The Department of Natural Resources has jurisdiction over all wastewater systems that do not discharge into subsurface soil absorption systems (e.g. multi-family or commercial lagoons) with flows less than or equal to 3,000 GPD. The department also has responsibility for wastewater systems serving developments (e.g. subdivisions, recreational developments and multi-family housing units) with seven or more lots (units), and for other sources of wastewater.

Note: The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has jurisdiction for wastewater systems for single family residences that discharge less than or equal to 3,000 gallons per day (GPD) of domestic sewage into a subsurface soil absorption system or a single family residential lagoon. DHSS also has responsibility for other sources of domestic sewage flows less than or equal to 3,000 GPD, including multi-family, commercial and restaurants that discharge into subsurface soil absorption systems or holding tanks. 

Length of Permit

The department issues this general permit for a five year period.

Laws, Rules and Regulations

How to Apply

Application

Fact Sheets

Fees

Privately Owned Treatment Works Human Sewage Discharges Annual Fees

  • $150 - Design flow or adjusted design flow < 5,000 gallons per day
  • $300 - Design flow between 5,000 and but less than 10,000 gallons per day
  • $600 - Design flow between 10,000 and but less than 15,000 gallons per day
  • $1,000 - Design flow between 15,000 and but less than 25,000 gallons per day
  • $1,500 - Design flow between 25,000 and but less than 30,000 gallons per day
  • $3,000 - Design flow between 30,000 and but less than 100,000 gallons per day
  • $4,000 - Design flow between 100,000 and but less than 250,000 gallons per day
  • $5,000 - Design flow greater than or equal to 250,000 gallons per day

Timeline/ Process

Public Participation

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

Antidegradation

Antidegradation reviews are applicable to all new or expanded regulated discharges, including new pollutants of concern, outfall relocation, or changes in production processes. The antidegradation review process is intended to achieve the highest statutory and regulatory requirements and ensure that the proposed discharges fully protect beneficial uses such as swimming, fishing, aquatic life, and drinking water supply protection. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate that the discharge is necessary and has social and economic importance. Each community is different and the social and economic evaluation requires the consideration of factors and potential impacts unique to the community. Through the antidegradation review process, new or expanded discharges are evaluated for no-discharge options, treatment options that meet the water quality-based effluent limits, and treatment options that provide higher levels of treatment. These alternatives are compared (in terms of practicability, economic efficiency and affordability) in ability to protect water quality.

Public participation through the permitting process is a component of the antidegradation review process. The intergovernmental coordination and review process occurs prior to the issuance of any final determination on the social and economic importance of the proposed discharge. The antidegradation analysis and decision are only considered final when a permitting decision has been made that incorporates the public participation process, and the antidegradation review may be revised based on comments received. Visit the department’s Antidegradation website to learn more and find necessary forms.

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.

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 Site-Specific Wastewater Construction 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.

Reporting

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Renewal

Unless terminated, the permittee shall submit the permit application listed above no later than 30 days prior to the permit’s expiration date for renewal. When a facility submits a timely and complete application and the department is unable through no fault of the permittee to issue a renewed permit prior to expiration of the previous permit. The terms and conditions of the expired permit are administratively continued and will remain fully effective and enforceable until such time when a permit action is taken. Failure to submit a renewal application is a violation of the Missouri Clean Water Law.

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