Industries, businesses and other privately owned facilities that discharge wastewater directly to lakes, streams and wetlands must obtain permits. Permits are required to operate, use or maintain existing point sources of water pollution. The site-specific permit is written for one specific entity or facility where discharge characteristics reflect the unique nature of the wastewater or receiving water. 

Length of Permit

This permit is valid for up to five years.

Laws, Rules and Regulations

How to Apply

Timeline/ Process

Permittees are required to submit operating permit modifications to the department at least 180 day before the date the facility begins to receive wastewater, unless permission for a later date has been granted by the department. The department will request additional information if the application is not complete, which will delay the review process.

Public Participation

The department will provide the draft operating permit on its website for public review and 30-day public comment period. If response to the public notice indicates there is significant public interest, the department may hold a public meeting or public hearing, after due public notice. Public hearings and issuing permits are conducted or processed according to 10 CSR 20-6.020

At least 30 days before any hearing, the department will publish in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the geographical area of the discharge, mailed to any person or group who requested updates and will post on its website. The department does not have jurisdiction to address questions of zoning, location, property values or other issues not related to water quality.

Administrative Hearing Commission

Anyone who is adversely affected by the director's decision to issue, deny, suspend or revoke a permit must appeal within 30 days of the decision to the Administrative Hearing Commission as provided by 621.250.3 RSMo. All appeals must be filed by petition and send to:

Administrative Hearing Commission
PO Box 1557
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-2422
Fax: 573-751-5018
Website: Administrative Hearing Commission

Requirements

Land Disturbance Permit

This master general permit does not cover land disturbance activities or construction of earthen basins. Land disturbance activities disturbing one or more acres of total area for the entire project or less than one acre for sites that are part of a common promotional plan of development may require a land disturbance permit.

Major Water User

Any surface or groundwater user with a water source and the equipment necessary to withdraw or divert 100,000 gallons (or 70 gallons per minute) or more per day combined from all sources from any stream, river, lake, well, spring or other water source is considered a major water user in Missouri. All major water users are required by law to register water use annually. 

Operator Certification

The use or operation of this facility shall be in accordance with Operator Certification requirements 10 CSR 20-9. Certified wastewater operators perform the daily operational activities at the facility to ensure they are discharging treated wastewater in an environmental safe manner to Missouri’s rivers, lakes and streams. Visit the department’s website to learn more about the Operator Certification program.

Reporting

A report summarizing the construction activities will be contained in the operating permit application

Wastewater Construction Permit

This master general permit does not cover construction activities that may be required as part of the project. If you plan to construct, install or modify any earthen basin, collection system or wastewater treatment facility, you may be required to obtain a Wastewater Construction Permit

Renewal

Permittees must submit a completed application for the renewal of a permit at least 180 days prior to expiration of a site-specific permit. The following forms must be included (may need more than one): Domestic wastewater systems are those listed as publicly owned treatment works (POTW), or discharge primarily kitchen and/or bathroom wastewater. Industrial facilities are those having industrial wastewater, including cooling water, and/or stormwater discharges for qualifying industries as found in 10 CSR 20-6.200. Domestic wastewater at industrial facilities is included under the industrial operating permit but additional forms may be required, see below.

Completed forms should be submitted via email to cleanwaterpermits@dnr.mo.gov. For questions, please contact your previous permit writer, the regional office, email cleanwaterpermits@dnr.mo.gov, or call the Operating Permits Section at (573) 522-4502.

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