HomeMy Public PortalAbout2011 - Environmental Quality Commission Annual Report UpdateJefferson City, Missouri
2011
Environmental
Quality Annual
Report Update
Submitted by:
The Environmental Quality
Commission
Earth Day
Celebration Day
At the Capitol
April 29, 2011
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Page 1 of 20
Table of Contents
Topic Page Number
EQC Responsibilities Page 2
EQC & Introduction Page 3
Ordinance Chapter 7, Section 17 (F) Page 4
Statewide Recycling Page 5
City Development/Redevelopment Page 6
Air Quality Page 8
Drinking Water and Storm Water Page 9
Beautification Page 10
Citywide Recycling Page 11
Parks and Recreation Page 12
Lincoln University Page 13
Special Events Page 19
Projects of the EQC Page 20
Page 2 of 20
Responsibilities of the Environmental Quality Commission
The City of Jefferson established the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) to fulfill the following
powers and duties:
A. To monitor the quality of the environment within the city, including measurements of air, water and
noise pollution, utilizing available sources of data supplemented by such additional measurements as the
commission shall deem necessary.
B. Monitor the city street rights of way and public parking lots of the city to ascertain the quality of existing
tree plantings. After consulting with the Department of Public Works and the Department of Parks and
Recreation, prepare or cause to have prepared and/or amend a long range for planting trees within city
street rights of way and public parking lots. Such plan shall specify and list varieties of trees approved for
planting within designated streets rights of way and parking lots and shall, after Council approval,
constitute the Non Park Tree Planting Plan for the City of Jefferson. (Ord. No. 12731, § 1, 3298)
C. Prepare a long range city beautification program, including recommendations to the Council for new
plazas, fountains, statuary and similar elements of a civic beautification.(Ord. No. 12731, § 2, 3298)
D. Examine the City codes and other ordinances of the city as they relate to environmental quality,
including those that regulate or restrict the use of billboards and signs and those that relate to pollution by
sound. The commission shall prepare such recommendations as it may deem appropriate regarding the
consolidation, improvement and strengthening of such laws and ordinances and the removal of
inconsistencies there from. Any new or proposed bills relating to environmental quality shall be submitted
by the city clerk to the environmental quality commission, and such commission shall have not less than
ten (10) days in which to review such bills and make recommendations to the city council.
E. Make sample investigations, from time to time monitor the enforcement of all city laws or ordinances
relating to the environmental quality and report to the city council any instance found of lack of vigorous
enforcement of such regulations.
F. In cooperation with the state public service commission and the utilities involved, prepare a program
looking toward the eventual under burying of all overhead wires in the city.(Code 1977, § 2206; Code
1983, § 2431)
Sec. 7-18. Annual Report
The environmental quality commission shall make an annual report to the city council
giving a full account of its business and its accomplishments.(Code 1977, § 2207; Code
1983, § 2432)
Sec. 7-19. Finances
The city council may appropriate funds for the use of the environmental quality
commission in its work, and the commission shall submit to the council a proposed
budget indicating the amounts needed and the purpose for which they would be used.
The commission, or the city council acting for the commission, may receive federal and
state grants for the work of the commission. The commission also is empowered to
accept and use private contributions for the furtherance of its work .(Code 1977, § 2208;
Code 1983, § 2433)
Sec. 7-20. Staff; city cooperation
Subject to the limitations imposed by a budget approved by the city council, the
commission on environmental quality may employ such fulltime or part time employees,
consultants or experts as it deems necessary in the furtherance of its work. The
commission may request and shall receive the cooperation of city officials and city
employees to the extent reasonably possible in providing it assistance for the furtherance
of its duties.
Page 3 of 20
Environmental Quality Commission
The Jefferson City, Missouri Environmental Quality Commissioners include the following
professionals (as of May 2011):
Chekesha “Kesha” Nelson Chair
Jim Crabtree Past Chair
Kristen Hilty Vice Chair
Carol Davit Secretary
Pam Barkhaus Commissioner
Rob Didriksen Commissioner
Sister Camilla Verret Commissioner
Joseph Winkelmann, E.I. Commissioner
To Be Announced Council Liaison
Scott Stacey P & Z Representative
Edith Vogel P & R Representative
Lauren Hershey City Staff
Melva Fast City Staff
In the past few years, much progress on many environmental fronts has been
accomplished in the City of Jefferson in the past few years, For example, we are proud
that the residents of the City of Jefferson have accomplished a 23% diversion rate of
recycling trash since the 2006 EQC Report. We have also anchored our economic
future on the establishment of our city as a “Green Capital” city.
Across the country, communities that maintain and improve environmental quality
ensure a safe and healthy community for their citizens. In addition, communities that are
committed to outstanding environmental quality and green infrastructure, including
greenways, parks, trails, infill development and adaptive reuse of historic structures
establish reputations of being desirable places to live. Moreover, such communities
have successfully attracted new businesses and retained existing ones, and taxable
properties in such communities often increase in value and general greater overall
revenue for a community.
The EQC is pleased to report on numerous projects initiated or continued in 2011 that
have or will improve the quality of life and economic sustainability of Jefferson City.
Projects summarized in this report were initiated by the city or by other groups within the
city. The EQC looks forward to continued improved environmental quality on a variety of
fronts.
^xá{t
Chekesha “Kesha” Nelson
Chairwoman, EQC
April 2011
Page 4 of 20
Jefferson City, Missouri Ordinance # 8413
This is on file with the city of Jefferson City, Chapter 7, Section 17 (F). For more
information http://www.jeffcitymo.org/clerk/documents/chap07.pdf.
Page 5 of 20
Charts of the Recycling Results for State Offices in Jefferson City
Materials Recycled in 2010
1. aluminum cans = 13,479 lbs. (6.7 tons)
2. plastic bottles = 9,744 lbs. (4.9 tons)
3. cardboard = 558,772 lbs. (279.4 tons)
4. mixed office paper = 2,240,026 lbs. (1120 tons)
Total tons recycled in 2010 = 1,411
Average tons recycled each month = 117.6
Recycling Collection routes
• can / bottle route = 31 locations
• loose cardboard = 49 locations
• mixed office paper = 100+ locations
Reduction in Trash Volume and Costs from 2008 to 2010
State Information Center: 27% less trash and spent nearly $500 less on trash bill
Harry S Truman Building: 42% less trash and spent nearly $3,500 less on trash
bill
1%0%
20%
79%
State Office Recycling Efforts
aluminum cans
plastic bottles
cardboard
mixed office paper
Page 6 of 20
City Development/Redevelopment
Riverfront Development
Through the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce, a committee formed and a
consultant was hired. They located the best site for access to the Missouri River. The
Missouri River presents a tremendous recreational and ecological resource that cannot
be overlooked. Additionally, the riverfront needs to be connected to the city’s greenway
plan.
Adrian’s Island
Access to Adrian’s Island has been studied in the past and plans have been formulated.
The potential of reconnecting the river to the city will affirm a rich and important heritage
and provide recreational opportunities to explore the riverfront forest
Conference Center
A key initiative for downtown development is the proposed new Conference Center to
be located across from the Truman Building. The Conference Center will form a new
gateway to the downtown and the Capitol Complex. The proposed Conference Center –
an adaptive re-use of the State Health Lab - will allow for much needed meeting and
conference space. Once completed, the facility will bring yet another draw to the study
area.
Prison Redevelopment
2006 brought a commitment to locate a federal courthouse on site. As ancillary
development continues, the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) Redevelopment project
has the potential to be the largest single redevelopment site in the history of the City of
Jefferson and Cole County.
Federal Court House
A master plan has been developed and includes such uses as a new Federal
Courthouse, state and private offices, a prison museum, community facilities,
restaurants, retail and commercial businesses and hotels.
Lewis & Clark Building
In addition, the headquarters for the Department of Natural Resources was completed
in 2004 and the new State Health Laboratory was completed in fall of 2006.
From DNR Web site: The building has received a LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) certification rating of platinum, which is the council’s highest
rating. To read about the sustainable design elements of the building, visit
http://www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub1316.pdf. The Lewis & Clark building incorporates
numerous elements of sustainable design which minimizes its impact on the
environment. It is the only LEEDS certified Platinum state office building in the country.
For more information on the Lewis & Clark building, please visit:
http://www.dnr.mo.gov/greenbldg/index.html.
Page 7 of 20
Sidewalks
In 2010, the Department of Community Development approved plans for over 9,600
linear feet of sidewalks in Jefferson City. Over 2,200 linear feet of sidewalk will be
constructed in conjunction with new buildings or building additions. Also, two
subdivisions were approved in 2010 that will eventually add 7,460 linear feet of sidewalk
to the City’s infrastructure.
Source: Jefferson City Planning
McCarty House – Habitat for Humanity
The River City Habitat for Humanity home at 802 E. McCarty St. is among the first
projects in the country to meet higher “green” standards in the area of efficiency and
environmentally friendly activities. Techniques and materials that will improve this
home’s efficiency include lower ceilings, taking advantage of south-facing natural
lighting, sealing the basement with a vapor barrier, insulating on the rafters, adding a
stud wall for insulation space, reusing stone from the razed next-door home
landscaping, finger-jointing studs, geothermal heating and cooling, energy star
appliances and a rain barrel. Awareness is another driving force behind this home;
showing homebuilders what materials and techniques are available can help the “green
home” industry and homeowners work better together. For more information visit
www.hbacentralmo.com.
License to Build
River City Habitat for Humanity’s License to Build Program is an Environmental
Fundraising Project. In 2009 the State of Missouri initiated a new license plate for
automobiles. Since the state had no formal plans for recycling these license plates,
Carrie Carroll with the Downtown Jefferson City Recycling Committee decided to
spearhead a collection effort. Since River City Habitat for Humanity already had
aluminum can collection program in place, adding aluminum license plates was the
perfect fit.
A total of six Jefferson City car dealers agreed to set up collection boxes for their
customers to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Over the next two years residents recycled
1,266 lbs. of license plates or over 5,500 license plates. This would be equivalent to
over 42,000 aluminum cans!
Collaboration between private businesses, a citizen group and a local non-profit
resulted in license plates from 2,750 vehicles being recycled and the proceeds helped
fund a new home for a deserving family.
Page 8 of 20
Air Quality
Outdoor Burning Restrictions
Jefferson City Council passed an ordinance in 2006 eliminating the outdoor burning of
trash, paper and cardboard and limiting the burning of yard waste to November through
March. As a result, residents have enjoyed healthier air quality.
Roundabouts
There have been roundabouts added at the locations:
1. Two near Wal-Mart East
2. Two near Menards
3. One at JC High School and Lincoln University
4. One at Tanner Bridge
5. One at Kaufman hills Subdivision
Roundabouts are great for improving traffic flow, reducing energy usage of lights and
traffic signals, and reducing maintenance efforts. They also have an added benefit of
reducing carbon emissions from automobiles.
Smoke Vote/No Smoking Ban
No Smoking Citywide went into effect on January 31st, 2011 and requires everyone to
not smoke in public buildings or within 10 feet from entry ways.
Trails
Greenway Construction
The City’s Greenway Master Plan continued expansion with segments completed to
Lincoln University and Schnucks on Southwest Boulevard.
Katy Trailhead and Pedestrian Bicycle Bridge
The newest local bike path opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 8th, 2011.
The Tea-21 Grant for development of Katy Trailhead was awarded in 2006 allowing final
plans and design for the trailhead to be initiated in the Capitol Complex. The Missouri
Parks Foundation took the lead in local fundraising (local match) efforts for a pedestrian
bridge across the Missouri River.
For more information: http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/story.aspx?id=594126
For video: http://www.youtube.com/user/MoDOTCentral#p/a/u/0/7hC3-yASdwA
Page 9 of 20
Drinking Water and Storm Water
American Water Project
Missouri American Water Company replaced 4,000 linear feet of water line last year on
the south side and central east side of the city. Also, the company initiated a
comprehensive study for a 20-year plan that will address water distribution and plant
needs.
Increase Pipe Radius City Project
Increase pipes to eliminate overflow and smell at 179 and Truman (EPA/DNR/City Joint
Venture). More line replacements are underway and ongoing.
This project location will have improve the intake and provide a tunnel of pipe under the
Missouri River.
Page 10 of 20
Beautification
Greening of America’s Capitol Grant Federal Funds
Greening America's Capitals is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities
between the EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and
the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to help state capitals develop an
implementable vision of distinctive, environmentally friendly neighborhoods that
incorporate innovative green building and green infrastructure strategies.
Jefferson City requested EPA assistance with an area of the city core that serves as the
gateway to the State Capitol and larger Capital Complex. The Wears Creek and
Millbottom area has become a flood-prone and forgotten zone of the city that includes
vacant properties and parking lots. Through a collaborative on-site workshop, Jefferson
City will work with a team of designers to develop aesthetically and functionally valuable
landscape architecture designs that will result in both community and water quality
benefits. Using detailed visuals and graphics, this assistance will work to improve public
access to the Missouri River and integrate brownfield cleanup and redevelopment and
appropriate reuse of currently vacant lands.
The Jefferson City project is also one of the first projects associated with the EPA
Administrator’s new Urban Waters focus, which seeks to support communities in their
efforts to access, improve, and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding
land. EPA’s Urban Waters efforts place particular emphasis on engaging underserved
neighborhoods and on providing equitable access to urban waters through well-planned
community revitalization. EPA’s assistance to Jefferson City will integrate the goals of
both the Agency’s Urban Waters and Partnership for Sustainable Communities’ efforts.
For more information:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/72f93
d7ac5eb037985257798006d3da9!OpenDocument&Highlight=2,greening.
Page 11 of 20
Citywide Recycling
Private Business Recycling
Numerous private businesses have adopted recycling programs for their work
environment. The State of Missouri, Unilever and Central Bank are good examples.
Recycling at Central Bank began as a test program offering recycling of ink cartridges
for its customers and the general public at its bank locations.
Single Stream
Since city-wide curbside recycling began in November of 2009, over 1,000 tons of trash
have been accounted for—that is 1,000 tons of residential refuse that had formerly been
disposed of some other way than being put into residential dumpsters. Over 14,000
tons of solid waste has been collected, and of that, the City of Jefferson has recovered
and recycled 23%.
Yard Waste
The City of Jefferson has contracted with All Seasons Home and Lawn Care to provide
a Yard Waste site for residents of Jefferson City. The yard waste site will accepts: tree
limbs (six inches or less in diameter and a maximum length of 4 ft.), grass clippings,
leaves, wood chips, and flocked Christmas trees. For more information on the site’s
house of operation, visit the City’s website at www.jeffcitymo.org.
Glass
The City of Jefferson is working with Ripple Glass out of Kansas City, to provide its
residents with easy and convenient locations to recycle glass. The drop-offs are located
at 722 Dix Road (old Allied offices) and the Save-a-Lot parking lot. The big purple
containers accept only food and beverage container glass. Please visit the City’s
website for additional information or if you have any questions about the glass recycling
program, or please call the Community Development office at 573-634-6564.
Household Hazardous Waste
Many residents, without knowledge, have in their homes what is considered Household
Hazardous Waste. Without proper disposal, household hazardous waste can leak into
the water systems and threaten water quality. The goals and objectives of having a
permanent satellite facility are to eliminate the landfilling of household hazardous waste
by providing a safe and convenient disposal alternative for residents of the community,
and to utilize environmentally sound practices meeting or exceeding EPA, State, and
Local regulations.
Page 12 of 20
Parks and Recreation
Missouri River Bridge:
The Bicycle/Pedestrian Addition to the Missouri River Bridge is underway and was
opened on April 8th, 2011
Adrian’s Island/Riverfront Access:
TranSystems has developed plans for access to reach Adrian’s Island. The proposed
access will be a 137-foot-long, twelve-foot diameter tunnel running under the Union
Pacific railroad tracks on the East side of Wears Creek. Plans have been submitted to
Union Pacific and MoDOT for review.
Once the connection has been made, Adrian’s Island will allow visitors to visit a scenic
riparian zone along the river. The preliminary conceptual development plan includes a
natural surface trail, fishing access, boat access, and opens pavilions.
Greenway Extension - Lincoln University to Aurora Park:
Development of this trail is in the planning phase and will extend the East Branch
portion of the Greenway Trail from Leslie Boulevard through Aurora Park to Aurora
Avenue. This connection will link Lincoln University, the Jefferson City YMCA on
Stadium Boulevard and Aurora Park. The second phase of this project will eventually
be made from Aurora Avenue to Ellis Boulevard.
Greenway Extension - Ellis Porter/Riverside Park to DNR Green Building:
Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry assisted the Missouri State Office of
Administration on a successful grant to connect Ellis Porter/Riverside Park to the
Missouri Department of Natural Resources Green Building. The Office of Administration
will oversee the project, slated for completion in the future.
Downtown Tree Plantings:
Fifty-eight trees have been planted in the downtown area in 2010 along Monroe St.
Dunklin St., Capitol Ave., and Madison St.
Trim Grant/Monroe Street:
A Trim grant was obtained to remove and replace Ash trees along Monroe Street.
Forestry crews replaced Ash trees with twenty-one Zelkova, eleven Bald Cypress, and
ten Hawthorn trees. The reimbursable portion of the project cost is $5,765.
Oak Hills Golf Course:
Crews at the Golf Course have designated areas as “no mow areas” and worked with
the department forestry crew to plant ninety trees. The move to the “no mow areas” has
saved four man hours per week while mowing the rough in the spring and fall, 8-10
gallons of fuel per week and reduced wear and tear on the mowers. Other benefits of
the “no mow areas” include suitable habitat for a more diverse population of wildlife
which currently is not present at the course, improved aesthetics and a buffer against
fertilizers and pesticides that can leach into in storm water runoff areas.
Page 13 of 20
Lincoln University
In 2006, Lincoln University (LU) continued efforts to compost a weekly average of one
ton of food residues collected from the university’s cafeteria and kitchen, together with
horse barn clean-out material at the LU Composting facility at Busby Farm. After three
months of curing, the compost is suitable for application, and has been applied to flower
beds on campus. LU composting efforts annually divert an estimated 70 tons of
food, residue and horse barn clean-out material from the landfill and convert the wastes
to a high quality soil amendment. In addition, LU’s composting activity strengthens
education, research, and community outreach programs with a goal of improving
environmental quality.
Besides food waste composting, LU recycles paper, soda bottles, and cardboard on
campus. LU Cooperative Research and the university’s Department of Buildings and
Grounds worked collaboratively to formulate a grant proposal and successfully
competed for funding to support LU campus recycling.
In July 2006 the Mid-Missouri Solid Waste Management District funded LU with $5,000
to purchasing additional recycling bins and design and build cardboard carts to
strengthen and expand the current recycling program on campus. Cardboard carts were
specially designed to facilitate the high volume of cardboard collection and transport at
sites such as the cafeteria.
LU projects increased in total recycling volume by 25% at the end of the funding cycle in
July 2007. Two recycling companies currently assist LU with pick-up services of
recyclables: Kingdom Project located at Fulton has been collecting cardboard and MRS
Inc has been servicing LU for paper and plastic bottle recycling.
The Native Plants Program at Lincoln University offers a variety of educational
programs related to conservation and value-added uses of native plants. A Native
Plants Outdoor Laboratory (including a rain garden to manage storm water–see photos
on page 19) has been established on campus and the annual field day ‘In Touch with
Nature’ takes place the 4th Saturday in September at LU-Busby Farm, 5 minutes from
Jefferson City. Both events are open to the public. Volunteer opportunities are
available. Additional events and projects can be found at:
http://www.lincolnu.edu/web/programs-and-projects/native-plants.
For more information email: Navarrete-Tindalln@Lincolnu.edu
A green roof and green wall project on which building at Lincoln? was funded by
Thurgood Marshall College Fund and completed in the fall of 2010. (See diagram on
following pages)
LU is working on adding solar-powered electricity to the Eliff Hall buildings on campus.
For more information email: gassners@lioncoln.edu
Page 14 of 20
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Page 16 of 20
LU Green Roof Preparation
Page 17 of 20
LU green roof and wall
LU Green Wall and panel system
Page 18 of 20
LU 8x6 Cable system
LU 8x2 ladder system
Page 19 of 20
Special Events
Earth Day
Earth day is celebrated on April 22nd, 2011.Jefferson City will have an event on Friday,
April 29th, 2011 on the capital grounds.
For more information visit: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/earthday/
Runge Nature Center
The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Runge Conservation Nature Center
continued to provide conservation and environmental programming to the Jefferson City
community.
In 2006, Runge Nature Center’s total visitation was 81,735. In addition, Runge offered
637 programs, special events and off-site exhibits to the public elating to fish, forestry,
wildlife and environmental quality protection, attended by a total of 47,499 people.
Topics of programs, events and exhibits included native plant landscaping, rain
gardening and Stream Team clean-ups of local water bodies, among the hundreds of
others related to wildlife and natural community conservation and protection.
Due to budget and staff cuts, Runge Conservation Nature Center is now closed on
Sundays and Mondays but has extended their Thursday hours to 8pm. The trails are
open every day from 6am-9pm. FY2010, Runge Conservation Nature Center’s total
visitation was 77,226. Runge hosted over 200 meetings, 11 special events, and 476
programs. Runge also participated in 10 special events within the local communities
including the Cole County Fair, JC multicultural festival, and Kidsfest. Programs and
events were focused on Missouri’s forest, fish, and wildlife resources.
Page 20 of 20
Projects of the EQC
EQC Projects
Completed Ongoing Goal
Greater choice in household
recycling and yard waste
collection.
Creation of a landscaping
ordinance to continue city
beautification efforts.
Continued greenway expansion,
including linkage to Adrian’s
Island in the Missouri River.
Wears Creek erosion control
efforts and continued clean ups.
Incorporation of rain gardens in
storm water mitigation plans.
Rain gardens are a cost-effective
method of reducing storm water
and beautifying the city at the
same time.
Creation of environmental public
forums to raise awareness of the
importance of the city’s
environmental health and its link
to economic sustainability.
Awareness and outreach efforts
Include helpful information in the
thrifty section of the News
Tribune.