Missouri’s land and water resources play an important role in our quality of life and health and are essential to the environmental and economic vitality of our state. One of the primary ways we do this is through the federal and state regulations and by providing reliable scientific information about Missouri’s wealth of geologic resources; provides technical assistance, education and guidance in the use and protection of the state's natural resources.
The Dam and Reservoir Safety Council regulates design, construction and maintenance of nonfederal, nonagricultural dams and reservoirs 35 feet or taller in height through inspections and issues registration, safety, and construction permits. Dam and reservoir laws (Chapter 236, RSMo) provide for public safety of downstream residents against dam failure as well as protecting the investment and purpose of the reservoir. Emergency response is provided to dams in distress and provides engineering evaluation of conditions during natural disasters to protect life and property.
The Industrial Minerals Advisory Council regulates the mining industry to minimize the environmental and health impacts of mining activities in Missouri, and advises the department of geologic and hydrologic data on industrial mineral industry, and ensures the reclamation of formerly mined land. Industrial mineral-related laws (section 256.710,RSMo) provide the department director with advice and counsel on the administration of the Geologic Resources Fund, work products to support the industrial mineral operators and all other matters brought before the council by the department's director.
The Missouri Mining Commission protects public health, safety and the environment from the adverse effects of mining and assures the beneficial restoration of mined lands (section 444.520, RSMo).
The Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission administers the soil and water conservation districts, saves soil and water resources. The Soil and Water Conservation Districts Law (Chapter 278, RSMo) was created to save, maintain and improve the soil, water and soil fertility through the Soil and Water Districts Commission and the 114 Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The Water Resources Law (Chapter 640, RSMo) was created to develop, maintain and periodically update a state water plan for a long-range, comprehensive statewide program to address the use of surface water and groundwater resources of the state, including existing and future needs for drinking water supplies, agriculture, industry, recreation, environmental protection and related needs.
The State Oil and Gas Council Oil is guided by Chapter 259, RSMo to promote the mining of oil and gas resources and protect groundwater affected by oil and gas drilling.
The Well installation Board, established by Chapter 256, RSMo, ensures well construction and drilling industry protects groundwater by administering the Water Well Driller's Act.
For more information about land and geology or other federal and state environmental laws and regulations, visit Laws, Rules and Regulations.