/news-rss?filter=natural_resources MO.gov News Feed: Department of Natural Resources Sun, 01 Dec 2024 20:46:03 +0000 en-us https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/thousand-hills-state-park-certified-urban-night-sky-place 270431 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:54:30 +0000 Thousand Hills State Park certified as an Urban Night Sky Place Rachel Bruemmer Tue, 11/26/2024 - 12:54 Release Date Tuesday, November 26, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 25, 2024 – Missouri State Parks announced today that DarkSky International has certified Thousand Hills State Park in Kirksville as an Urban Night Sky Place. A culmination of years of collaborative effort, the certification validates the park’s work in protecting the night sky above and around the city from the effects of light pollution."This achievement reflects the dedication of Thousand Hills State Park, DarkSky Missouri, Truman State University and the city of Kirksville to reducing light pollution as a vital step toward protecting and celebrating the region's significant cultural and natural resources,” said Amber Harrison, International Dark Sky Places program manager. “It is encouraging to see so many collaborators supporting this effort." Ryan Persinger, superintendent of Thousand Hills State Park, spearheaded the initiative to promote night sky preservation and light pollution abatement. He has worked diligently in making certain the park met the standards to earn the certification.“First, we had to determine which DarkSky certification the park would qualify for, and then we worked to get the park lighting and management plans to meet those requirements. We developed a light management plan for the park and inventoried all the outdoor light fixtures in the park,” Persinger said. “After getting 67% of the park lights to meet the certification requirements and getting community support letters, we were able to submit our application to DarkSky International.”The idea for the DarkSky certification came about in early 2020 from a group of Truman State University students under the guidance of their professor Dr. Vayujeet Gokhale. Persinger then worked with both DarkSky Missouri and DarkSky International for application and certification requirements and guidance. The park team worked with the Adair County Public Library and Truman State University on dark sky and astronomy programming and gathered community support letters.By 2021, Persinger submitted the initial certification inquiry to start the process with DarkSky Missouri, and by September 2024, Thousand Hills State Park received their certification. The park’s outdoor lighting is currently 78% compliant with plans to be 100% compliant by the end of 2025.“We work to keep the light pollution in and around our parks to a minimum to help protect the beauty of the night,” said David Kelly, director of Missouri State Parks. “We view this park as a beautiful area, near a large city, where our guests can enjoy the darkness and beautiful night skies that our ancestors enjoyed.”Thousand Hills State Park now joins more than 220 Dark Sky Places that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution. Learn more by visiting darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/.Thousand Hills State Park is located at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville, Missouri. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.***Photo caption: Pictured right to left are Dr. Vayujeet Gokhale of Truman State University; Jesze Doleh and Ryan Persinger from Thousand Hills State Park; Missouri State Parks Director David Kelly; Missouri State Parks Deputy Director Melanie Smith; Missouri State Parks Deputy Regional Director Brett Barnes; and Missouri State Parks Regional Director Dustin Webb.About the International Dark Sky Places Program: Founded in 2001, the International Dak Sky Places Program is a nonregulatory and voluntary program encouraging communities, parks and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting and public education. When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change and block our view and connection to the universe. Learn more at darksky.org.    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-45-million-clark-county-consolidated-public-water-supply-district-no-1 270416 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:19:27 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $4.5 million to Clark County Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1 Rachel Bruemmer Tue, 11/26/2024 - 10:19 Release Date Monday, November 25, 2024 District will make drinking water system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 26, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $4.5 million in financial assistance to the Clark County Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1 for upgrades to the district’s drinking water storage and distribution systems. The funding is expected to cover the cost of the entire project, which is anticipated to be completed by November 2025.The project will include a new 150,000-gallon elevated water tower, some new water lines and other upgrades. These improvements will allow the district to continue offering safe drinking water for years to come with a modern and well-functioning drinking water system.The funding for the project consists of a $1.8 million grant and a $2.7 million low-interest loan, both from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The loan is subject to more than $1.1 million in principal forgiveness. The funding provided by the department is estimated to save the district’s ratepayers $3 million in principal and approximately $495,000 in interest over the loan’s 20-year term.“If Missouri communities are to grow and thrive, they simply must have reliable, up-to-date infrastructure, like the systems that treat drinking water and wastewater,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “Maintenance and updates to these systems can be very expensive, so we have to find ways to help them afford those very important projects.”“We are proud to offer qualified Missouri communities funding assistance vehicles that can help them undertake water and wastewater improvement projects,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri 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, 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-640-million-metropolitan-st-louis-sewer-district-wastewater-system-improvements 270411 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:15:58 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $640 million to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District for wastewater system improvements Rachel Bruemmer Tue, 11/26/2024 - 10:15 Release Date Monday, November 25, 2024 Loan is largest ever from Missouri’s Clean Water State Revolving FundJEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 25, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $640 million low-interest loan to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District for upgrades to its wastewater system. The funding will cover the entire cost of the second of a two-phase project, which is expected to be completed in December 2028.This project includes replacing the multiple hearth incinerators at both the Lemay and Bissell Point wastewater treatment facilities with new fluidized bed incinerators, capable of meeting new air-emission requirements. Improvements will also include new sludge dewatering processes and construction of new solids processing buildings at both facilities for the new incineration and dewatering process systems. The project will result in improved air and water quality for the citizens of Missouri.Project funding consists of a $640 million loan through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The funding provided by the department is estimated to save the district’s ratepayers approximately $402 million in interest payments over the loan’s 30-year term.“This is a big win for our customers and St. Louis,” said Bret Berthold, executive director of MSD Project Clear. “While immediate cost savings won’t be felt today, securing the SRF loan through the Department of Natural Resources will save MSD customers more than $400 million in interest payments over the next three decades. The Solids Management Upgrade Project is the largest project we’ve ever undertaken and it will significantly improve air quality, reduce emissions and support a healthier future for our region.”“Significant endeavors usually require substantial investment, and this project perfectly reflects that reality,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “We are absolutely committed to making sure that Missourians in every community have access to quality infrastructure that they rely on every day for life, health and economic opportunity.” “We are proud to provide MSD this record level of assistance for a massive wastewater project that will have such a positive impact for many years to come,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We have assistance programs for communities of all sizes so they can improve their water infrastructure. Our staff are available to assist communities with their funding application, and we can tailor a funding package to meet the individual community’s needs.”The Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection systems rehabilitation and extensions, combined sewer overflow corrections, as well as for 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/env/wpp/srf/index.html. 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-13-million-burlington-junction 270401 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 25 Nov 2024 17:14:05 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $1.3 million to Burlington Junction Rachel Bruemmer Mon, 11/25/2024 - 17:14 Release Date Monday, November 25, 2024 City will make wastewater system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 27, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $1.3 million in financial assistance to the city of Burlington Junction in Nodaway County for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The funding will cover the project’s total cost, which is expected to be completed by October 2025.The project includes installation of a chlorine disinfection system and improvements to the storage and transfer structures. These upgrades will allow the city to achieve compliance with wastewater standards and extend the system’s life and efficiency so it can continue serving the city well into the future.Project funding consists of a $615,000 loan and a $689,939 grant through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The assistance provided by the department will save the city’s ratepayers an estimated $689,939 in principal and approximately $213,000 in interest over the loan’s 20-year term.“An important part of our job is making sure Missouri communities can plan and fund infrastructure improvements, and that includes upgrades to that drinking water and wastewater treatment systems that are crucial to every community’s health and vitality,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson.“Grants and low-interest loans through the State Revolving Fund help qualified communities with water and wastewater treatment system improvements that they might not have been able to undertake otherwise,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.The Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection system rehabilitation and extension, and combined sewer overflow corrections, as well as 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.Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department is committed to assisting qualified Missouri communities 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/missouri-geological-survey-opens-renovated-rock-lab-shares-campus-redevelopment-plans 270276 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 21 Nov 2024 18:08:06 +0000 Missouri Geological Survey opens renovated Rock Lab, shares campus redevelopment plans Karen Kremer Thu, 11/21/2024 - 18:08 Release Date Friday, November 22, 2024 Missouri Geological Survey opens renovated Rock Lab, shares campus redevelopment plansJEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 22, 2024 - The Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Geological Survey welcomed local leaders and industry professionals to its Rolla campus on Wednesday, Nov. 13, for a tour and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly renovated Rock Lab. Over the past year, the agency has transformed the facility from a storage space to a modern Earth sciences laboratory. During the event, MoDNR officials shared that even more changes will be coming to the Rolla campus in the coming years.“These projects are the latest evidence of how important mastery of Earth sciences will be for Missouri’s future,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Dru Buntin. “They also show how the Department of Natural Resources will undertake the steps necessary to improve the quality of life for Missouri’s residents while guaranteeing our state stays ahead of the competitive curve.”State Geologist and Director of the Missouri Geological Survey Carey Bridges said among the operations that will be conducted in the Rock Lab are reviewing and cataloging well cuttings from across Missouri, as well as hosting various geologic investigations.“The new equipment in our renovated Rock Lab includes new workstations, wash basins, lighting and climate control,” Bridges said. “There is also better integration of computer and internet technology, allowing for use of the latest programs and digital tools. This will allow our geologists to focus more on the science that underlies the fundamentals of geology. The lab’s expanded size will also create more shared workspace for geologists in different units. The sharing of knowledge from our most senior geologists focusing on geologic investigations with those working in the field will help foster new insights.”In addition to opening the Rock Lab, Bridges shared that the Missouri Geological Survey’s McCracken Core Library will be relocating from its current Twitty Drive location in Rolla to a newly constructed facility on Fairgrounds Road. In partnership with Missouri University of Science and Technology, the new core library will also be hosting significant critical minerals research.  “MGS and Missouri S&T are helping lead the search into whether Missouri contains economically viable deposits of critical minerals that include rare earth elements,” Bridges said. “Together, we’re working through the Critical Minerals and Materials for Advanced Energy Tech Hub. Within the new core library, that work will have a place on which to build itself up.”   A new Itrax Core Scanner that contains an XRF device can collect elemental information as detailed as one-millimeter increments. Beyond just photographing samples, a radiography camera will also enable study of the interior of the library’s core samples. A magnetic susceptibility sensor will further collect magnetic data.“Rest assured, if there is evidence of critical minerals or rare earth elements, our geologists will find it,” Bridges said. “Put together, the relatively small investments we’re making here in Rolla could bring about a discovery that possibly makes headlines and creates thousands of new jobs for Missourians. The journey to that potential future is starting right now as we cut this ribbon.”Other plans for the Rolla campus include constructing a new entrance for the Buehler Building and renovating its Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology.The site of the new MGS Core Library will be where the current Phelps County Road & Bridge Department is situated at 204 Fairground Road. This is immediately adjacent to the MGS campus in Rolla. Phelps County has already secured property to relocate its road and bridge department operations to Phelps County Road 3080 between Rolla and St. James. 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/wesley-fitzgibbons-selected-november-2024-missouri-department-natural-resources-team-member-month 270271 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:28:27 +0000 Wesley Fitzgibbons selected as November 2024 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month Karen Kremer Thu, 11/21/2024 - 16:28 Release Date Friday, November 22, 2024   JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 22, 2024 - Wesley Fitzgibbons, an engineer with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for November 2024. They were selected for their service to the department and their efforts while assisting with the Division of Energy’s portion of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant application.Recently, the department applied to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for over $428 million in funds for a variety of projects that would reduce emissions by over 26 million tons through 2050. The application process was led by the department’s Air Pollution Control Program, with Fitzgibbons contributing to the energy-related section of the document.Contributions to the application from Fitzgibbons include funding opportunities for Missouri State Parks, the Office of Administration’s Facilities, Maintenance, Design and Construction, and Missouri farmers.In addition to the CPRG grant, they pursued opportunities for further funding by joining the department to the Resilient Local Energy Coalition which allows states to apply for funding in partnership, expanding the impact of projects beyond what is possible on a state-level. Missouri joins 14 other states seeking additional CPRG funding through the coalition, to be used for funding new programs, bolstering existing programs and for enhancing grid resilience for local governments.“Wes was instrumental in the timely completion of this application,” said Nora Maxwell, of the department’s Division of Energy. “They always look for opportunities to grow Missouri’s energy efficiency efforts, whether through grant funding, infrastructure or energy security.”Fitzgibbons joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in November 2018 and resides in Jefferson City. 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/modnr-awards-50000-grants-liberty-hills-st-mary-sewer-districts 270161 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:42:59 +0000 MoDNR awards $50,000 grants to Liberty Hills and St. Mary sewer districts Karen Kremer Tue, 11/19/2024 - 17:42 Release Date Friday, November 22, 2024 Communities will evaluate wastewater system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 22, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grant to the city of St. Mary in Ste. Genevieve County and to the Liberty Hills Reorganized Common Sewer District in Liberty to evaluate their respective wastewater system.The grant offers funding to qualified communities to help cover engineering costs of evaluating potential wastewater system improvements. Both communities will use their grant to identify improvements needed to continue reliable service to their service areas and to meet permit requirements. The Liberty Hills plan should be complete in March 2026, while St. Mary’s plan should be complete in April 2026.“This grant helps qualified communities of all sizes pay for wastewater treatment system improvements that they might not have been able to undertake otherwise,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We are here to help Missouri communities plan and fund infrastructure improvements that will help protect public and environmental health, and help 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 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-98745-grant-canton 270156 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:38:17 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $98,745 grant to Canton Karen Kremer Tue, 11/19/2024 - 17:38 Release Date Thursday, November 21, 2024 City will evaluate drinking water system improvements to address emerging contaminantsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 21, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $98,745 Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Grant to the city of Canton in Lewis County to evaluate the city’s drinking water system.The department’s Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Grant program offers funding for qualified communities to assess their system and identify improvements to address emerging contaminants in the drinking water. Emerging contaminants are substances that are known or suspected to pose risks to human health but are not yet regulated under environmental laws. The district will evaluate potential improvements including remediation, destruction technologies, treatment options, regionalization or alternate water sources. Improvements will enable the district to continue operating a drinking water system that meets drinking water standards and provides reliable water service to customers.“Water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support the health and economic vitality of a community,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “Through this grant, Canton can assess its system and identify a range of potential improvements. This will help the community determine what actions are needed to address current drinking water needs as well as plan for future growth and development.”The department’s Financial Assistance Center is committed to working with communities to assist with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. The department’s Financial Assistance Center provides funding opportunities for 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-62500-granby 270151 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:35:01 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $62,500 to Granby Karen Kremer Tue, 11/19/2024 - 17:35 Release Date Tuesday, November 19, 2024 City will evaluate feasibility of a regional sewer connectionJEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 20, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $62,500 to the city of Granby to evaluate the feasibility of constructing a regional sewer connection between East Newton High School and the city’s wastewater system. Provided through the department’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund Regionalization Incentive Grant, the funding will cover all the eligible costs to develop the plan, which is expected to be completed by April 2026.This is a competitive grant program that offers funding to municipalities as an incentive to construct connections for small, struggling wastewater treatment facilities. The entities responsible for these small facilities often lack the financial and technical resources to upgrade their wastewater treatment facilities to meet more stringent limits and operate their facilities appropriately. These facilities typically serve such a small number of connections that the cost to comply with permit conditions is a significant financial challenge for the users.“The department’s intention for this grant is to decrease the number of point sources that discharge pollutants to Missouri’s waterways by promoting regional partnerships that would not be possible without this funding,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “Water and wastewater systems are crucial infrastructure that aid community health and economic vitality.”The department’s Financial Assistance Center is committed to working with communities to assist with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Monies received from The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will fully fund this project.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-accepting-abandoned-well-plugging-grant-applications 270091 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:54:55 +0000 Department of Natural Resources accepting Abandoned Well Plugging Grant applications Karen Kremer Tue, 11/19/2024 - 11:54 Release Date Tuesday, November 19, 2024  JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 19, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for Abandoned Well Plugging Grants from eligible public water systems through April 30, 2025.The grant offers up to $20,000 per project to properly plug abandoned wells located near or within service areas of groundwater-based community and not-for-profit noncommunity public water systems. Abandoned wells, if not plugged properly, pose a physical hazard to both people and wildlife. Abandoned wells also allow for potential contamination of for groundwater, the primary drinking water source for more than 80% of public water systems in Missouri.Community and not-for-profit noncommunity public water systems with at least one active or emergency well are eligible to apply for reimbursement funding through this program. Project selection is competitive and the priority application period is open now through Jan. 30, 2025. Applications received Feb. 1 through April 30, 2025, may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis if available funds remain. Applicants may apply via the department’s Funding Opportunities Portal at dnr.mo.gov/financial-opportunities/funding-portal/access-request). A fully executed financial assistance agreement between the project applicant and the department is required prior to incurring project-related costs.The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is committed to helping Missouri communities protect their drinking water sources and protect human health. Funding for the Abandoned Well Plugging grant program derives wholly or in part from monies received through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information, please visit the Abandoned Well Plugging Grant webpage. 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