Dam and Reservoir Safety Permits

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 and Reservoir Safety Application for Permit MO 780-3048
 

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

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

Application for Registration Permit MO 780-1757
Application for Safety Permit MO 780-1759
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

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

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

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