JEFFERSON CITY, MO. — Denali Water Solutions and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently came to an agreement about wastewater storage basins in southwest Missouri.

The abatement order made available by the DNR stated that the company operated and maintained three basins without the proper permitting.

Denali Water provided a statement on its next steps following the order.

“Denali has agreed to begin pumping and hauling the food processing residuals stored in the basins to a Missouri wastewater treatment plant or to outlets out of state,” the company said. “Under this plan, Denali will also continue to seek ways to ensure the beneficial use of this resource either as a source of energy via anaerobic digestion or as a high-value fertilizer for farmers in other states.”

The company noted that the requirement to transport and process the basin contents in this manner would be a costly decision that will impact Missouri farmers and food manufacturers.

“Recycling valuable, nutrient-rich food processing residuals is crucial to protecting water quality in Missouri and necessary for the success of both food production and farming operations in the state,” the company stated. “Denali continues to work with the Missouri legislature, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources on long-term solutions to ensure positive outcomes for businesses, farmers and communities in Missouri."

During November 2023, Missouri DNR required Denali Water to cease land application of water from the basin. 

The notice came after a previous letter in June 2023, in which DNR made an “abrupt change in fertilizer licensing by the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board.”