The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is working with the City of Leadwood to address significant operational failures at its wastewater treatment plant after investigations found the facility was releasing only partially treated wastewater into the Big River.

According to the DNR, inspections revealed deteriorated treatment equipment that is no longer effectively removing pollutants. Water sampling upstream and downstream of the plant also detected elevated levels of E. coli, with samples collected at the facility's outfall and about 300 yards downstream exceeding the agency's testing limit of 2,419 colony-forming units per milliliter. For comparison, Missouri State Parks uses an action level of 190 CFU/mL for posting swimming advisories.

The department and the city finalized an Administrative Order on Consent on Aug. 4 that establishes a framework for engineering evaluations and long-term upgrades to the treatment facility. In the meantime, temporary repairs are underway, including restoring wastewater aeration, clearing a plugged return line, managing excess biosolids and developing a sludge management plan with assistance from neighboring utilities and the Missouri Rural Water Association.

The DNR is also exploring funding options to help the city purchase interim treatment equipment while continuing water quality monitoring and evaluating potential environmental impacts to the Big River.