Legal Requirements

Missouri State University is regulated by federal, state, and applicable city laws and regulations.

Air:

  1. The air emissions from the power plant on the Springfield campus are regulated under the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) [40 CFR Parts 50-99] and Missouri state regulations [10 CSR Division 10]. MDNR has granted the Springfield/Greene County Health Department the authority to enforce the state and federal air pollution control laws and regulations.
    1. Because the University is not a major source, MSU is no longer required to hold a Basic State Operating Permit as a result of a November 29, 2018 decision by the Missouri Air Conservation Commission
  2. There are no regulated air sources on the West Plains and Mountain Grove campuses.

Water:

  1. Wastewater generated by the campuses is regulated by MDNR and by the local pubic works departments under the authority granted by the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and regulations, the Missouri Clean Water Law and regulations [10 CSR 20].
  2. Stormwater discharge from the Springfield campus is presently governed by General Operating Permit MOR04C092 issued by MDNR in August 2022.

Solid and Hazardous Wastes:

  1. The Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Law establish regulations for the management of hazardous waste generated on the campuses. All regulated underground storage tanks have been either removed from the campuses or closed in place. The proposed secondary fuel storage tank for the Springfield campus will be regulated by the MDNR and US EPA (Spill Prevention and Countermeasure Control Rule) [40 CFR 112].
  2. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB’s) fall under the jurisdiction of the EPA through the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) [40 CFR Parts 700-799].
  3. The Springfield and Wright County Sanitary Landfills, which receive solid waste generated by all campuses, are regulated under the Solid Waste Management Law and regulations which are enforced by the MDNR. The landfills restrict the types of waste they receive.
  4. Infectious waste generated on the Springfield campus is regulated by the Springfield/ Greene County Health Department, the Missouri Department of Health, and MDNR. The Howell County Health Department, Missouri Department of Health, and MDNR regulate medical waste generated on the West Plains Campus.

Other:

  1. The application and handling of pesticides on the Missouri State campuses are regulated by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Division, under authority of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
  2. The Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) establishes a program to inform the public about the storage of extremely hazardous chemicals. Reports are submitted annually to the Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC) and Missouri Department of Public Safety.
  3. Radioactive material on any campus falls under the jurisdiction of the Nuclear Regulatory Agency.