News Release 563

DEPARTMENT SEEKS COMMENTS ON DRAFT
LAND DISTURBANCE GENERAL PERMIT

Volume 34-563

Contact: Renee Bungart

(For immediate release)

573-751-4465

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 27, 2006 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is soliciting comments on a draft general land disturbance permit that would authorize controlled discharges from land disturbance activities of one acre or more.

The current permit expires Feb. 7, 2007. This permit does not address farming or land disturbance activities performed by a governmental agency or within the jurisdiction of a city or county with a department approved storm water control plan.

This permit requires that the permit applicant develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan before any site vegetation is removed or disturbed and before a permit can be issued. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans are to ensure the design, implementation, management and maintenance of Best Management Practices. These practices reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants in storm water discharges disturbed areas to protect Missouri's streams and lakes and ensure that the project remains in compliance with Missouri water quality standards.

Once the final permit is issued, it will be effective for five years. The draft MO-R101 General Land Disturbance Permit can be viewed at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/permits/pn/R101000.pdf. The department plans to issue a final permit by Feb. 7, 2007.

The department will accept written comments on the draft permit until 5 p.m., Jan. 26, 2007. The public can submit comments in writing to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Attention Roy Williford, Water Protection Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102, by e-mail to roy.williford@dnr.mo.gov or by fax to 573-522-9920.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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