Construction Land Disturbance Permits

Land disturbance activities include clearing, grubbing, excavating, grading, filling and other activities that result in the destruction of the root zone and/or land disturbance activity that is reasonably certain to cause pollution to waters of the state. Land disturbance permits are required for construction disturbance activities of one or more acres or construction activities that disturb less than one acre when part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will disturb a cumulative total of one or more acres over the life of the project.

The main requirement of a land disturbance permit is developing a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) that includes site-specific best management practices (BMPs) to minimize soil exposure, soil erosion and pollutant discharge. The SWPPP ensures the design, implementation, management and maintenance of BMPs in order to prevent sediment and other pollutants from leaving the site.

When it rains, sleets or any other forms of precipitation occurs, stormwater washes over the loose soil on a construction site, along with various materials and products being stored outside. As stormwater flows over the site, it can pick up pollutants like sediment, debris and chemicals from the loose soil and materials and move them to nearby storm sewer systems or directly into rivers, lakes or coastal waters. The department makes sure construction site operators have the proper stormwater controls in place so construction can take place in a way that protects your community's clean water and the surrounding environment. One example of protecting water quality is issuing a land disturbance permit. 

MO-RAxxxxx Land Disturbance Stormwater General Permit

Electronic Permitting (ePermitting) is an online tool that allows users to apply for and obtain a Missouri Land Disturbance Stormwater General Operating Permit (MO-RAxxxxx). The department no longer processes MO-RAxxxxx paper applications. To access ePermitting, users will first have to register an account through the Missouri Gateway for Environmental Management (MoGEM) online portal. Please contact the ePermitting Helpdesk with any questions.

MO-R100xxx Area-Wide Land Disturbance Stormwater General Permit

The Missouri Area-Wide Land Disturbance Stormwater General Operating Permit MO-R100xxx is only applicable to a city, county, state or federal agency, or other governmental jurisdiction. There is no online tool to apply for an area-wide land disturbance permit. To apply for or renew an MO-R100xxx permit, the permittee must submit Form G – Application for Area-wide Land Disturbance Stormwater General Permit (MOR100) MO 780-1408 and the appropriate fee.

Additional Information

• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

  • Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide for Construction Sites (EPA 833-R-06-004)
  • Stormwater Management for Construction Activities: Developing Pollution Prevention Plans and Best Management Practices (EPA 832-R-92-005) 

• Guidance

  • Protecting Water Quality Field Guide
  • EPA NPDES Overview of Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities
  • EPA Managing Your Environmental Responsibilities: A Planning Guide for Construction and Development

• Non-Governmental Resources

  • International Erosion Control Association (IECA)
  • International Stormwater BMP Database
  • National Pollutant Removal Performance Database for Stormwater Treatment Practices 2^nd Edition
  • Construction Industry Compliance Assistance (CICA)

• Stormwater Permits