The department's Missouri Geological Survey is responsible in part for activities associated with the exploration, production and subsurface storage of oil and gas in Missouri. Some of these responsibilities include reviewing, approving and maintaining applications to drill oil and gas production wells, and underground injection control wells (enhanced oil recovery, disposal and hydrocarbon storage wells.) 

Fluids are injected during all or part of the life of the injection wells for disposal or enhanced recovery projects or for underground storage of gas that is liquid at standard temperature and pressure, but not including oil or gas producing wells undergoing approved well stimulation treatment.

Length of Permit

The permit is valid for one calendar year after the date of the approval.

Laws, Rules and Regulations

How to Apply

Application

Fact Sheets

Fees

  • $100 application fee
  • $100 per month/ report or form* late fee if the complete renewal application is not submitted on or before Jan. 1 each year.
  • Late fees shall not exceed $1,200 per violation for each well. Late fees are also applicable to submission of operator license renewal application after the expiration date.

Timeline/ Process

The department will review the application for operator license and within in 15 business days, determine if the application is complete. The department will request additional information if the application is not complete, which will delay the review process. 

Once the completed information is received, the department will have another 15 business days to complete the determination. If the department has not received the missing or incomplete application information or fee within 30 days after notification, the application will be considered null and void and the applicant must reapply by submitting a new application for an operator license along with the associated fee. 

Public Participation

The injection permit applicant must follow the public notification process established in state regulations. A 15-calendar day public comment period begins the day applicant’s notice of intent to inject is published in newspaper circulation within the county of injection wells(s) is located.

The department may order a hearing if there is a significant degree of public interest expressed or other factors indicate the need for a public hearing. The department would then post a public notice with a hearing date set for no sooner than 30 calendar days after the date of the notice.

Any person adversely affected by an order or denial of a permit, license or transfer issued by the department may appeal the order or denial to the State Oil and Gas Council within 30 calendar days of such order or denial. The appeal must be sent by registered or certified mail to the chairperson of the council. The council may decide to conduct a public hearing to decide the appeal. 

Requirements

Reporting

Once a month, the operator shall monitor and record, during actual injection, the pressure or fluid level in the annulus and other information deemed necessary by the permit. An annual report of information logged will be submitted to the state geologist.

Renewal

This license expires on Jan. 1 of the year immediately following issuance of the license. If the operator receives the license June 16, 2023, the license will expire Jan. 1, 2024 and will need to be renewed.

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