Construction halted at Windermere, state considers action for permit violation

Construction halted at Windermere, state considers action for permit violation

By Bob Baysinger
Managing Editor

July 20, 2004

CAMDENTON – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has told the Windermere Baptist Conference Center to halt construction on modifications to the center’s wastewater treatment facility.

Cindy Davies, water section chief for DNR’s regional office at Springfield, said that a routine inspection by department staff on July 8 found major construction occurring without the required construction permit from the state.

“Before work can begin on the wastewater treatment facility, they (Windermere) must have a construction permit issued by DNR,” Davies said. “They are required to submit an application for that permit 180 days ahead of the time when they want to begin construction.”

Davies said Windermere submitted its application for permit on May 17.

The Missouri Clean Water Law requires the department to review and approve engineering plans and that the public have the opportunity to be notified and comment prior to a decision on the issuance of a construction permit.

Davies said a report is being prepared for DNR’s enforcement section to determine if “any action needs to be taken regarding Windermere’s violations.”

Windermere’s refusal to comply with the request to halt construction, Davies said, would be handled by the enforcement staff.

Windermere is one of five breakaway agencies with which the Missouri Baptist Convention is embroiled in a legal fight over agency trustees voting to be self-perpetuating.