DNR temporarily suspends certain regulatory requirements for public water system backflow prevention due to COVID-19 impacts

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 3, 2020 – As part of its ongoing effort to mitigate some of the operational challenges created by the COVID-19 state of emergency, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has suspended through June 15 certain requirements for public water system backflow testing, test report submission and tester certification. Effective June 1, these rules are temporarily suspended pursuant to Executive Order 20-10, and include10 CSR 60-11.010(6)(B)–(D),10 CSR 60-11.010(8)(D) and 10 CSR 60-11.030(2)(B).   

Due to social distancing requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic, certified testers may be unable to perform required backflow assembly testing for customers of public water systems, customers may be unable to submit testing verification reports by the annual deadline and backflow assembly testers may be unable to take the mandatory examination for recertification before the three-year expiration date.

This temporary suspension will allow customers of public water systems to delay backflow testing without risk of disconnection for noncompliance with this rule. It will also allow public water systems to suspend customer reporting requirements and allow certified backflow prevention assembly testers to maintain their existing certification while Executive Order 20-10 is in effect.

More information is available online at sos.mo.gov/suspended.

CARES Fund Information

At the present time the Bates County Commission is still in a “learning” mode as to the qualifications required in applying for CARES funding.  In a nutshell, it is our understanding that CARES funding is primarily for the reimbursement of additional expenses caused by COVID-19 that were not previously budgeted, or that would be subject to reimbursement from other sources.  We do not yet have an application form developed until we have more guidance from our state associations and our attorney for that distribution.  The possibility exists that if disbursed improperly it would have to be returned to the state or federal agencies.

The Commission will be putting out information on the application process as it is determined.

EXPIRED: TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 AM CDT FOR NORTHEASTERN BATES COUNTY

A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 AM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN BATES COUNTY…

At 305 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Adrian, moving southeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD…Tornado.

SOURCE…Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT…Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=MOZ053&warncounty=MOC013&firewxzone=MOZ053&local_place1=Adrian%20MO&product1=Tornado+Warning&lat=38.3975&lon=-94.3531#.XtisJuQ1iaN