DNR: Columbia stormwater permit renewal a time for city, state to work together on issue of homeless camps

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Missouri Department of Natural Resources official says work on Columbia’s stormwater operating permit is a time for the state and city to work together on handling complaints of trash buildup near waterways.

DNR asked the city on Feb. 28 to come up with a more specific plan to address illegal dumping from getting into the water. The city responded to that request with a plan to track complaints and actions taken when it gets reports of illegal dumping near the water. 

DNR has received at least 36 complaints through its tip lines since late 2022 from people concerned about homeless camps causing debris and human waste from getting into the water. Sarah Wright, the permits chief for DNR’s Water Protection Program, said the permit renewal process gives both sides a chance to find a “viable solution” moving forward.

“This is a complex situation; therefore, we want to work with them,” Wright said. “While the department is looking at water quality, the city has more concerns and issues to look at with this situation. This renewal of their permit is our opportunity to work with the city on this issue.”

Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA requires political subdivisions that divert stormwater into creeks and rivers, known as municipal separate stormwater sewer systems, to come up with plans to stop pollution from entering with it. Those agencies in Missouri go through DNR to get a permit every five years. Columbia operates under a permit alongside Boone County and the University of Missouri. Permit holders could face fines for violating their permit plans through the EPA.

Jason West, spokesperson for Columbia Utilities, noted that the permit changes dealt with illegal dumping broadly and do not specifically target people camping. City ordinance and state law both prohibit illegally dumping trash into the water. 

As part of the broader effort to find and stop “illicit discharges” into the stormwater, the city “will notify and work with property owner(s), other agencies and City Departments as necessary when investigating and remediating illegal and illicit discharges. The City will track all reported concerns and remediation efforts.”

Wright said the complaints to DNR have the agency looking at how the city is following the rules set forth in the permit.

“The department looks at the complaints and how those fit into regulations and the city’s permit requirements,” Wright said. “We are now looking at how the city is managing their stormwater management plan due to these complaints.”

The complaints to DNR have largely focused on four areas of town. Meanwhile, the city government continues to clear out camps and issue trespassing warnings to are there.

And the city’s response to clear it out and trespass people who might be there continues on and on.

Watch ABC 17 News at 10 for more about the city’s efforts to keep waste out of waterways.