The owner of a proposed new dam 35 feet or more in height is required to obtain a construction permit to build the dam and a safety permit to operate the dam and reservoir. If significant modifications are proposed to an existing dam that meets the height threshold, a construction permit is also required. Owners of existing dams built prior to Aug. 13, 1981, are required to obtain a registration permit. Details about each type of permit required and exemptions that exist in the law are provided in the tabs below, as are forms.
Construction
A construction permit is required for a new dam or a dam for which modifications are proposed. The minimum safety parameters a dam must meet are defined in the rules and regulations. An engineering report must be submitted by a registered professional engineer in Missouri to prove the dam or the modifications to a dam meet the minimum standards of the state law. Refer to the Engineering Analysis of Dams for guidance in completing an adequate construction permit application.
Checklists
Construction Permit Application - Earth Dam
Construction Permit Application - Modification to Existing Earth Dam
Construction Permit Application - Industrial Water Retention Dam
Fact Sheets
Frequently Asked Dam and Reservoir Questions - PUB1351
How to Measure the Height of a Dam - PUB2816
Installing a Reservoir Siphon - PUB3026
Fees
None
Forms
Dam Inventory Questionnaire MO 780-1755
Application for Construction Permit MO 780-1763
Certification - Construction Permit Application MO 780-1764
Inquiry and Information MO 780-1762
Laws, Rules and Regulations
Federal Law - Federal Clean Water Act
State Law - Dams, Mills and Electric Power - Chapter 236, RSMo
State Rules and Regulations - Division 22 - Dam and Reservoir Safety and Council, 10 CSR 22
Registration
A registration permit is required for a dam built or under construction prior to Aug. 13, 1981. Department staff will perform an initial engineering analysis to determine if the dam meets the minimum standards defined in the rules and regulations. If the dam is found to meet the criteria a registration permit will be issued. If the dam requires modification a construction permit must be submitted for to address the defects.
Checklists
Registration Permit Application - Earth Dam
Registration Permit Application - Industrial Water Retention Dam
Fact Sheets
Frequently Asked Dam and Reservoir Questions - PUB1351
How to Measure the Height of a Dam - PUB2816
Installing a Reservoir Siphon - PUB3026
Fees
None
Forms
Dam Inventory Questionnaire MO 780-1755
Certification - Registration Permit Application, MO 780-1756
Application for Registration Permit MO 780-1758
Application to Renew Registration Permit MO 780-1757
Application for Safety Permit MO 780-1759
Agricultural Exemption Information Sheet MO 780-1765
Inquiry and Information MO 780-1762
Laws, Rules and Regulations
Federal Law - Federal Clean Water Act
State Law - Dams, Mills and Electric Power - Chapter 236, RSMo
State Rules and Regulations - Division 22 - Dam and Reservoir Safety and Council, 10 CSR 22
Safety
A safety permit is an operating permit that is issued for a dam built after Aug. 13, 1981. Once a dam is completed by means of a construction permit, a safety permit can be applied for. A simple form providing the engineer's certification that states the project is complete and a form providing the owner’s information are required.
Checklists
Safety Permit Application - Earth Dam
Safety Permit Application - Industrial Water Retention Dam
Fees
None
Forms
Application for Safety Permit MO 780-1759
Certification - Safety Permit Application MO 780-1760
Application to Renew Safety Permit MO 780-1761
Agriculture Exemption
The law provides for exemptions to the federal government’s “Dams licensed under the Federal Power Act,” and dams whose reservoirs are for primarily agriculture use.
Prior to applying for an agricultural exemption, it is highly recommended that you contact staff with the department’s Dam and Reservoir Safety Program to discuss operation and use of the reservoir.
Fact Sheets
Frequently Asked Dam and Reservoir Questions - PUB1351
How to Measure the Height of a Dam - PUB2816
Installing a Reservoir Siphon - PUB3026
Fees
None
Form
Agricultural Exemption Information Sheet MO 780-1765
Laws, Rules and Regulations
Federal Law - Federal Clean Water Act
State Law - Dams, Mills and Electric Power - Chapter 236, RSMo
State Rules and Regulations - Division 22 - Dam and Reservoir Safety and Council, 10 CSR 22
Other Permits
It is the responsibility of the owner of the dam to obtain all required permits associated with the construction of a dam. Permits listed below should be accounted for as well.
Section 401 Water Quality Certification
Clean Water Act 404
Stormwater Permits
Land Disturbance Permits
Popular Links
Contact Information
Dam and Reservoir Safety Program
Missouri Geological Survey
P.O. Box 250
Rolla, MO 65402-0250
United States