Media Invited to August 1 Showcase Event as EPA Nears Completion of Hazardous Waste Disposal From Iowa Floods

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Region 7 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are inviting news media organizations to attend an August 1 event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, illustrating the ongoing efforts of EPA to help Iowans clear away items damaged or destroyed by recent flooding.

The event, to be held at the Household Hazardous Waste and Orphan Container Pad on 41st Avenue in Cedar Rapids, will showcase collections of white goods (including refrigerators, stoves), household hazardous wastes (including cleaning products, indoor pesticides, painting supplies, automobile products, lawn and garden chemicals, propane tanks, batteries), and electronic goods (including computers, VCRs, microwaves).

FEMA tasked EPA Region 7 with the coordination of efforts to collect and dispose of orphan containers as well as household hazardous wastes, white goods and electronic goods that were damaged or destroyed by floodwaters in Iowa. EPA’s assigned activities are in keeping with the Agency’s mission to protect human health and the environment.

EPA and FEMA officials will be on hand at the August 1 event to explain the various processes that are being implemented to reuse, recycle, or dispose of the massive amounts of Iowa’s flood-damaged household items.

WHAT: A showcase of household and hazardous debris collected by EPA Region 7 in its mission to clean up from 2008 Iowa flooding.

WHEN: Friday, August 1, 2008; remarks at 10 a.m.

WHO: Cecilia Tapia, Director of Superfund Division, EPA Region 7; Jaime Forero, FEMA Branch Director - Area Two; Other federal agency representatives.

WHERE: Household Hazardous Waste and Orphan Container Pad on 41st Avenue, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Directions: 1-380 to Exit 16A (Route 30). Take Exit 253 (Kirkwood, Bowling Street) and turn right at the light. Go one mile to 41st Street and turn right. Proceed approximately 100 yards, then take the first right turn. Check in at the trailer.

NOTE: Hard hats and safety glasses are mandatory for entry into the collection yard. These protective items will be provided at the trailer on site at check in.