The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $62,500 Clean Water Engineering Report Grant to the city of Skidmore to evaluate the city’s wastewater system.
The grant offers funding to qualified communities to help cover engineering costs of evaluating potential wastewater system improvements.
The city of Skidmore, which is located in the northwest region of Missouri, says it will use the grant to identify improvements needed to continue reliable service to the area and meet permit requirements. The facility plan should be complete in February 2026.
“Water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support the health and economic vitality of a community, said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
“Through the grant, Skidmore can thoroughly assess its treatment plant and identify improvements for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
“This will help the community determine what actions are needed to address current wastewater needs, as well as to plan for future growth and development.”
The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects.
Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs.
This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Meanwhile, Missouri Governor Mike Parson has signed a proclamation declaring Sept. 9-15, 2024, as Water and Wastewater Professionals Week in Missouri.
The Governor’s proclamation “recognizes the vital work that water and wastewater professionals do to keep Missourians healthy and our communities strong”.
Private or onsite wastewater treatment
While the state government is mainly looking to improve the public water infrastructure, an estimated 25 percent of homes in Missouri rely on an onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) in areas where public sewers are not available.
Onsite systems treat wastewater and disperse it on the property where it is generated. When functioning properly, onsite systems prevent human contact with sewage, and prevent contamination of surface and groundwater.
Factors that affect the proper functioning of onsite systems include the site and soil conditions, design, installation, operation, and maintenance.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has set minimum state standards for OWTS. These standards cover new systems and major changes to existing systems.
Some examples of major changes are replacing a sewage tank, and replacing or expanding an absorption field. These standards became effective in January 1996.
Generally, a permit must be obtained before starting construction or repair work. However, certain residential properties may be exempt from state permitting requirements.
When authority is based on a local ordinance, regulation can be more restrictive than the state standard; check with your local authority. In most counties, the local health department issues OWTS construction permits.
In the other counties the authority is another agency, such as a sewer district, building department, or planning and zoning department.
Public health and the environment are protected when new OWTSs are constructed, and failing systems are repaired or replaced, using criteria equal to or better than Missouri’s Minimum Construction Standards.
Homeowner understanding of the need for regular maintenance and proper operation of their OWTS is important for long-term system performance and public health protection.
Any individual performing a major modification, repair, or installing a new OWTS must be registered with DHSS. These OWTS professional are provided an ID card which can be requested for verification after completing the required trainings.
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