Lawyer Sanders says EPA begins to collect orphan containers of hazardous waste in 19 flooded Illinois counties.

U.S. EPA has begun to assess 19 flood-impacted Illinois counties. Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of Illinois provided $200,000 to conduct the work. EPA's field operations include assessment, cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials and oil releases, including orphan containers. The 19 counties: Adams, Edgar, Calhoun, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Hancock, Henderson, Jasper, Jersey, Lake, Lawrence, Mercer, Pike, Rock Island, Whiteside and Winnebago.

Illinois residents who observe releases of oil, gasoline or chemicals, or any stray barrels, waste containers, cylinders and pressure vessels should call the Illinois Emergency Management Agency's toll-free 24-hour phone line: 800-782-7860. More information about Midwest flood response and recovery is available at: http://www.usa.gov/flooding.shtml.