurrence-
-------
n
April 13, 1978 (Thursday)
April 17, 1978 (Monday)
April 18, T978 (Tuesday)
May 2, 1978 (Tuesday)
May 3, 1978 (Wednesday)
May 6, 1978 (Saturday)
CHRONOLOGY
Missouri Division of Health advised
Missouri Division of Environmental
Quality that water from West Plains'
Dairy Queen well was testing unsafe,
by routine analysis.
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
representative advised owner of Dairy
Queen to Install disinfection equip-
ment on wel1.
T. DNR Regional Office received
written confirmation of unsafe well
at Dairy Queen from Missouri Division
of Health.
2. Department of Natural Resources
received copy of report from Missouri
Division of Geology and Land Survey
advising City of West Plains consulting
engineer that a lagoon rupture could
occur at any time.
Missouri Division of Health personnel
sampled Dairy Queen well; on analysis,
sample was found to contain sheathed
algae genera quadrigula, common to
farm ponds and lagoons.
City received request from Dairy Queen
owner to connect to city supply.
Request put on May 8 City Council
agenda.
City enployee discovered loss of approxi-
mately 1.5 feet of head 1n wastewater
lagoon (28-30 nrfll1on gallons) from
primary cell near site of 1966 failure.
Leakage was thought to have occurred
the previous evening. Discharge pipe
to polishing lagoon opened to reduce
level in primary lagoon and reduce loss.
-------
12
May 8, 1978 (Monday)
May 9, 1978 (Tuesday)
May 10, 1978 (Wednesday)
May 12, 1978 (Friday)
1. City apparently attempted to notify
Division of Natural Resources at Poplar
Bluff of leakage but offices were closed
because of State holiday.
2. City Engineer briefed City Attorney
of problem prior to City Council meeting.
3. First complaints of water quality
came 1n to city from customers of Dairy
Queen about water, and were referred to
Division of Health.
1. West Plains' city representative
called Department of Natural Resources
Regional Office, advised of steps taken
to reduce further discharge to failure
area; requested assistance.
2. Department of Natural Resources
Regional Director notified supervisors
In Jefferson City of problem with
lagoon.
3. Department of Natural Resources
Regional Director advised City Engineer
to request assistance from Division of
Geology before attempting repairs, but
to Implement repairs quickly.
1. State geologist inspected lagoon
with no city employee present; he stated
1n his written report that the hole
had apparently sealed Itself.
2. Division of Health received first
Illness complaints.
3. Arrangements made for hook up of Dairy
Queen to city water service; work was
completed on May 11.
1. About 30 cases of illness reported by
Division of Health to City and to DNR,
Jefferson City.
2. News releases were provided by City
and State agencies. Chlorlnation was
Increased on city water supplies and
on neighboring city water supplies; plan
to provide chlorinators to businesses
serving customers from wells was
developed by Division of Health and DNR.
3. Arkansas Health Department notified
by Missouri Department of Natural Resources
df lagoon spill at 4:30 p.m., May 12.
-------
13
May 15, 1978 (Monday)
May 16, 1978 (Tuesday)
May 17, 1978 (Wednesday)
May 18, 1978 (Thursday)
1. City received letter from Department
of Natural Resources Regional Office
confirming May 9 reporting of lagoon
failure.
2. City attempted to get word of the
May 10 Inspection of lagoon and were
told that the report was being typed.
State action to continue Installation of
chlortnatlon feed pumps in key locations
stepped up.
3. Two holes developed in/floor of
lagoon, aboufr 3-4 feet 1n diameter.
4. About 275 people reported sick by
Division of Health.
1. DNR requested neighboring cities to
step up chlorlnation 1n water supplies.
2. Further deterioration of peninsula
berm surrounding first failure was noted.
Drain valve for primary cell was opened
to reduce the remaining 1 foot of waste-
water by draining it Into polishing
lagoon.
3. A citizen complaint was received on
EPA action line from a Dairy Queen
customer who was concerned about possible
high nitrates 1n the well water at his
location.
1. A phone call was held between State
personnel from Missouri and Arkansas about
contamination Implications across the state
line.
2. The Environmental Protection Agency
received word from the news media that the
lagoon break had occurred and that there
was an apparent connection with the
gastroenteritis epidemic.
3. The Environmental Protection Agency
contacted Department of Natural Resources,
Jefferson City, for confirmation; EPA
emergency response team was dispatched.
1. Early morning meeting was held with
Environmental Protection Agency, DNR,
Division of Health, City representatives
and other officials. The Environmental
Protection Agency's immediate role was
defined as implementation of a well-
monitoring effort to attempt to determine
extent of groundwater contamination.
-------
14
May 19, 1978 (Friday)
May 20, 1978 (Saturday)
2.. Complete drainage of lagoon showed
one sinkhole 24 feet In diameter, one
18 feet In diameter and one 4 feet 1n
diameter located approximately 75 feet
north of original failure. ^ diking
process began.
3,. Bypass of lagoon raw Influent began
and Included a relatively Ineffective
disinfection process. This discharge
disappeared Into the ground 40 feet
downstream.
4. Citizens of West Plains advised to
limit Individual water usage; major users
being notified by telephone.
5. Intensified news media contacts
continued.
(T. Governor of Arkansas requested
emergency assistance from EPA.
1. Division of Health reported a total of
520 people 111, of which 219 were directly
related to the Dairy Queen incident.
2. Carolyn Ashford, Chief Assistant to
Governor Teasdale, other members of the
State of Missouri agencies, and
Environmental Protection Agency staff
met with leaders of West Plains, and
neighboring communities.
3. National Guard dispatched with fresh
water for pick-up by persons with contamin-
ated wells.
4. Construction activities on levee
continued with Initial rock layer finished
late evening.
1. Environmental Protection Agency
encouraged Mayor to telegraph a request
for emergency relief to State of Missouri
and Environmental Protection Agency
Administrator.
2. Discussion was held with Environmental
Protection Agency and State staffs as to
adv1s1b1lity of attempting to Implement
Section 504 of Clean Water Act.
3. Plan to chlorinate large private
supplies was Implemented by Department of
Health and DNR.
4. Preliminary samples taken by Environmental
Protection Agency showed 47 percent unsafe
samples both within and outside of the
affected area.
-------
15
May 21, 1978 (Sunday)
May 22, 1978 (Monday)
May 23, 1978 (Tuesday)
1. Crews began constructing earthen cap
over rock levee. Influent flow to lagoon
was reestablished and the bypass discharge
to the creek was stopped.
2.. Chlorinated public water supplies tested
were found safe; private wells chlorfnatlon
Installation continuing; public still
advised to boll or purify their own water.
3. Discussions with Environmental
Protection Agency and DNR explored
possibility of an Interim package plant
to be used pending completion of new
sewage treatment plant.
1. As result of conference between
Environmental Protection Agency representa-
tive and Mayor of West Plains, a telegram
was prepared from the Mayor to the
Administrator of Environmental Protection
Agency for emergency funding. However, 1t
was not sent because the State preferred
to make the request.
2. The State of Arkansas epidemiologist
reported no Illness In Arkansas associated
with the West Plains Incident. There was
no Indication of Increased pollution in
Mammoth Spring.
3. Meeting held between West Plains
consulting, engineers, Environmental
Protection Agency engineering program and
DNR officials to determine modifications
needed for new plant.
1. Division of Health reported that several
people, who were ill had improved and, were
ill with a second phase of diarrhea.
2. The City completed filling sinkholes and
finished the clay cover over the levee.
3. Discussions with Environmental Protection
Agency, Department of Natural Resources,
and the City of West Plains continued over
whether to request 504 funds. Department
of Natural Resources delayed action until
a meeting could be held with Jim Odendahl,
Director of the Division of Environmental
Quality, DNR, Jefferson City, on May 25.
4. Dr. Kathleen Q. Camin, Regional
Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, declared that an emergency existed
and flew to Washington to seek emergency
funds for placing an interim treatment
plant in place for 1 year.
-------
16
May 24, 1978 (Wednesday)
May 25, 1978 (Thursday)
May 26, 1978 (Friday)
May 30, 1978 (Tuesday)
May 31 , 1978 (Wednesday)
5. In an Investigation of Dairy Queen well
site,, DNR staff found septic water from
wastewater sources in bottom of small
pond located 1n sinkhole.
1. Work on private well data by Environmental
Protection Agency field staff showed high
percentage of unsafe wells, but little
apparent correlation between them and the
sewage leak.
2. Missouri Division of Health reported
that,, as of May 23, the total number of
illness cases was 759, of which 306 were
associated with the Dairy Queen.
1. DNR officials concluded that 504 funds
should be requested for an Interim waste-
water Improvement to service the city until
final wastewater plant could be constructed.
2. Meeting at West Plains with Mayor,
City Engineer, Consultants, and Environmental
Protection Agency resulted 1n request from
Mayor to Governor for assistance in obtain-
ing Environmental Protection Agency
emergency funds.
3. Missouri Geological Survey began dye-
testing 1n area, including Dairy Queen
wel 1.
4. Missouri Governor Teas dale sent
telegram to EPA requesting assistance.
Division of Health reported that Illness
seems to be abating.
Meeting was held by City, the City's
consulting engineer and Environmental
Protection Agency engineers agree on an
Interim plant construction.
State Geologist reported that dye trace on
packets placed 1n lagoon and recovered
showed a very positive trace to Mammoth
Spring. Dye had not been found 1n packets
collected from any other location.
Arkansas authorities indicated this result
was consistent with their monitoring pro-
gram. They stated that prior to May 15,
Mammoth Spring analysis Indicated fecal
collform to be 30 colonies/I00 ml. It
increased that week to a high of 100 colonies^
100 ml., and then dropped off to 40 colonies/
100 ml. on the 21st. It began to rise the
-------
17
June 1, 1978 (Thursday)
June 2, 1978 (Friday)
week of the 22nd to a high of 140 colonies/
100 ml. on the 28th, and then dropped back
to 30 colonies/100 ml. on May 30, 19 7 8.
These Increases had not been considered
significant earlier because stream
standards allow 200 colonies/100 ml.
U Environmental Protection Agency staff
scheduled for withdrawal on June 2, after
arranging for an 8-week analysis program
to be continued by the Division of Health,
with EPA Lab support.
2. Missouri National Guard was withdrawn
by the Governor.
1. Missouri Geological Survey reported
negative dye tract to Dairy Queen well.
-------
APPENDIX
18
-------
State Of Arkansas
Office Of The Govehnor
19
)\\ID PmuR
GOVERNOR
May 18, 1978
Little Rock 72201
(501) 371-2345
TELEGRAM TO:
Ms. Adlene Harrison
Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
First International Building
1201 Elm Street, Suite 2800
Dallas, Texas 75270
Ms. Kathleen Quinn Camin
Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1735 Baltimore
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
I have today sent the following message to the Honorable
Joseph P. Teasdale, Governor of Missouri:
"The Towns of Ash'Flat and Mammoth Spring, Arkansas are now
under order from the State Health Department to boil their drinking water
as a result of a leak or leaks in a sewage oxidation pond in West Plains,
Missouri. Rural private well supplies in the Mammoth Spring area are also
under boiling orders. Drinking water supplies are being monitored by the
Arkansas Department of Health and the Department of Pollution Control and
Ecology. We will have the results of those tests sometime today.
We understand from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources
that sewage is continuing to be pumped into this oxidation pond in spite of
the leak. If this information is correct, I appeal to you to take the
earliest possible emergency action necessary to rectify this situation.
I am alerting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as to the gravity
of this matter and asking for their immediate attention to this problem
which is causing grave concern among our citizens".
Whatever assistance ycu could give us in this regard would
be greatly appreciated.
-------
20
FROM: City of West Plains, Missouri dated May 25, 1978
Transcript of A Telegram from the Mayor of West Plains to Governor Teasdale
Dear Governor Teasdale:
The City requests your assistance 1n seeking emergency funds
to expedite construction of the final sewage treatment plant and
Interim measures to minimize the potential for ground water con-
tamination.
Your support will be appreciated.
Very truly yours,
WGR/eb
W. G. Roe
Mayor
-------
~~ KCC174C1721)C4-059285E145)PD 05/25/78 1721
ICS IFMMTZZ CSP
3147513247 TDMT JE7FERS0N CITY MO 260 05-25 0521P EST
f '
fMS" DOUGLAS COSTLE, ADMINISTRATOR EPA, CARE DR KATHLEEN Q CMIN,,-.^
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR USEPA REGION VII, RPT DLY BY Mffl,/bu? \
1735 BALTIMORE fUE. ^
KANSAS CITY MO 64108
THE MAYOR OF WEST PLAINS MISSOURI HAS REQUESTED ME TO SEEK EMERGENCY
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE.. A CLEAR AND IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY EXISTS FOLLOWING
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A' SINKHOLE IN THE BOTTCM OF A 38 ACRE SEWAGE
TREATMENT LAGOON. THE RESULTING GROUND WATER CCNTPMINATICN AFFECTS A
40 BY 40 MILE AREA. THERE HAVE BEEN 692 CONFIRMED CASES OF ILLNESS
BELIES/ED TO BE RELATED TO THIS POLLUTION IN MISSOURI. PUBLIC AND
PRIVATE WELLS IN NORTHERN ARKANSAS ARE ALSO THREATENED. THE MISSOURI
NATIONAL GUARD HAS BEEN FURNISHING EMERGENCY SUPPLIES OF SAFE
DRINKING WATER TO MISSOURI RESIDENTS
•4f-1201 (HS-69)
U'JriK
Wi
...
t
t T'w - • _ *
--- - - - -,-v *
* A, *¦ r - • . .. 4. S? «.
•w ^ b * 4 *Jj j % V •»/ < r' » ' ^ A t «
. .^a«4 *. wi. •
21
-------
kcc nt-i
CITY FORCES H/WE TAKEN TIMELY ACTION IN CONSTRUCTING EMERGENCY
DIKING TO ELIMINATE THE IMMEDIATE. GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION.
ENGINEERS REPRESENTING EPA MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
AND THE CITY MET AND DETER1INED THAT ADDITKNAL CONSTRUCTION IS
NECESSARY TO ASSURE CONTINUED PROTECTION OF (SOUND WATER AND TO
EXPEDITE CONSTRUCTION OF A PERMANENT PLANT (BUNG DESK2JED).. THE
CITY EXHAUSTED ALL RESERVE FUNDS AND WE MUST OBTAIN OTHER RESOURCES
TO FUND THE NEEDED INTERIM CONSTRUCTION-
I m HEREWITH REQUESTING YOUR AID IN OBTAINING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE '
FOR: 1. ADDITIONAL INTERIM CONSTRUCTION 2. REIMBURSEMENT FOR
EXPENDITURES ALREADY INCURRED BY THE CITY 3. PJRCHASE AND
8M2C1 (RMS)
-------
free/ 7f /_ j
INSTALLATICN OF DISINFECTION EQUIR1ENT ON ALL AFFECTED PUBLIC WATER
SUPPLIES. SUCH ASSISTANCE IS IMMEDIATELY REQUIRED TO PREVENT, LIMIT
AND MITIGATE THIS EMERGENCY CR SUBSEQUENT EMERGENCY THAT MAY OCCUR
IF CORRECTIVE ACTION IS NOT TAKEN. THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE SIGNIFICANT
RISK T0 THE PUELIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT; AND THIS ASSISTANCE
CANNOT OTHERWISE BE PRO/IDED ON A TIMELY BASIS. PLEASE ADVISE
IMMEDIATELY IF SUCH ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE. LETTER WITH DETAILS TO
FOLLOW.
GOVERNOR JOSEPH P TEASDALE (CAPITOL BLDG JEFFERSON CITY MO
65101)
NNNN
SF-1201 (RMS)
23
-------
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
0ATE: May 22, 1978
subject: Region VII Recommendation for Use of Emergency Funds under Section 504(b)
of the Clean Water Act in West Plains, Missouri - ACTION MEMORANDUM
prom. Kathleen Q. Camin, Ph.D.
Regional Administrator, Region VII
to: Douglas Costle
Administrator
ISSUE
Should the Administrator approve the use of emergency funds under
Section 504(b) of the Clean Water Act to install a package sewage
treatment plant in West Plains, Missouri, and to provide drinking
water to area citizens as necessary?
DISCUSSION
On May 5,. 1978, a sink hole occurred in the first cell of a two-cell
lagoon system providing sewage treatment for the City of West Plains,
Missouri*. On May 9, 1978, the City of West Plains notified the State
of Missouri of the existence of the sink hole, but the State of Missouri
did not realize until approximately one week later, when gastro-intestinal
enteritis began occurring in the area in numbers far in excess of the
norm, the severity of the situation.
On May 17, 1978, this office first learned of the problem, and dispatched
an emergency response team to the site. The original sink hole had
filled itself by this time, and a second sink hole had opened. By
May 18, 1978, the lagoon was dry, with sewage running directly into
both sink holes. The city began construction of a dike to segregate
the sink holes from the other lagoon area, and 200 individuals had
reported related Illnesses.
Currently, the existing sink holes have been sealed off by diking, and
the lagoon is filling. The lagoon will be filled in 50 to 70 days,
assuming that no new sink holes appear. At best estimation, some 75
million gallons of sewage entered the formation through the sink holes.
As of May 22, 1978,. Missouri had reports of 692 illnesses directly
related to contaminated water supplies, and Arkansas' has reports of
150 illnesses, providing a total of over 800 Illnesses as a direct result.
Although the state has placed emergency chlorinators into all public water
supplies within the affected area in the State of Missouri, and both
Missouri and Arkansas have issued orders for the boiling of drinking water,
in the 1,500 square miles of Missouri and 800 square miles of Arkansas
EPA FORM 1320-6 (REV. 3-76)
24
-------
25
2
which' are affected, an estimated 25,000 individuals receive their water
supply from 10,000 private wells.
The Missouri National Guard is trucking water to distribution areas for
use by individuals supplied by private wells.
No cases of typhoid, cholera, polio, hepatitus, or other diseases have
been reported, and there are no registered typhoid carriers in the area.
The EPA regional office and the State of Missouri are carrying on a
massive sampling program of both public and private wells at the present
time.
Estimates by experts are that the ground water contamination which has
occurred will be in existence for a period up to one year. Because of
the nature of the substrata, the lagoon could be subject to breach by
another sink hole at any time.
Both the Governor of Arkansas and the Mayor of West Plains, Missouri,
have requested EPA action under Section 504(b) of the Clean Water Act.
One of the Issues which must be resolved is whether or not such action
should be taken in the absence of a request from the Governor of Missouri.
It is the opinion of Region VII that no such request is necessary.
Section 504(b) of the Clean Water Act authorizes the Administrator to
provide emergency assistance when he determines that:
Sec. 504.(b)(5) The Administrator is authorized to
provide emergency assistance under this subsection
whenever the Administrator determines -
(A) such assistance is immediately required to
prevent, limit, or mitigate the emergency,
(B) there is an immediate significant risk to
the public health or welfare and the environment;
and
(C) such assistance will not otherwise be pro-
vided on a timely basis.
ThoSe determinations are not qualified, either by language of the statute
or by the legislative history by a requirement that they must be bolstered
by a Governor's request.
Another issue involved is whether or not such aid can be provided prior
to a congressional appropriation of $10 million in support of such
Section 504(b) of the Clean Water Act. We suggest that the imminent and
substantial endangerment of public health present in the West Plains
-------
26
3
situation justifies the usage of other funds in anticipation of such
aa appropriation, and we point out the language of Congressman Roberts
in support of Section 504 during committee consideration:
Nothing. 1s to be done to undermine or delay the use
of this authority ... It is the conferees' intent
that the Administrator shall not be encumbered by
the Office of Management and Budget in carrying out
the provisions of Section 69. The Administrator
should move immediately where there is need, and
concern himself later as to what other agencies
might have come 1n. The key in most cases would
be expeditious action to avoid disastrous
consequences.
A third Issue, assuming authorization to use Section 504(b) funds, occurs,
1s what alternative action should be taken? It is the opinion and request
of Region VII that we be authorized to expend the necessary funds for
placement of a temporary package sewage treatment plant. Such a plant
couTd be 1n place and functioning within the 50 days which it will take
for the lagoon to fill up. The City of West Plains has an application
for a 1.7 mgd oxidation type plant, but it 1s impossible for that plant
to be on line 1n less than a year. The temporary package plant will
cost approximately $500,000.
In addition, we request authority to supplement or replace, if necessary,
the current efforts by the Missouri National Guard to provide potable water
by truck to the Individuals whose water supply is 1n the form of private
wells.
In order for expeditious placement of the treatment facility, we request
authority to execute contracts Immediately with a waiver of the general
procurement requirements.
RECOMMENDATION
Region VII finds that provision of a package plant and ability to provide
emergency water supplies when necessary in the area of West Plains,
Missouri, is immediately required to prevent, limit, and mitigate the
emergency. Region VII also finds that there 1s an immediate significant
risk to the public health and welfare and the environment 1f such
assistance is not provided, and that such assistance will not otherwise
be provided on a timely basis. Based on the above and the information
contained in the appendices hereto, I recommend the immediate authorization
of funds for the provision of a package sewage treatment plant to the
City of West Plains, Missouri, and the authorization to expend funds
for the provision of safe drinking water to the affected area if
-------
27
4-
necessary under the authority of Section 504(b) of the Clean Water Act.
I further recommend that such authorization include authority to
execute necessary contracts and make necessary purchases immediately with,
a waiver of the procurement requirements.
DECISION OF ADMINISTRATOR
Approve:
Disapprove: ___ _
Date:
Enclosures.:
Appendix 1 - Report on West Plains ground water pollution and attached
chronology
Appendix 2 - Telegrams from Mayor and Governor, requesting aid
Appendix 3 - Maps
Appendix 4 - Discussion of alternatives
Appendix 5 - Selected newspaper articles
-------
[Q
«,
•m—m
V-—
1).
28
May 18, 1978
CO
o
C£
o
CO
LU
on
-J
<
O
CM
lO
fx
<3
CO
y-N
"<7
r—
n
UJ -
^ o
> ^
h- 5
Sp 5
4shfOfd Director
-------
ADDSMHM
SBELIMIHAHJ .EHGIHEEaiEQ* G20LQGIC RErO&T. OS 'HIE \UiJZ FLA HIS LACOOX
Heraall County, Mo.
There, la a distinct: Likelihood of a catastrophic ainlthole collapse cscurrins
• • l^, V i. 4 ' ^ t fl-\ L*, I , ' •
baaeaththe proposed' lagoon intho viciclt7 of Sec* 26, T. 24 K«t R* 8 W» 9 'Cftst
Plaino' Quadrangle. - Throe such collapses have occurred since 1964, wo in £ >e
onallar ;call» and one In the larger cell which drained on estimated 136 acrt-
feet. of'effluent In, 52 hours#/. Thia praaents c potentially aerlous haaasd so
regional groundwater quality.'
It. la toconsanded that an. alternate.otfchod of wasie treatment bo ccnviJs^ -1
such ae a: mechanical traatsiant plants Sltou for Irrigation of affluent, or «
treatment,plant should be investigated by thi£ office*
a'"copy o£ a: report on the'catastrophic sinkhole collapse by ALoy, Wllii^ns
and Maacallo(1972) In Cromtdyatar Ccntagiwation and Sinkhole Collapse. E.^i: ;e si
Qeology Sariaa Ko. 5, Missouri Geological Survey and Water Rcecvircca, Rull.:* Yd., ^
la enclosed for your ln£oroatlmt»
¦/-/ //// -rfH// '
/¦'./•.* o,/7 . (/(¦' .// >
^v Vl-c)./ L,?- > si'^ ^(•u
Christopher J* oftbhr, Geologist
Applied Sajjlneeriae & Urban Geology
Mia iouri Geological Curroy
April.13, 1975
cc: Ted - Forrester
. CWC
Jefferson City, Mo.
29
-------
ENGINEERING GEOLOGIC REPORT OF THE WEST PLAINS LAGOON
HOWELL COUNTY, MISSOURI
En all probability, considering the past history of collapses in the lagoon
system, further collapses in the major portion of the primary cell will not occur.
If the present temporary dike can be moved or a new dike built, at least 100
feet + away from the collapse area, no additional collapses would be likely.
The past history of collapse in this lagoon system has been in the secondary
cell and in the vicinity of the collapse of May 7 and 16, 1973. Considering the
length of time the remaining portion of the primary cell has been in operation ,
there is no reason to suspect that additional collapses will take place in the 9
month to 1 year period of time probably necessary for construction of the ultimate
solution treatment facility.
Subdividing the remaining portion of the primary cell into several cells by
the use of dike works etc. would lessen the potential of large volumes of partially
treated sewage going underground in the event of an unanticipated collapse. How-
ever , heavy equipment necessary for construction of the additional dike works may
precipitate collapse. It should also be considered that if the equipment is capable
of causing collapse due to vibration etc., it is likely that the collapse would occur
for other reasons than the presence of the equipment.
In summary, the history of collapse in "this treatment system suggests that near
future collapses would not be expec ~ ' jrimary cell.
Thomas J. Dean, Geologist
Applied Engineering & Urban Geology
Geology fi Land Survey
May 24, 1970
30
-------
ADDENDUM TO. THE WEST PLAINS LAGOON REPORT OF 24 May, 1978
HOWELL COUNTY, MISSOURI
The Engineering Geologic Report of the West Plains lagoon system of May 24,
1978 considered the past collapse history of the lagoon system. The geologic set-
ting of the upstream portion of the; primary cell that has not experienced recent
collapses is very similar geologically to other karst areas in Howell Valley.
If the geophysical survey or drilling survey now in progress reveals or sug-
gests the presence of large voids within the alluvial or underlying residual soil
under the primary cell, it is recommended that some form of structural support be
provided for the lagoon bottom during the interim period, or that other forms or
method? of interim treatment be provided that do not depend on the water holding
capability of the primary cell.
No method of filling and sealing voids or collapses to make them watertight
would probably be feasible considering the foundation conditions at the base of
the void space.
A
(J -
x.iOmas Jr Dean, Geologist
Applied Engineering & Urban Geology
Geology & Land Survey
June 19, 1978
orig: Jim Burris
DEQ, Poplar Bluff
31
-------
32
WEST PLAINS, MISSOURI
LAGOON SITE
p force"
r j*i
V
J
*Ca
O'tpo,
%
&
?!
*0>%
*
S°*X
WELL—
(Used by Dairy Queen)
DAIRY QUEEN-*^
*
Q-Q 0
I?
~ — CUSTOMERS OF WELL
MAP NO. 2
-------
23
MUNICIPAL LAGOONS IN AREAS SUBJECT TO
GEOLOGICAL COLLAPSE
tt-yJna '
a ^0 Vr+
Reg on 7
MAP NO. 3
-------
33a
Municipal Lagoons In Area Subject To Geological Collapse
1.
Linn Creek
25.
Ava
2.
Camdenton
26.
Cassville
3.
Dixon
27.
Purdy
4.
Richland
28.
Diamond
5.
Roll a
29.
Stella
6.
Licking
30.
Wheaton
7.
Salem
31.
Landerson
8.
Bunker
32.
Noel
9.
Eminence
33.
Goodman
10.
Ellington
34.
Southwest City
11.
Bismarck
35.
Billings
12.
Bdnne Terre
36.
Omit
13.
Desloge
37.
Omit
14.
Flat River
38.
Republic
15.
Arcadi a
39.
Spri ngfi eld
16.
Viburnum
40.
Sarcoxi e
17.
Doniphan
41.
Jasper
H
00
•
Mountain View
42.
Webb City
19.
Weidon Springs
43.
Carterville
20.
West Plains
44.
Carl Junction
•
H
CM
Alton
45.
Mountain Grove
22.
Thayer
46.
Mansfield
23.
Gainesville
47.
Hartville
24.
Branson
48.
Aurora
49.
Marionville
50.
Marshfield
51.
Conway
-------
34
SUMMARY OF PRIVATE LAGOON FACILITIES IN AREAS
PARTICULARLY SUBJECT TO CATASTROPHIC
SINKHOLE COLLAPSE
oERft «»•4
Region 7
®
= NO. OF PRIVATE LAGOON FACILITIES IN COUNTY WHICH ARE
PARTICULARLY SUBJECT TO CATASTROPHIC
SINKHOLE COLLAPSE
-------
35
SUMMARY OF PRIVATE LAGOON FACILITIES IN AREAS
WHERE GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS EXIST WHICH MAY
CAUSE SINKHOLES OR LEAKING LAGOONS
0= NO, OF LAGOON FACILITIES IN COUNTY WHERE
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS EXIST WHICH MAY CAUSE
SINKHOLES OR LEAKING LAGOONS
3BK
MAP NO. S
-------
36
WEST plains;
PLAINS, MISSOURI
AREA OF PROBABLE CONTAMINATION
ITY LAGOON \
DAIRY'
QUEEN
J
1
' / brahosviue;
r
L,
)KOSHKONON6 f
V
UNION
AREA OF EPA MONITORING
MOST IMMEDIATE AREA OF
CONCERN
V
FULTON CO.
VIOLA
V- 1
r\
THAYEtj
W) f
i I
HEmammoth
T\spr-
i •
°
1 o
\ @
i Ob
! CC
1 4/9
n I
VL V
SALEM
SOLID OUTLINE - EPA Sampling Area as Developed \ / j
MISSOURI
S ARKANSAS
> L,
By Geological & Groundwater
Information & Sampling.
I HARDY
O
U
SCALE IN MILES
MAP NO. 6
-------
37
CONTROL AREA
WEST PLAINS, MO. - WELLS SAMPLED MAY 20-JUNE 2,1978
AREA OF PROBABLE CONTAMINATION
• | WEST PLAI
> •' ^ •<
(^
I y ;
* f \* MISSOURI
liMmTN sninc »««.
ARKANSAS
MAP NO. 7
-------
100
90
80
70
60:
50
40
i 30
IM
u
2 20
I10
5 90
UJ
180
170
u
60
SO
40
30
20
10
0
38
WEST PLAINS
WELL DATA
NITRATE DATA
CONTROL WELLS
NO. OF WELLS 44
MEAN CONC. 3.0 mg/l
MEDIAN CONC. 0.99
MODE 0.99
RISK AREA WELLS
NO. OF SAMPLES
MEAN CONC.
MEDIAN CONC.
MODE
336
4.7
3.0
0.95
mg/l
10
20 30 40
NO3-N, mg/l
50
-------
39
WEST PLAINS
WELL DATA
NITRATE DATA-FREQUENCY
DISTRIBUTION
CONTROL DATA
NO. OF SAMPLES
MEAN CONC.
MEDIAN CONC.
MODE
44
3.0 mg/l
0.99
0.99
RISK AREA WELLS
NO. OF SAMPLES
MEAN CONC.
MEDIAN CONC.
MODE
336
4.7 mg/l
3.0
0.95
30 40 50
NO 3 -N (mg/0
-------
90
&o:
TO
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
100
90
80
TO
60,
50
40
30:
20
10
0
40
WEST PLAINS
WELL DATA
CHLORIDE DATA
CONTROL WELLS
NO. OF SAMPLES 44
MEAN CONC. 5.1 mg/l
MEDIAN CONC. 2.5
MODE 1
10
20
30
40
50
¦O—D—
60
70
—©
RISK AREA WELLS
NO. OF WELLS
MEAN CONC.
MEDIAN CONC.
MODE
234
9.6
7
4
10 20 30 40 50 60 70
CLASS (CONC. mg/l)
-------
41
WEST PLAINS
WELL DATA
CHLORIDE DATA
FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION
CONTROL WELLS
NO. OF SAMPLES
MEAN CONC.
MEDIAN CONC.
MODE
44
5.1 mg/l
2.5
RISK AREA WELLS
NO. OF SAMPLES
MEAN CONC.
MEDIAN CONC.
MOOE
234
9.6 mg/l
30 40 50 60
CHLORIDES, mg/l
-------
42
Demographics
West Plains, Missouri, is located approximately 112 miles southeast of
Springfield, Missouri, 18 miles from the Arkansas border northwest of
the Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, resort area (See figure II).
The population is about 7,000. The city serves as a Jrade
center for a rural population engaged in agriculture and livestock
production. There are several small manufacturing industries 9»
on the average, less than a hundred people each; the exceptton being
the International Shoe Company, which employs about 580 people.
The city is the county seat of Howell County and also serves as the
major urban center for the neighboring counties of Douglas. Texas, and
Shannon.
Because of the low salaries common to this part of the Ozarks, the tax
base is low and about 75 percent of the population falls below the
mikes*! 1 arge^portiorf of6 the^comuni t^el igi bl ^f or^ssi s tanceUthrough
-------
43
Geology-Hydrology of the Area
All of the bedrock formations in the West Plains-Mammoth Spring area
contain groundwater and all are used for water supply. The City of
West Plains obtains water from six wells that end in the Lower Gasconade,
Eminence, and Potosi Formations. The City of Koshkonong obtains water
supplies from the Roubidoux and Upper Gasconade Formations, and the
City of Thayer obtains water from four wells in the Roubidoux through
the Potosi Formations. Private wells obtain water from shallow wells
in the Jefferson City Formations and Roubidoux Formations. (The ground
water flows through aqufers from recharge .sites to springs, which are
points of discharge through solution-enlarged fracture systems, including
caverns). Because of the. extreme variability of the aquifers and the
hydraulics of flow through them, it is very difficult to predict the
movement of ground water from recharge to discharge sites. For example
dye studies have indicated that Mammoth Spring is recharged by Grand^
Gulf practically instantaneously during heavy rainfall. The Missouri
Division of Geology and Land Survey has kept accurate records of pre-
cipitation and water levels in a 477 m (1550 ft.) observation well.
Casing depth is down to approximately 308 m (1000 ft.). The lag time
between the precipitatbn input and the water level response in most
cases is less than 1 week. In some cases, it is even less than 4 days.
-------
44
BIBLIOGRAPHY
PUBLICATIONS:
"Groundwater Contamination and Sinkhole Collapse Induced by
Leaky Impoundments in Soluble Rock Terrain"
Thomas J. Aley, James H. Williams, James W. Massello
Missouri Geological Survey and Water Resources
Roll a, Missouri 1972
-------
45
EPA REGION VII PERSONNEL WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE WEST PLAINS, MISSOURI
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Region VII Headquarters
Regional Administrator
Principal Contact
Construction Grants
Water Supply
Misc. Offices
Water Supply
(Jeff. City)
Emergency Response
(O.S.C.)
SVAN - Field
Laboratory
Kathleen Q. Camin
&. Stigall
Paul Walker
Jim Foil
Lynn Harrington
Rick Weller
Hank Bunczewski
A1 MacFarlane
J. Crane
John Carpenter
Betti Harris
Randal Garten
Bill McFerrin
Harry Gilmer
W. Pedicino
Dan Harris
J. Hopkins
B. Littell
M. E. Pluta
G. Snodgrass
S. Koken
Bill Keffer
Carl -Bailey
S. Roberdes
L. Mosby
R. Rodriques
C. Lunte
J. Joslyn
D. Simmons
G. Beemont
W. Bunn
B. Haas
T. Schlich
J. Heiman
C. Hensley
Reg. Time
48
16
85
48
40
48
32
44
192
48
192
32
48
100
32
40
30
60
80
40
32
80
40
40
20
28
4
4
60
35
K598
Overtime
48
41
37
40
40
40
52
46
56
44
43
5
20
8
13
40
4
16
633
This represents about 1.4 person-years.
------- |