To amend chapter 701, RSMo, by adding one new section relating to grinder pump pressure sewer systems, with an emergency clause.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:

     Section A. Chapter 701, RSMo, is amended by adding one new section, to be known as section 701.024, to read as follows:

     701.024. 1. Grinder pump pressure sewer systems are hereby recognized as a viable means of sanitary sewer collection and are recognized as appropriate for new and existing construction. The Missouri department of natural resources shall accept the recommendation of any duly Missouri licensed professional engineer who determines in his or her opinion that a grinder pump pressure sewer system should be utilized in any particular application; provided that such recommendation shall be subject to approval by the duly recognized operating authority for the system if such operating authority has in its employ, or obtains under contract, the services of a duly Missouri licensed professional engineer and such engineer reviews the recommendation prior to a determination of approval. It shall be the sole responsibility of the Missouri licensed professional engineer making such recommendation to determine economic feasibility including operation and maintenance cost, and such recommendation shall be accepted by the Missouri department of natural resources in all aspects including state-financed sewer construction programs.

     2. The publicly-owned treatment works shall be responsible for the entire public sewer system, except that the operation and maintenance of any part of an individual user's pressure sewer system, including grinder pumps and service lateral to the system used for the purpose of collecting or conducting wastewater originating at a residence or individual commercial entity, shall be the responsibility of the owner of such residence or individual commercial entity unless the publicly-owned treatment works has assumed such responsibility.

     Section B. Due to the immediate need to recognize all appropriate technologies for management of sewage to protect public health and the environment, this act is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, welfare, peace and safety, and is hereby declared to be an emergency act within the meaning of the constitution, and this act shall be in full force and effect upon its passage and approval.