Columbia Utilities commits to tracking complaints, actions taken on reports of illegal camping and dumping near water

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Utilities says it will work with other agencies and track complaints regarding illegal camping and dumping near the city's waterways.

The department sent its updated plan to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources two weeks ago, said utilities department spokesman Jason West. The two-page updated portion of its application for a renewed stormwater permit acknowledges "illegal encampments or otherwise" as a form of illegal dumping that could lead to indirect contamination of creeks or streams.

ABC 17 News reported when DNR asked the city to address the issue as part of the renewal process earlier this year. DNR said it had received more than 30 complaints since 2022 about encampments near places like the Hinkson Creek. The state worried that human waste and litter from illegal encampments could pollute the water. The February letter did not say if DNR or the city ever found water pollution violations from those complaints. The current permit expires on June 30.

The city, along with Boone County and the University of Missouri, would "track all reported concerns and remediation efforts." West said this is not a new practice for the city, but is the first time it included the information as part of this particular permit process. West said the city will continue its practice of investigating complaints it receives and working with the property owners where illegal dumping might be happening.

DNR administers the process for the permits, known as MS4, for the EPA. The program is intended to make sure utility companies have a plan to stop harmful chemicals from spilling into the water and a plan to clean up if it does happen. DNR information officer Brian Quinn told ABC 17 News via email on Monday that the office was reviewing the city's submission and "would provide comments back to the city soon."

The Columbia City Council is still waiting on a report from city staff about the availability of public restrooms downtown.