Big Mess on Big Creek

by Ken Midkiff, Chapter Conservation Chair

As detailed in the previous issue of the Ozark Sierran, renegade sand and gravel operations are wreaking havoc in our Ozark streams. While it may still be cold and rainy now, it won’t be too long before canoeists ply our state’s waterways—and backhoes, front loaders, and dump trucks will be busily removing sand and gravel. There are ways to remove sand and gravel that are less harmful than other ways. There is, however, no way to operate heavy equipment on Missouri streams without causing damage…the goal is to MINIMIZE the damage. Recently, a trip to Big Creek, a tributary of the Current River demonstrated that there are those who will avoid legal and less harmful ways in order to make a quick buck. A complaint was filed with the US Army Corps of Engineers and with the Land Reclamation Program of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, contending that all standards and regulations had been violated.

As can be readily seen, the ecology of this stream is utterly destroyed. Heavy

equipment had been operating in the flowing water channel, had altered the channel, eroded the banks, and excavated below the water line. Apparently all of this was done without resorting to explosives, but the area has every appearance of being blasted.

Missouri law exempts from obtaining state permits sand and gravel operations conducted by county commissions or landowners who use such sand and gravel for personal use. BUT, while retrograde state legislators got their buddies freed from obtaining state permits, ALL sand and gravel operations—regardless of size or purpose—must obtain federal permits. To conduct a sand and gravel operation without such a permit is a flat-out violation of federal law (Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act).

Ozark Chapter Sierra Club members frequently take canoeing trips on the streams of the Ozarks. Sand and gravel operations can interfere with enjoyment of a quiet float stream. For various reasons (lack of funding, lack of staff, lack of interest) neither the US Army Corps of Engineers nor the Land Reclamation Program of MDNR routinely or even randomly inspect sand and gravel operations.

It is up to us, then, to report violations of federal law and state standards. A general rule is: “If it looks bad, it’s probably illegal.” When in doubt, report. Please send your filled in complaint form to:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Little Rock District
P.O. Box 867
Little Rock, AR 72203-0867

AND to:

Land Reclamation Program
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102

If you need assistance filling this out, or wish to submit this anonymously, please contact Ken Midkiff:

kmidkiff@mchsi.com or phone the Chapter Office at (573) 815-9250.