/news-rss?filter=natural_resources MO.gov News Feed: Department of Natural Resources Fri, 13 Sep 2024 15:35:12 +0000 en-us https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/governor-parson-proclaims-sept-9-15-water-wastewater-professionals-week-missouri 265706 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 05 Sep 2024 12:52:12 +0000 Governor Parson Proclaims Sept. 9-15 as Water and Wastewater Professionals Week in Missouri Karen Kremer Thu, 09/05/2024 - 12:52 Release Date Thursday, September 5, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 5, 2024 - 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.The proclamation highlights the important contributions made by water and wastewater professionals to protect the public health of Missouri citizens, and improve water quality for the state’s streams, rivers and lakes. Water and Wastewater Professionals Week offers the perfect opportunity to recognize the vital role these professionals play in all of our lives.The proclamation will be posted online at governor.mo.gov/actions/proclamations. For more information about the important work that water and wastewater professionals do, or how to become a certified operator, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1600. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-62500-grant-skidmore-0 265616 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 05 Sep 2024 10:56:17 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $62,500 grant to Skidmore Karen Kremer Thu, 09/05/2024 - 10:56 Release Date Friday, September 6, 2024  City will evaluate wastewater system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 6, 2024 - 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. Skidmore 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.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-announces-funding-drinking-water-safety-security 265516 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:11:51 +0000 Department of Natural Resources announces funding for drinking water safety and security Karen Kremer Tue, 09/03/2024 - 15:11 Release Date Tuesday, September 3, 2024 Priority application deadline is Nov. 30JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 3, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has a new grant program to assist public drinking water systems with complying with the Water Safety and Security Act.The department is offering financial assistance to eligible community public water systems to develop valve and hydrant inspection programs, and accurate maps of system valves and hydrants. Awards are limited to a maximum amount of $15,000.For projects to receive priority funding status, the department must receive completed applications no later than Nov. 30, 2024. These applications will be ranked competitively and awarded in order of priority rank. Applications received between Dec. 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis if available funding remains.To receive assistance, applicants must register through the department’s Funding Opportunities Portal at dnr.mo.gov/financial-opportunities/funding-portal/access-request. A fully executed financial assistance agreement between the department and project applicant is required prior to incurring project-related costs.For more information and to access application documents, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/financial-assistance-opportunities/water-safety-security-act-project-grant, or contact the department’s Capacity Development Program at capacitydevelopment@dnr.mo.gov or 573-522-5027. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-30000-public-water-supply-district-no-8-platte-county 265266 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 29 Aug 2024 09:33:45 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $30,000 to Public Water Supply District No. 8 of Platte County Karen Kremer Thu, 08/29/2024 - 09:33 Release Date Friday, August 30, 2024 District will evaluate drinking water system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 30, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $30,000 Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant to the Public Water Supply District No. 8 of Platte County to evaluate the district’s drinking water system.Through its Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant program, the department offers funding to qualified communities to help cover costs of evaluating public drinking water system improvements. The district will use the grant funding to identify any needed improvements to continue providing reliable service to its customers and to meet drinking water quality standards.Water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support a community’s health and economic vitality. This grant will allow the district to assess its drinking water system and identify improvements for more effective, efficient operation. This will help the community determine what actions are needed to address current drinking water needs and 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.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-387000-anderson-new-london 265261 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 29 Aug 2024 09:29:41 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $387,000 to Anderson and New London Karen Kremer Thu, 08/29/2024 - 09:29 Release Date Friday, August 30, 2024 Cities will plan and design drinking water system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 30, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded loans totaling $387,000 to the cities of Anderson in McDonald County, ($225,000) and New London in Ralls County ($162,000). The cities will use their loans for planning and design work related to ongoing drinking water improvement projects.For both communities, these funds will provide vital interim financing to cover early engineering and administrative costs while they work with the department to secure larger loan and grant funding packages for their respective drinking water projects. When completed, Anderson’s construction project is expected to total $3.3 million and is estimated to start in 2025. New London’s project is expected to cost nearly $3.6 million and should also start in 2025.The early planning phases of infrastructure projects often represent a significant financial burden for cash-limited communities with drinking water system needs. The planning and design loan program’s goal is to provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive private financing that will allow communities to develop and deliver vital infrastructure projects for their citizens. These loans bear no interest and come with a five-year term. Anderson’s funding is estimated to save the city’s ratepayers approximately $29,900 in interest, while New London’s loan should save ratepayers approximately $22,500.“An important part of our work is helping Missouri communities maintain and improve their aging water treatment systems,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “One way we do that is by offering financial assistance through programs like the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Through this and other available assistance programs, we can help protect public and environmental health and improve the quality of life for Missourians.”The department’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to water treatment plants, distribution systems, water storage and supply facilities, along with interconnection or consolidation projects. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project from a project manager.The department’s Financial Assistance Center is committed to working with communities to assist with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf.  Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-50000-elsberry 265256 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 29 Aug 2024 09:19:15 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $50,000 to Elsberry Karen Kremer Thu, 08/29/2024 - 09:19 Release Date Thursday, August 29, 2024 City will evaluate drinking water system to better address emerging contaminantsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 29, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $50,000 Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Grant to the city of Elsberry to evaluate improvements its drinking water system.The department’s Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Grant program offers funding to qualified communities to assess their systems and identify improvements to better address emerging contaminants in the drinking water. Potential improvements include remediation, destruction technologies, treatment options, regionalization and alternate water sources. Selected improvements will enable the city to continue operating a water system that meets drinking water quality standards and provide reliable water service.“One of our priorities is helping Missouri communities maintain and improve their water and wastewater treatment systems,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “One way we do that is by offering a variety of financial assistance programs through which we can help qualified communities upgrade key infrastructures and improve the quality of life for Missourians.”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 AgencyFor more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf.  Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-nearly-35-million-assistance-mayview 265241 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 29 Aug 2024 09:12:15 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards nearly $3.5 million in assistance to Mayview Karen Kremer Thu, 08/29/2024 - 09:12 Release Date Thursday, August 29, 2024 City will make wastewater system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 29, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded nearly $3.5 million in financial assistance to the city of Mayview for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The project is estimated to total over $4.1 million and should be completed by November 2025.In addition to extensive upgrades to the treatment system, the project will also include refinancing the city’s refunded bonds that were issued to finance project design costs. The project is expected to result in improved water quality and will extend the wastewater system’s life and efficiency so that it can continue to serve the city well into the future.Project funding consists of a nearly $1.4 million low-interest loan, and a nearly $2.1 million grant through the department's Clean Water State Revolving Fund. This funding provided by the department is estimated to save the city’s ratepayers more than $2 million in principal and approximately $704,000 interest payments over the loan’s 30-year term. The city will also receive a $652,500 Community Development Block Grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.“Strong communities make a strong state of Missouri, and every community must have effective water infrastructure to grow and thrive,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “This funding helps communities like Mayview improve drinking water and wastewater systems to better serve Missourians every day.”“One of our priorities is helping Missouri communities maintain and improve their water and wastewater treatment systems,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “One way we do that is by offering a variety of financial assistance programs through which we can help qualified communities upgrade key infrastructures and improve the quality of life for Missourians.”The Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection systems’ rehabilitation and extensions and combined sewer overflow corrections. The fund also finances security, efficiency and conservation measures. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project from a department project manager.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.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/steve-boone-selected-august-2024-missouri-department-natural-resources-team-member-month 265081 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:54:09 +0000 Steve Boone selected as August 2024 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month Karen Kremer Mon, 08/26/2024 - 16:54 Release Date Tuesday, August 27, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 27, 2024 - Steve Boone, an environmental program manager with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Environmental Quality, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for August 2024. He was selected for his service to the department and his assistance with two air pollution concerns raised to the Northeast Regional Office.As part of his usual duties, Boone supervises the air and land section of the department’s Northeastern Regional Office. He also routinely and consistently performs inspections and investigations to assist the section with achieving workplan goals.“Steve’s leadership and commitment contributes to the success of the air and land section, and he is key to the success of NERO,” said Jacob Cross, NERO director, who nominated Boone for the award. “His communication of important issues with our local and county partners ensures the speedy resolution of environmental issues, which protects human health and the environment.”In 2023, two reports of concern were received by NERO, one involving the demolition of an apartment building where there was the potential for asbestos exposure from the demolition dust, and the other related to a local business that was openly burning materials that resulted in opacity exceedances.In both instances, Boone collaborated with his team while working with the involved parties and the city of Mexico until the issues were resolved, communicating guidance and direction along the way in support of the health and wellbeing of the city’s residents and the environment. These actions are representative of the department’s values of stewardship, integrity, collaboration and respect.“Mr. Boone displayed the utmost professionalism and customer service to our community,” said Drew Williford, P.E., director of public works with the city of Mexico. “Without the timely and professional responses provided by the Department of Natural Resources, the city of Mexico would have experienced a far greater difficulty in safeguarding its community.”Boone joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in September 1989 and resides in New Cambria. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-will-host-free-pesticide-pickup-mount-vernon-sept-7 264921 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 22 Aug 2024 15:17:05 +0000 Department of Natural Resources will host free pesticide pickup in Mount Vernon Sept. 7 Karen Kremer Thu, 08/22/2024 - 15:17 Release Date Friday, August 23, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 23, 2024 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will offer a free waste pesticide collection event Sept. 7 at the Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center, located at 14548 State Road H in Mount Vernon. The event will be open from 8 a.m. to noon and is available to all Missouri farms and households.Accepted (Limited to 8,000 lbs. total weight per farm or household):HerbicidesInsecticidesFungicidesRodenticidesDe-wormersFly tagsFertilizers containing pesticideNot accepted:Pesticide rinsate: For rinsate management information, visitdnr.mo.gov/document-search/pesticide-rinsate-management-pub2870/pub2870.Paint, explosivesFire extinguishersYard wasteElectronicsTrashPesticides from businesses, pesticide-production facilities, pesticide distributors, pesticide retailers or similar entities.Other 2024 events:Oct. 5 – 901 S. Main St. in Carrollton.Register for one of the collection events at pesticidecollectionregistration@dnr.mo.gov. More information about the Missouri Pesticide Collection Program is available online at dnr.mo.gov/waste-recycling/what-were-doing/events-collections-trainings/missouri-pesticide-collection-program.      Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-187000-fisk 264736 at https://dnr.mo.gov Wed, 21 Aug 2024 16:44:58 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $187,000 to Fisk Karen Kremer Wed, 08/21/2024 - 16:44 Release Date Friday, August 23, 2024 City will plan and design drinking water system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 23, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $187,000 loan to the city of Fisk, in Butler County, for planning and design work related to the city’s ongoing drinking water improvement project.The funding will provide vital interim financing to cover early engineering and administrative costs while the district works with the department to secure a larger loan and grant funding package for its drinking water project. The construction project is expected to cost $2.5 million and is estimated to start in 2025.The early planning phases of infrastructure projects like Fisk’s often represent a significant financial burden for cash-limited communities with water and wastewater needs. The planning and design loan program’s goal is to provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive private financing that allows communities to develop and deliver vital infrastructure projects for their citizens. These planning and design loans bear no interest and come with a five-year term. The funding provided by the department is estimated to save the city’s ratepayers more than $25,000 in interest costs over the loan’s five-year term.“We are proud to offer qualified Missouri communities like Fisk funding assistance vehicles that can help them undertake drinking water and wastewater improvement projects,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “We can tailor assistance programs for cities of all sizes so they can improve their treatment systems. This in turn helps protect public and environmental health, and improves the quality of life for Missourians.”The department’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to water treatment plants, distribution systems, water storage and supply facilities, as well as interconnection or consolidation projects. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project from a project manager.The department’s Financial Assistance Center is committed to working with communities to assist with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/business-industry-other-entities/financial-opportunities/financial-assistance-center. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov