Recognizing and addressing public health concerns of wastewater

MWHO representative Ludy Lopez, left, and MWHO Community Health Educator Veronica Sanchez, right, are participating in an initiative encouraging the community to recognize and address public health concerns of wastewater. [Click to enlarge]

Recently, the organization hosted a series of educational meetings covering the subject which featured Jill Shugart, Environmental Health Officer with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR-CDC), Region VII, who provided in-depth information regarding the hazards of waste water pollution.

Information provided by Shugart indicated that residents of any community, including the Bootheel region, will increase their risk of exposure to various and multiple diseases from pollutants and pesticides in wastewater when there are defaults in the community's wastewater disposal systems.

The claim pointed out that elderly people, small infants and children, along with persons who are immuno-compromised (due to cancer, HIV, etc.) have a very high risk when living in environments without appropriate wastewater disposal.

MWHO, as part of their partnership with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through their CARE Level I award, knows first hand of the importance of addressing such issues.

The organization has continually supported the residents living on the Southern periphery of Kennett in the Independence Township area, behind John Deere.

In that endeavor, community-based strategies for addressing exposure to the wastewater runoff has been applied.

The residents, with the community organizing skills of Veronica Sanchez, MWHO's Health Educator-Promotora, have formed a J.D. Neighborhood agreement and are encouraging all residents of their community to become fully engaged in the Community Activities for a Renewed Environment (CARE) process to work with Midwest Assistant Program(MAP), the University of Missouri-Columbia Water Resources Research Engineers to identify the best and most economical infrastructure solution to their serious wastewater problem.

A Professional Advisory Group of County Commissioners (PAG): Don Collins, Patrick McHaney, Jeanie Herbst; Tommy McMahon, Independence Township; Bob Hancock, Pres. of C.L.G.W. Board; Jan McElwrath, Exec. Director o of the Kennett Chamber of Commerce; Roger Wheeler, Kennett Mayor; Ken Goslee, Kennett City Administrator; Minnie Saunders, Director of the Dunklin County Caring Council; Jim Baker, Kennett Housing Authority; Will Mobley, President Senath State Bank; Mike Milam, Missouri Extension; David Dirks, principle investigator with Midwest Assistance Program; and Karen Hunter, Dunklin County Health Department, have assisted MWHO in this endeavor by endorsing the proposal to the Environmental Protection Agency so that MWHO was considered for the grant award.

The group also assists with the advisement and mentorship as MWHO progresses on the road to the resolution of the existing wastewater pollution crisis that has occurred because the Missouri Clean Water Law of 1974, refined and revised 1996, has not been observed by developers in the community.

According to MWHO research, the J.D. community began before the revised 1996 wastewater regulations.

"Old-time residents may believe that they are "grandfathered" in with their existing systems. But the reality is that if there is waste water surfacing, black water (from toilets.) or grey, (from all other drainage sources i.e. bathroom and kitchen sinks, laundry areas, they are exposing themselves and all other 70 residents of their community to serious health hazards from human waste and pesticide contamination, and their existing system is now subject to compliance of current regulations," explained advocates for the program.

MWHO as a Holistic Health Care Community non-profit agency, in response to their members' identification of wastewater pollution has a major concern for not only J.D. but also other communities in un-incorporated areas of Dunklin County and is committed to County-wide education regarding the Missouri Clean Water Law.

"We have just celebrated EARTH Day," pointed out Community Health Educator for MWHO, Veronica Sanchez. "One of the most important ways to contribute to balancing our Earth's healthy environment is to learn about The Missouri Clean Water Act, support its observance, and be responsible members of our County Community."

Those on board with the project recognizes that we live in a Delta area where the ground water level is high. Where heavy rains, with the high water level, and wastewater run-off make for a RED ALERT for community health issues arising from public water contamination.

To help with these issues, the Dunklin County Health Department's Environmental Public Health Specialist, Karen Hunter can give individuals advisement regarding the permitting and installation of on-site sewage disposal systems according to Missouri State Standards.

Hunter can be contacted by calling Dunklin County Health Administration at (573)717-7319.

Developers may contact The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Southeast Regional Office, 2155 North Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901. Their phone number is (573) 840-9750. This agency can advise the appropriate process to obtain approval for development of communities so the serious hazards now threatening families in the J.D. Community will not occur in other developing areas of our county.

There is a Missouri Clean Water Act Web site to provide more detailed information regarding the statutes in place.

Additionally, MWHO is planning a Celebratory Meeting Day on May 19, 2008 when the University of Missouri-Columbia engineers will be on site with Dr. Robert Reed, of the College of Engineering Water Resources Research Center.

Everyone in the community is invited to attend this event which will be held at 10 a.m., in the J.D. community playground area, weather permitting.

If inclement weather occurs the event will be moved to the MWHO Office located at 1513 St. Francis Street.

For more information on Migrant Whole Health Outreach call (573) 888-9044.