U.S. E.P.A. Surveys Illinois flood waste

No. 08-OPA116

CHICAGO (July 8, 2008) - E.P.A. Region five has begun to assess 19 flood-impacted Illinois counties. The effort, called a "mission assignment" was requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of Illinois, which have provided $200,000 to conduct the work.

EPA's field operations include assessment, cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials and oil releases, including orphan containers.

The 19 counties: Adams, Edgar, Calhoun, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Hancock, Henderson, Jasper, Jersey, Lake, Lawrence, Mercer, Pike, Rock Island, Whiteside and Winnebago.

Illinois residents who observe delivers of oil, gasoline or chemicals, or any stray barrels, waste containers, cylinders and pressure vessels should call the Illinois Emergency Management Agency's toll-free 24-hour phone line: 800-782-7860.

More information about Midwest flood response and recovery is accessible at: http://www.usa.gov/flooding.shtml.

As with any flooding situation, E.P.A. recommends that residents avoid contact with floodwater. More E.P.A. advice about floods is accessible at: http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/flooding.html.

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