Commentary from the Desk of Regional Administrator Jim Macy
LENEXA, Kansas – When an environmental emergency strikes or there’s a question about possible chemical contamination, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can deploy state-of-the art science, technology and trained emergency responders to our communities across the four-state region.
That’s exactly what we did at a recent emergency response in the small rural community of Garnett, Kansas, where our on-scene coordinators responded to the spill of a then-unknown substance on a roadway.
Through our chemical analysis, EPA provided vital information about the mystery substance to the state, county, and city — ultimately identifying the hazardous material as sodium aluminate. We even offered a no-cost, week-long carwash to prevent additional community exposure to affected vehicles. In all, EPA cleaned more than 260 cars. It’s a great example of our dedicated team doing what it takes to reduce risk to our communities.
In Henry County, Missouri, we provided sampling to a rural school community affected by potential contamination concerns. EPA results indicated that levels of hexavalent chromium on school property were below EPA’s removal levels — and other heavy metals of concern were within background levels. This information empowered parents and local leadership to make informed decisions about opening their school building for the 2025-2026 school year.
So, what can you expect if EPA samples air, soil, or water in your community?
As was the case in Garnett, Kansas, and Henry County, Missouri, you can expect a response that is tailor-made for the community’s needs. For example, EPA responders and scientists may bring one of our mobile response vehicles or mobile laboratories to an affected location. These vehicles include the Region 7 Mobile Command Post and Mobile Drinking Water Lab, which are routinely deployed in response to environmental emergencies and allow on-site sampling and analysis. On water, we can deploy our Nautical Vessel Laboratory, dubbed NaV-Lab, which is a boat used for water sampling and analysis. Samples can also be collected and analyzed at our state-of-the-art Science and Technology Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
You can expect a high level of confidence in our sampling techniques, results, and risk assessment, thanks to EPA’s rigorous scientific process.
EPA’s accredited scientific processes begin with the development of a Quality Assurance Project Plan that specifies personnel training and qualification requirements for sample collection, identifies sampling locations, and describes how our laboratory will analyze the samples using validated methods. Each step of the process ensures that our scientists adhere to current, accredited procedures and employ appropriate techniques.
You can also expect EPA to communicate sample findings to local leadership and communities. To evaluate risk to people and communities, EPA has established levels of contaminants that tell us if cleanup activities are needed. When sample results are finalized, our risk assessors compare the findings to these established levels. If a cleanup is required, EPA will work with local leaders and state partners to determine next steps.
We are proud to support our region with world-class laboratory, field sampling, and emergency response services. Together with our state and local partners, we will continue to uphold EPA’s commitment to ensure clean air, water, and land for all Americans by using gold-standard science to quickly and safely protect communities from contamination.
Jim Macy is the administrator for EPA Region 7, which consists of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine Tribal nations. He previously served in leadership roles at Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy.