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Orange Seeps Near the Former Refinery
Citizens who attended the 7 p.m. Focus Group meeting on March 29 learned about the large orange stains found along the banks of Sugar Creek and tributaries in the area. Peter Bachle, Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of Geology and Land Survey, reported on the orange stains. For a copy of the report call (573) 368-2161.
The orange stains are caused by naturally occurring bacteria. These bacteria grow by using dissolved iron that is in the water. The bacteria form the iron-containing orange stains as they grow. Three types of bacteria that use dissolved iron and produce the orange stains were found. These bacteria also need a source of carbon (food) to grow. One type of bacteria gets carbon from carbon dioxide in the air. The other two types of bacteria use carbon-containing materials in the soil or water for food. Sources of carbon may be decaying plant or animal matter, fecal matter or hydrocarbon pollution. The growth of the bacteria determines the size of the orange stains. When conditions are favorable for growth, then large orange stains may appear.
The orange stains are not usually harmful to people, nor are the bacteria. The presence of the large orange stains indicates that there is a source of carbon for the bacteria. Some carbon sources may be harmful. The presence of the orange stains neither confirms nor denies the presence of hydrocarbon pollution because the bacteria can grow on other sources of carbon.
Help Develop a Local Stream Team
There are several environmental indicators for water contaminants. The tributary that adjoins the Sugar Creek refinery is an unclassified stream meaning that it has no designated use or specific water quality criteria. This particular stream is a part of a larger watershed that has many possible sources of contamination. You can learn more about water quality and safety of local streams by developing a local stream team to monitor the area. For information about being part of a local stream team call Joe Gassner (573) 526-8962 or Priscilla Stotts (573) 526-3406. Or, visit the web site www.mostreamteam.org. 
