For Immediate Release, Friday, March 03, 2006

EPA Removing Hazardous Waste from Waterways

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is recovering drums and tank containers, household hazardous waste and white goods in the marshes and waterways of eastern St. Tammany Parish and is planning to expand these efforts in the following locations:

·        Oak Harbor Estates
·        Eden Isles
·        Coin du Lestin
·        Ponchartrain Drive
·        Lakeshore Estates
·        Salt Bayou

The parish wants citizens to be aware that the EPA is using a variety of water craft to accomplish these recovery efforts, including air boats for more difficult-to-navigate areas.  Patience and cooperation is requested from citizens as the clean up comes through each area.  To date, over 91,000 pieces of household hazardous waste, and nearly 73,000 "white goods" have been recovered in St. Tammany Parish by the EPA.

             “I want to thank the EPA employees who have been working so hard in St. Tammany Parish since Katrina,” said Parish President Kevin Davis.  “The parish would not have been able to take these important environmental steps without their assistance.”

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