News Release 568

DEPARTMENT RELEASES FINDINGS OF
CARTHAGE INDUSTRIAL BOTTOMS ODOR EVALUATION

Volume 35-568

Contact: Renee Bungart

(For immediate release)

573-751-4465

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 4, 2007—Preliminary findings of the odor evaluation performed at the Carthage Industrial Bottoms were released today, according to the Department of Natural Resources' director Doyle Childers.

The evaluation, performed by Microanalytics™, took place between Oct. 28 and Nov. 1. The initial investigation was designed to determine specific chemical elements in the nuisance odors experienced by citizens in Carthage in the hopes of aiding the department in identifying the source or sources of the odors. 

This first phase involved an innovative approach that combines evaluation of the odor by the human nose in conjunction with a chemical analysis.  In this method, samples are taken by an investigator who is on-site recording information about the character of the odor.  The samples are then analyzed to determine the specific chemical compounds in the odor.  This analysis is conducted by the on-sight investigator who attempts to match the specific chemical compounds to the odors experienced on-site. The department is hopeful this innovative approach will result in a more effective way to solve community odor nuisance problems.

"Odors are one of the most difficult air quality problems we deal with because the science is very complex, and individual people have different responses to odor," said Leanne Tippett Mosby, deputy director of the department's Division of Environmental Quality. "We are very hopeful this investigation will move us closer to finding solutions to the nuisance odors experienced by Carthage citizens."

Don Wright of Microanalytics™, performed the initial phase of the investigation, which was funded by the department. Microanalytics™ is a leading analytical lab dedicated to all aspects of odor analysis.  The company is based in Round Rock, Texas. The department's technical experts are now analyzing the results and planning the next phase of the investigation, which will be undertaken by department personnel. 

The full report is available for review on the department's Web site at /env/apcp/index.html.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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