Special Discharges

The special discharge program allows users to obtain approval to discharge wastewater of unusual strength or character. Special discharge approvals are granted for onsite discharges and for hauled waste classified as industrial. The majority of the onsite special discharges are from underground storage tank removal projects and other site remediation projects.

Obtaining approval for a special discharge involves submitting an application of special discharge removal, along with analytical results of a representative sample of wastewater. Required information may also include a material safety data sheet or information on a ground water treatment system, as applicable.

Once all the requested information is received, the submitted application is reviewed to ensure compliance.  Approvals for acceptable discharges are typically provided within two days after all the information has been received. For more information concerning special discharges, please call us at (314) 436-8755.

MSD also accepts applications for special discharges from swimming pools and water features located within watersheds of metropolitan no-discharge streams.  Eligible users that may be required to obtain a site-specific permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for approval to discharge water from a swimming pool or water feature can also apply.  Please click the MapViewer button below to find out if your facility is located in one of six metropolitan no-discharge stream watersheds within MSD’s service area.  The Special Discharge Application for pools and water features is available near the bottom of this page.