Site-Specific Domestic Wastewater Operating Permit

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.

Land Disturbance Permit

This master general permit does not cover land disturbance activities or construction of earthen basins. Land disturbance activities disturbing one or more acres of total area for the entire project or less than one acre for sites that are part of a common promotional plan of development may require a land disturbance 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.

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.

Reporting

• Operational Monitoring Report – Mechanical / Recirculating Filter Media Bed Wastewater Facility MO 780-2800

A report summarizing the construction activities will be contained in the operating permit application.

• The facility must register in the department’s eDMR system through the Missouri Gateway for Environmental Management (MoGEM) before the first report may be due.
• Spill reporting: any emergency involving a hazardous substance must be reported to the department’s 24-hour Environmental Emergency Response hotline at 573-634-2436 at the earliest practicable moment after discovery. These reporting requirements apply when the spill results in chemicals or materials leaving the permitted property or reaching waters of the state.
• The permittee shall give notice to the department as soon as possible of any planned physical alterations or additions to the permitted facility when the alteration or addition could significantly change the nature or increase the quantity of pollutants in the discharge. The permittee shall also notify the alteration or addition results in a significant change in disposal practices and may justify the application of permit conditions different from or absent in the current permit.
• Reporting Non-detects: The permittee shall not report a sample result as “non-detect” without also reporting the method detection limit or the highest reporting limit; whichever is higher.

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.