Missouri Clean Water Act: Do you need a State Operating Permit?

Missouri Clean Water Act:
Do you need a State Operating Permit?

The Mo. Department of Natural Resources notified us of changes to the Mo. Clean Water Act (Chapter 64 RSMo.) affecting Animal Care Facilities such as, Veterinary, Grooming, Boarding, and Shelters. These changes require Animal Care Facilities to have a State Operating Permit issued by the Mo. DNR in compliance with the Mo. Clean Water Act.

This law is intended for facilities that land apply, compost, or use subsurface dispersal systems (septic tanks) to treat industrial and domestic wastewater.

Exemptions include:

• Facilities discharging all wastewater directly connecting to a regulated/permitted
  treatment facility, which has consented to receive the discharges.
• Facilities that generate less than 10,000 gallons per year and meet Mo. Water Quality
  Standards (Surface Land Application Only).
• A permit is not required for waste holding structures where the contents are hauled to a permitted treatment or disposal facility
• Facilities where all animals are confined on fully vegetated pastures or fields and produce no other industrial process wastewater.

Below you will find more details including background, who needs this permit, permit
requirements, land application requirements, and administrative requirements. 

If at any time you have questions, please contact:
Cody Kimbell, M.S.
Environmental Program Analyst with Mo. Department of Natural Resources
Cody.Kimbell@dnr.mo.gov
573-526-3337

Contact your regional office with questions for Compliance Assistance or to determine if your
facility needs coverage from this permit.

https://dnr.mo.gov/about-us/division-environmental-quality/regional-office

How to obtain a permit? (The effective date is not finalized but will go into effect in 2025.)
Submit a “Form E” to your regional office.
https://dnr.mo.gov/document-search/form-e-application-general-permit-under-missouri-clean-
water-law-mo-780-0795

BACKGROUND
 
The State Operating Permit is issued by the Department of Natural Resources in compliance
with Missouri Clean Water Law.
 
The department holds regulatory authority over facilities whose waste stream contains industrial
components, which has led to a transition in authority from the Department of Health and Senior
Services to the Department of Natural Resources for the associated industries.
 
For the purposes of this guidance wastewater means: Any water or materials exposed to water
from industrial practices (i.e. kennel/stall wash water, water from sinks/tubs/drains, and
rainwater coming in contact with compost or stored manures).
 
WHO NEEDS THIS PERMIT
 
This permit is for Animal Care Facilities including but not limited to; veterinary, boarding,
shelters, and groomers.
 
This permit is for facilities that manage their own wastewater, with management activities
covered under this permit including; surface land application, subsurface land
application/dispersal, and composting. This permit is not for any facility that discharges all
wastewater to a permitted wastewater treatment facility, or has their wastewater hauled to such
a facility.
The department offers compliance assistance for any facility unsure if they need to apply for this
permit. If you are unsure weather your facility would need this State Operating Permit, please
contact your local Regional Office. Office contacts can be found here: Regional Office Map and
Directory | Missouri Department of Natural Resources (mo.gov). 
 
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
 
Operation and Maintenance Manual (O&M): O&M manuals must include necessary
components to ensure proper function of the waste management system. This includes but is
not limited to; maps of the facility, methods to ensure proper handling of wastewater, and a Land
Application Management Plan (LAMP) as defined below. Mor information for no-discharge
operation and maintenance manuals can be found here: https://dnr.mo.gov/document-
search/no-discharge-operation-maintenance-manual-checklist-pub2704/pub2704
 
Best Management Practices (BMPs): BMPs are actions or devices that reduce or prevent
negative effects for water quality. Requirements for this permit vary from good house-keeping
measures, to ensuring proper maintenance and design of structures. The EPA provides
guidance and examples of BMPs here: Best Management Practices | US EPA
 
Composting Requirements: Composting materials is only allowed if the facility does not allow
runoff from the composter. Compost, and compost related wastewater may be land applied as
defined below. If compost contains domestic (human produced) wastewater, the compost must
comply with the provided federal rule.
 
Unauthorized Discharges: Spills and other unauthorized discharges must be reported within
24 hours of the event by calling 573-634-2436.
 
LAND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
 
Land Application: Using fields for treatment of wastewater, taking advantage of crops and soil
for absorption of nutrients and potential chemicals of concern. There is no runoff or discharge
from these sites. Land Application of Wastewater and Wastewater Treatment Residuals |
Missouri Department of Natural Resources (mo.gov)

 
Subsurface Dispersal: Treatment of wastewater through underground systems (such as septic
tanks). There is no discharge or runoff from these sites, or connection to groundwater. No-
Discharge Wastewater Treatment | Missouri Department of Natural Resources (mo.gov)
 
Land Application Management Plan (LAMP): This plan is meant to detail the sites, application
rates, and methods of land application used by the permittee. LAMPS must be approved by the
department, a link for a LAMP template can be found here: Land Application Management Plan
Template MO 780-2945 | Missouri Department of Natural Resources (note this page is being
updated).
 
Domestic Components: Domestic means waste from human origin. Domestic Wastewater
Land Application is held under federal regulation. If you land apply or intend to land apply
domestic wastewater, you must comply with this regulation.
 
Storage Basins: Lagoons or other storage structures meant for and designed to contain
wastewater.
 
Setbacks for Land Application: Setbacks are minimum distances from identifiable landmarks
associated with water quality and public health (wells, streams, housing) where you can land
apply.
 
Soil Monitoring: Soil monitoring is used to test nutrients and chemicals in the soil. These
numbers can help determine if land application is suitable for a given location, and ensure you
are meeting permit requirements. Approved labs for the soil monitoring used in this permit can
be found here: Missouri Soil Testing Association accreditation program | MU Extension
 
ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
 
Applications/Renewal: Facilities applying for coverage under MO-G829 shall submit an
application “Form E” (MO 780-0795) Form E - Application for General Permit Under Missouri
Clean Water Law MO 780-0795 | Missouri Department of Natural Resources, along with
appropriate documentation and fees.
 
Fees: Master general permits carry a fee of 200 dollars annually. Fees can be submitted by mail
or electronically to the Water Protection Program. For more information of fees see the
departments website at: Water Fees | Missouri Department of Natural Resources (mo.gov)
 
Reporting: This permit requires the submittal of sample results through our Electric Discharge
Monitor Report (eDMR). Information for online submittal can be found through the department
at: Electronic Discharge Monitoring Reports (eDMR) | Missouri Department of Natural
Resources

For more information or compliance questions:

Cody Kimbell, M.S.
Environmental Program Analyst with Mo. Department of Natural Resources
Cody.Kimbell@dnr.mo.gov
573-526-3337

Contact your regional office with questions for Compliance Assistance or to determine if your
facility needs coverage from this permit.

https://dnr.mo.gov/about-us/division-environmental-quality/regional-office