Document qkoyo69p9oJ939raV5EpvOY3G

Author: KEITH S MILLER at MONWGKOl Date: 3/24/95 2:19 PM Priority: Normal TO: DIANE B HERNDON at MONCOMOl CC: RUSSELL F SACKETT Subject: Earth Day Event ----------------------------------------------------------------- Message Contents Diane, here are the names and numbers of the key people involved with Operation New Spirit, the City of East St. Louis and USEPA. They are all aware of and are interested,in some publicity around the $10k we gave. Operation New Spirit Venessa Marion, Administrator 618-874-0312 --=s-Alandra L. Byrd, Neighborhood Organizer Venessa asked me about getting some Roundup for their garden project this spring. I told her to talk to you. City of East St. Louis Calvin Jones 618-482-6600 USEPA John Perrecone, Public Affairs Coordinator 312-353-1149 Thanks for your help. Keith DSW 135460 STLCOPCB4035441 03-21-95 01:03PM FROM MONSANTO CHEM CORP P01 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 5 ' 77 WEST JACKSON BOULEVARD CHICAGO. IL 60604-3590 REPLV TO THE ATTENTION OF MISSISSIPPI RIVER GATEWAY INITIATIVE UPDATE MARCH 1995 Background; Welcome to the first of a series of updates on the Mississippi River Gateway Initiative. In 1994, U.S. EPA, the Illinois EPA and a host of other Federal, State and local agencies met to pool resources and programs In order to better protect public health and the environment. The initiative will focus on the western portions of St. Clair and Madison counties as well as certain environmental issues in St. Louis, Mo. (see attached map). The objective is to approach environmental protection comprehensively, and to focus government resources such that risk to human health is reduced and environmental improvement Is secured In a timely and efficient manner. You may have been involved in some recent meetings of die initiative or you may have seen some articles in the local newspapers regarding this new program. It is hoped that through these updates, you will learn more about it and choose to get involved in some way. The updates will provide short articles about recent programs and will state a contact name for you to call for information. Gateway Partners: You may be wondering what agencies are involved in Gateway. Currently, the major partners are U.S. EPA Region S '(Chicago) and Region 7 (Kansas City), Illinois EPA, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Regions S and 7, and the Illinois and Missouri Departments of Public Health. As tbe initiative progresses, ocher agencies at all appropriate levels of government will work with these partners. Whenever possible, we will work with community groups, local industry and any other groups that can assist in Gateway's goalB. Current Evens; Quite a bit of Internal planning has happened over tbe last year. Tbe agencies have formed a steering committee to provide direction to the initiative and a number of working groups have been formed to address specific environmental issues. We spent three months in early 1994 meeting with e variety of local individuals and groups to determine key environmental issues. We also convened in June and December of 1994, groups of citizen and business leaders to discuss tbe initiative and how these groups can become involved. In -1995, we will continue that dialogue to insure that the environmental and public health programs we undertake will be done in a meaningful and coordinated way. Local Environmental Problems: When-we asked what were the most important environmental problems in the area, a variety of issues were raised. Local residents, community leaden, environmentalists and industry members told us that the aging, deteriorating sewer system posed a significant public health risk, especially during the spring FROM: GSW 135461 STLCOPCB4035442 03-21-95 01:03PM FROM MONSANTO CHEM COKP P02 rains. Also derelict and vacant boosing, abandoned can and illegal dumping posed public health. environmental and crime risks. Lead in older homes, contaminated waste sites and air pollution from major industries were also Identified as problem areas. U.S. EPA historically has not dealt with sewer systems and abandoned homes and instead has dealt with larger issues like air and water pollution and die cleanup of hazardous waste sites. However, upon hearing of these local problems, U.S. EPA, working with die Gateway partners, will be taking the lead from die community and will work to bring whatever resources are available to address these problems. This Is new way for U.S. EPA and our partners to conduct our work and one that we think will yield better public health and environmental results. PnnrfUnation of T rontamWlnn Coordinating and working with existing programs is one way the Gateway Initiative insures that programs are effective. This is especially true in identifying environmental and public health problems associated with lead paint in older homes. There are several programs that are being implemented in die area: - St. Louis University is training workers, inspectors and supervisors in abating and cleaning up load paint in homes as well as providing money for taking lead out of homes of children who have elevated blood lead levels. In addition, they are working with die St. Louis Department of Health to develop an educational puppet show for children regarding household sources of lead and how to avoid them. These projects were funded by U.S. EPA Region 7 in Kansas City for $201,000. Contact: Greg Evans and Kwesi Dugbatcy, St. Louis University School of Public Health (314) 977-8157. - The Illinois Department of Public Health is working with high risk families to reduce lead exposure through aggressive housekeeping and lead dust reduction techniques. A video (in both Spanish and has been developed to aid agency staff in their initial and follow-up visits. They are also working on a unique multi-media investigation to evaluate human health exposure to lead'and |>v<"'iin" occurrences in various environments! media throughout die East St. Louis area. The first project was handed for S21,000 from U.S. EPA's (Region S) environmental education program and the second was funded for $90,000 from U.S. EPA Headquarters. Finally, IDPH received $800,000 from HUD to dean up lead in over 100 Eaat St Louis area homes where lead levels are too high. Contacts: Catherine Copley and David Webb, both at (618) 656-6680. U.S. EPA, Region 7 also provided $20,500 of Environmental Justice grant funds to three St. Louis area groups to implement lead awareness projects and school-based asthma health education. U.S. EPA, Region 5 provided $9,900 to the American Lung Association of Illinois (Edwardsville) to cany out asthma education programs for asthmatic African American children in die Eaat St. Louis ares. Contacts: Hattie Thomas, Region 7 (913) 551-7762 and Gina Rosario, Region 5 (312) 353-4716. - St Louis County received $1.24 million for lead abatement activities from U.S. Housing and Urban Development, Region 7. The program focuses on providing financial aaalstance to individuals who contract for lead abatement within their homes. Contact: Valda Croskey, St. Louis County Health Department, (314) 854-6902. In ftiture editions, we will report on die status of these programs. DSW 135462 STLCOPCB4035443 03-21-95 01:03PM FROM MONSANTO CHEM CORP P03 Mnnsanm-Communitv Partnership: On December 13,1994, U-S. EPA convened a group of local industries to outline the Gateway Initiative and how they could get involved in helping to solve some of the unique issues in the area. In response, Monsanto Company's W.G. Knunmrich Plant in Sauget, IL recently provided $10,000 to Operation New Spirit of East St. Louis for die demolition and removal of a number of abandoned homes in the Rush City neighborhood. This is an excellent example of how government, industry and the community can work together in local public health and environmental problems. As you can tell, there is quite a bit of activity going on in die Metro East and St. Louis area. It is our goal to keep you informed on ongoing and future environmental and public health programs. We will seek to report on the successes and, in a learning effort, report on those projects that need further work. In so doing, we would like you to get more involved in the initiative. Please note die names listed below to get and give more information on any of die programs and projects discussed in these updates. Also, feel free to use the attached comment sheet to provide us with any Comments or suggestions you may have on the Gateway Initiative. ' Pnr Mnr Information: Feel free to contact die following individuals for more information: Karen Lumino, Gateway Coordinator U.S. EPA, Region ,5 Waste Management Division 77 West Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604 (312)886-0981 Doug Eiders U.S. EPA, Region 7 Toxics and Pesticides Branch 726 Minnesota Avenue . Kansas City, KS 66101 (913)551-7393 ' Ken Mousing, Regional Manager Bureau of Land Illinois EPA 2009 Mall Street Collinsville, IL 62334 (618) 346-5120 . DSW 135463 STLCOPCB4035444 03-21-95 01:03PM FROM MONSANTO CHEM CORP P04 i Mississippi River Gateway initiative 12 Statist* DSW 135464 STLCOPCB4035445 03-21-95 01:03PM FPOM MONSANTO CHEM COEP P05 What Are Your Concerns? Now that we have talked a little about the Gateway Initiative, what are your concerns? Feel free to use the space below and tell us your issues, comments, praise and criticisms of the Gateway Initiative. Tell us what you think is good about it and how It can be improved; we would certainly appreciate it. Also, if you have any comments on the format or layout of this update, feel free to discuss that as well. Please fold this paper in third and return it (with proper postage) to the address printed on the other side. Thank you. DSW 135465 STLCOPCB4035446 03-21-95 01:03PM FROM MONSANTO CHEM CORP P06 MARCH 17,1995 : NEWSPIRIT QUARTERLY ' EAST ST. LOUIS, ILLINOIS VOLUME III ISSUE II ENVIRONMENT This issue of the New Spirit Newsletter will primarily target on issues concerning preventative and practical ways of improving our environment. Also, with spring beckoning it's time to consider what measures we can take to make our community a cleaner and healthier place in which to live. We trust that you will find information within these few pages that will Inspire you to environmental greatness! community gardens, commercial properties. Basically every problem that was of issue could be dealt with through code enforcement. Neighbors as well as the panel members were asked whether they felt that the city of East SL Louis could survive into the year 2000 without proper code enforcement and the answer came back a resounding "noB! Representative neighborhood leadership have decided to form a coalition with the neighborhood organizations throughout the city to convince those in code enfbrcment that something has to be done to alleviate the problems of decay facing this city. Ywih vduaUnt and iMt laadar hard M work laiprariac Uw aavironmani. CODE ENFORCEMENT Once again citizens gathered together to voice their concern and their vision for their neighborhoods. As the 21st century looms in the not too distant future residents want to ensure that their neighborhoods move ahead also. Fifteen of the twenty neighborhoods in East SL Louis have formed code enforcement committees. And 13 of those committees were in attendance at the code enforcement seminar that was hosted by the Operation New Spirit on Saturday, February 18, 1995 at the Pilgrim Temple C.M.E. Church. The code enforcement panel slated to be in attendance were: Mayor Gordon Bush, I-amar Gentry; city manager. Public Safety Chair, Councilperson Karen Cason; Public Works Chair, Councilperson Debra Powell; Police Chief Isadora Chambers; Fire Chief Virge Riley, Emergency Services/Disaster, George Foster; Building Department, Diane Williams; Public Works, Jesse Walker; Health & Safety, Bruce Stennis; Code Enforcer for the City Myron Cason. In attendance were Councilperson Debra Powell, Bruce Stennis, George Foster, Police Chief Chambers, and three representatives from the Building Department: Each code enforcement committee was asked to prioritize and give the area in their neighborhood that needed the most immediate attention. Then they were to take those same areas of devastation and conceptualize what they would want to bo there instead i.e;, single family dwellings, flower gardens. boa Fax. Emtnwi Fnk NetflibortNOd ind Nadia Byrd. CBD Nalghharhoad Mpln UhlfeicgWnilMi (aribaCadabfareaaiaailaminar. MISSISSIPPI RIVER GATEWAY INITIATIVE In 1994, U.S. EPA. the Illinois EPA and a host of other Federal, State and local agencies met to pool resources and programs in order to feetto protect public health and the environment The initiative will focus on the western portions of St. Clair and Madison counties as well as certain environmental issues in St. Louis, Mo. The objective is to approach environmental protection comprehensively, and to focus government resoureccs such that risk to human health la reduced and environmental improvement is secured in a timely and efficient manner. QUARTERLY QUOTE , ." "Without struggle there is no progress" ,- l :::' Yy-`V^FredricK Douglas-:/ ; DSW 135466 STLCOPCB4035447 03-21-95 01:03PM FEOM MONSANTO CHEM COBP P07 The New Spirit Quarterly "IN THE SPIRIT" Our roving spotlight this quarter has descended on the CBDDownlowit neighborhood arid its not at the Casino Queen but at the doorsteps of Rev. Johnnie Davis. Rev. Davis has been a volunteer with Operation New Spirit Neighborhood Organization for the past three years. When one thinks of Rev. Davis, the word dependable has to come to mind. There has not been one event when Rev. Davis has been called on that he has not attended or makes sure that if he is unable to attend finds out what went on. The CBD-Downtown neighborhood often is overshadowed by the goings-on at the riverfront However, we are reminded that amidst the husde and bustle of the riverfront there are still every-day folk like Rev. Davis who are taking care of business in CBD. Composting allows your yard waste to decompose back into the soil. This is a great way to add nutrients to your soil and to make it easier for your plants to grow. Constructing a compost bin is quite easy. You need to dig a hole about 3 feet deep and 3 feet wide. If digging isn't easy for you, then you can use a 12 fool piece of fence. Place the fence in the ground making a circle. Make sure you leave one side of the fence open to allow entrance into the bin. You can begin to add leaves and grass clippings. You may also add saw dust, ashes, hay straw and weeds. PUKTABLJi WOOD & WIRE COMPOSTING BIN Once your pile is 8 inches thick add 2 inches of fertilizer and 2 inches of soil. These materials' will help the pile to decompose quickly and completely. Rev. Davis along with other neighbors in the CBD area are making sure that beautification and gardens are a part of the vision for their area. Another concern Rev. Davis shares with the neighbors in his area is that of the youth. With so many young people in the CBD neighborhood, his wish is to have some type ofjob training and employment. Rev. Johnnie Davis' attitude of hope instead of hopelessness is most commendable and admirable. We. salute him and his fellow laborers in the CBD-Downtown neighborhood and say "keep up the good work" I WANT NOT, WASTE NOT! With Spring fastly approaching, many peope are asking what to do with leaves and other yard waste that has accumulated in their yards. Here's a reminder: composting! With your compost heap, you will have the pleasure of conveniently getting rid of yard wast, while providing a rich supply of nutrients for your planting efforts! REDUCTION THROUGH RECYCLING As we move toward the 21st century, there are no quick fixes to our environmental problems. The real solution Ues within all of us. We must become wiser consumers and must demand that manufacturers become more responsible not only about what goes in a product but also what surrounds the product. Americans continue to generate more than twice as much garbage as citizens of Western Europe or Japan. Consumers should shop wisely to reduce throwaway by buying big sizes, refills, etc. Much of our used paper, wood, glut, most metals and all types of plastics can be recycled in to useful new products. 2 DSW 13546? STLCOPCB4035448 03-21-95 01:03PM FROM MONSANTO CHEM CORP P08 The New Spirit Quarterly REDUCTION THROUGH RECYCLING (coat.) Recycling one aluminum can saves 95% of the energy required to manufacture a can from scratch. Glass bottles and jars contain at least 25% recycled content and like aluminum, can be recycled an infinite number of times. Gardens can provide a way to reduce your grocery bill and also be a source of profit. The Farmers' Market located on 14th & State offers booths for individuals to come and sell their produce. This in turn serves to spur on the economy of East St. Louis. For more information on this call Kirk Goodrich at 875-9113. Reducing, reusing and recycling are exciting concepts, new to many of us, but not new to Americans who lived as an integral part of this land for ten thousand years. Sealhl, better known to tis as Chief Seattle, spoke these words 150 years ago: One of the exciting new things that will be happening due in part to the generosity of The McKnight Foundation, East SL Louis Community Fund and Union Electric is that of raised beds and composting. Our first site will be in the Rush City neighborhood. Because of some of the problems that this neighborhood faces with soil pollution, this is hopefully a way of providing healthy produce. "EAST ST. LOUIS, THE BEAUTIFUL" If you would like to know more about recycling, contact Gerrie Jenkins at Make East St. Louis Bcautifbl 482-6621 or Bonnie Robinson of St. Clair County Health Department 233* 7769. The "green thumb" committees are about to go to work this spring. Beautification members from neighborhoods all over the city, Don ''Beckman, Lincoln Correctional Center, Centralia Correctional Facility residents and Operation New Spirit Neighborhood office will be joining forces to beautify East St Louis with flowers. COMMUNITY GET TOGETHER Shoulder to shoulder, side by side, neighborhood gardeners will be getting together to do community vegetable gardens this spring. With the help of Lt Saunders and the Sheriffs Alternative Work Offenders Program and the Americorps volunteers community gardens will be sprouting up all over East St. Louis. Neighborhood organizations were encouraged to get gardening committees formed to change some of the vacant debis-filled lots into community vegetable gardens. This year it looks as if there will be gardens in approximately 12 of the neighborhoods in the city. Each year since spring 1992, street comers, lots, and parks have been transformed into a gardener's delight with all types of colorful blooms. It is so exciting to see the yellow daffodils from the fall planting coming up, just as we begin to plant the spring and summer flowers. All of the flowers have been grown and donated by the Lincoln Correctional Facility residents. Mr. Don Beekman, horticulturalist works' with the residents during the winter months to prepare the thousands of flowers that are donated. Each year, summer and fall without fail, Mr. Leo Meyer, (Illinois Department of Corrections) has supplied us with such fine help. Starting April 5, each Wednesday through the first Wednesday of June we will be going out planting, pruning and preparing for East St. Louis, the Beautiful. OSW 135468 STLCOPCB4035449 03-21-95 01:03PM FROM MONSANTO CHEM CORP P09 The New Spirit Quarterly THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR The W.G. Kruxnmich Plant of Monsanto located in Sauget, 1L decided to show good neighbor relations by donating S 10,000 to MECCO/Opcration New Spirit Neighborhood Office for the removal of derelict structures in the Rush City neighborhood. In January of this year Mrs. Inez Gavin, secretary for the Rush City Improvement Association was on hand to accept the check from Mr. Russ Sackett, plant manager. Mrs. Gavin said the donation came at a time when the neighbors had begun to give up hope on anything positive happening in Rush City. It is hoped that Monsanto is setting the tone for other industry and businesses to get involved with neighborhoods. If you truly want to be a "friend" to East St. Louis, why not show yourself friendly by adopting a neighborhood. There arc 19 other neighborhoods in the city of East St. Louis just waiting for someone to adopt them and assist in making a better "home". AROUND THE BLOCK Falriawn: If you are interested in gardening and would like to team a few tips on what to plant and when, the Fairlawn neighborhood i* sponsoring their annual spring gardening meeting with Dr, John Yopp, SlU-Carboodale on March 30 at St. Patrick's School Cafotsria located at 771 Vogel Plane at 7:00 pun. South End: A group of citizens from the South End neighborhood have held -- * meeting! recently to discuss iiauea. of ooncem for that hiitoric jrhood. Freaoaly they are meeting at Shining Light Baptiat Church A to 1334 Colaa Ave., where the Rev. Sima is the pastor. Look to aee good -ig* to start happening in that srea. Beacon Heights: This neighborhood has rallied together to try to prevent Anucks Elementary School from doting its deers. Neighbors feel since Aitucka is the only school located in their neighborhood it should remain open. A media# was held with District #189 board officials on March 10. NEW "Q" BRIEFS The United Way of Greater St Louis, Inc. and the St Louis Public Schools (SLPS) have collaborated efforts to produce the Literacy Service Center (LSC). The LSC supports the bEstate area literacy programs in their efforts to increase public awareness of the many services they offer. If you are interested or know someone who could benefit from then services call (314) 361-0381- MECCO/Openlion New Spirit along with Aroericorp will be sponsoring the annual eommunity gardening workshop on Thursday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m. It will be held at St Patrick School In the cafeteria. Housing Authority Demolition Update: So for 160 structures have been tom down. We thank the Housing Authority for their progress so far and look forward to the day when all of these derelict structures will be down and new affordable housing will take its plaee. II `Sinoi 'is '3 OS# liuuod aivd eBeisod STl Qjo ujoiduoN jadad pajodoau uo paiuud st KjJtiJOnQ ifu/dg MStf aifX 90ZZ9 u xaonvs OiNVSNOW 00S OINYSNOW iiaHOYS ssna $0229 li `sinoi -is S83 eoeid p6oa ILL 30U30 aOOHUO0HQI3N STLCOPCB4035450