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EPA Encourages Iowans to Report Orphan Containers

Release Date: 10/12/2010
Contact Information: David Bryan, 913-551-7433, bryan.david@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., Oct. 12, 2010) - This summer’s severe storms and flooding events may have scattered tanks, drums, cylinders and barrels onto private properties and farmland along the Maquoketa and South Skunk rivers in Iowa. These items may contain hazardous materials such as propane and industrial chemicals and should only be handled by trained professionals.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been tasked by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate the collection and disposal of appliances, electronic goods and orphan containers and drums along these rivers. EPA is working closely with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to identify and retrieve these orphan containers in Iowa.

Iowa residents are encouraged to report orphaned hazardous containers for proper disposal by calling the Iowa Department of Natural Resources hotline at 515-281-8694.

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Learn more about Iowa disaster response programs

Learn more about EPA's emergency response program