Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Directs DNR to Use Emergency Funds for Taum Sauk Restoration
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today directed the Department of Natural Resources to use emergency funds for interim costs of the stabilization and restoration work incurred by the state in the Taum Sauk Reservoir failure.
"Using state funds avoids potential delays in recovery efforts at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and the Black River while we determine how AmerenUE will cover the costs," Blunt said. "I will continue to do everything possible to facilitate the restoration. Clean-up and recovery efforts should not be delayed because of financial procedures."
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has committed to having some services available at the park by this summer. "We want to restore the natural and cultural resources of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and the Black River as soon as possible," said Director Doyle Childers. "At the same time we must pace restoration efforts to avoid any negative impact on the park’s future integrity."
Yesterday, Blunt directed DNR to issue a second order to AmerenUE. The order requires AmerenUE to take additional actions to address immediate concerns related to sedimentation and debris removal at the site of the Taum Sauk Reservoir failure. The department issued a previous order to AmerenUE on Dec. 18, 2005, which required AmerenUE to stabilize sediment and to address debris that dammed the Black River.
The state holds AmerenUE responsible for this incident and any subsequent damage and cleanup, and will require AmerenUE to pay for and reimburse the state for any expenses, including DNR oversight and assistance.
Missouri has no regulatory oversight of the reservoir, which is governed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. However, Blunt and state agencies remain involved in recovery efforts.
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