Emergency permits are temporary permits issued in the event there is a situation that presents an immediate and significant threat to human health or the environment. The department may issue an emergency permit to a company that already has a hazardous waste permit, to allow them to treat, store or dispose of a hazardous waste not covered by their effective permit. The department may also issue an emergency permit to non-permitted companies, to allow them to temporarily treat, store or dispose of hazardous waste. 

The emergency permit clearly specifies the hazardous wastes the company intends to handle and how and where they are allowed to treat, store or dispose of the wastes. The emergency permit also gives as a brief description of the action authorized and the reasons for authorizing it. 

Length of Permit

An emergency permit can be effective for up to, but not exceed, 90 days. The permit may be terminated by the department director at any time, without process, if the director determines that termination is appropriate to protect human health and the environment.

Laws, Rules and Regulations

How to Apply

Application

To apply for an emergency permit, contact the department's Waste Management Program directly. 

Fees

No required fees.

Timeline/ Process

The department will request additional information if the application is not complete, which will delay the review process. The emergency permit may be issued orally or in writing. If issued orally, a written emergency permit will follow within five days. 

Public Participation

After the department issues the emergency permit, the department conducts the public participation activities for their decision, as described in 40 C.F.R. Part 270.61. This includes publishing a legal notice and issuing a news release to the local media regarding the decision.

No public notice is required if the department terminates/ revokes the permit. 

Appeal Procedures

Anyone who is adversely affected or aggrieved by the director's decision to issue, deny, suspend or revoke a permit may be entitled to pursue an appeal before the Administrative Hearing Commission. The petition must be filed with the commission within 30 days of the decision, according to the procedures outlined in 10 CSR 25-2.020 and sections 260.395.11 and 621.250, RSMo. For more information, please review the Administrative Hearing Commission's Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Requirements

Any investigation, monitoring or reporting requirements will be outlined in the permit, if applicable.

Renewal

Not applicable.

Resources

Environmental Emergency Response

The department’s Environmental Emergency Response (EER) staff are the department’s front line of defense against hazardous substance releases, natural or man-made disasters and threats to homeland security. EER staff fulfill the department’s duties outlined under the Missouri Spill Bill, found in Missouri Revised Statutes sections 260.500 to 260.550, RSMo. EER staff are responsible for addressing any material released to land, water or atmosphere that may impact the environment and public health. For a printable brochure about the department's various EER services, review the department's Environmental Emergency Response - PUB0338 brochure.

Natural Disaster Resources

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