Department reviews Joplin company’s hazardous waste

The company is an active battery manufacturing facility that, through its production process, creates hazardous waste. The waste is stored on-site before being shipped for treatment and disposal.

EaglePicher’s permit to produce and store hazardous waste expired and is up for renewal – which spells a long-term investigation into the facility for the department. Factors for consideration are the company’s cleanup procedures, maintenance of its lead chemicals surface impoundment and long-term monitoring practices.

The department invites the public to review EaglePicher’s application and provide feedback on its legal or technical issues. The application and supporting documents are open for viewing at the department’s Southwest Regional Office, 2040 W. Woodland in Springfield, and at the Joplin Public Library, 300 S. Main St.

The facility, located at C and Porter streets, produces lead acid batteries for commercial and governmental purposes.