The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued a draft Procedure for Applying Mussels Absent Ammonia Criteria in Missouri Surface Waters. The department invites the public to review and offer written comments on the draft plan until March 26, 2026. The public can review the draft plan below.
Written comments may be submitted by mail to Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Pollution Program, ATTN: Victoria Bushan, Water Quality Standards Unit, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or by email to wqs@dnr.mo.gov. Please provide contact information (i.e., name, address and phone number) with all submitted comments.
The purpose of this document is to describe the performance-based approach the department will use to determine the application of mussels absent criteria in Missouri surface waters (excluding the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers). This approach is designed to ensure appropriate ammonia criteria are applied to protect the aquatic life designated use in receiving and downstream waters. This document details the process, minimum data requirements, and decision-making framework.