Contact: Sam Brungardt, 651-757-2249, 800-657-3864
St. Paul, Minn. - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) urges home and business owners to move or dispose of products that could become hazardous wastes from flood-prone basements, workshops, garages and other areas. Batteries, solvents, paints, paint thinners, pesticides, household cleaners and other chemicals that you no longer need can be taken to your county’s household hazardous waste facility. Minnesota residents can find their household hazardous waste facilities at www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/hhw/hhw-localprograms.html.
“Move items that you must keep to a place that you are certain will not flood,” said Jennifer Volkman, MPCA household hazardous waste specialist. “It’s also a good idea to move canned goods and other foodstuffs so they will be out of harm’s way. Should these be damaged by floodwaters, they will become contaminated and have to be thrown away. Putting containers of bottled or other potable water in a place that’s unlikely to be flooded is another wise precaution so you’ll have safe water to drink and to cook with.”
More information about minimizing pollution and health risks from flooding is available on the MPCA’s Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/hot/floods.html.
