Land Application Permits

Wastewater land application projects that incorporate new or additional land application sites, and new or additional storage, treatment, or disposal systems are required to obtain site approval, facility plan/engineering report approval, and a construction/operation permit from the DNR. 

A land application operation permit will be issued along with the facility plan approval for projects without additional construction, and issued along with the construction permit for projects that require a construction permit. DNR review of land application projects is based on the Iowa Wastewater Facilities Design Standards, the Ten States Standards, applicable federal guidelines and standards, standard textbooks, current technical literature and applicable safety standards, Iowa Code Section 455B.174, and rule 567 IAC Chapter 64.

Work Record Requests:

To initiate a land application project, submit a work record request to the Wastewater Engineering Section as an attachment in an email to wastewater-engineering@dnr.iowa.gov. Include "Work Request – Facility – Work Title" in the email subject line. An automated email response will be sent acknowledging DNR receipt of the work request.

Construction Permit Applications

Applications for land application permits must be submitted to the DNR at least 120 days in advance of the construction and/or operation start date. The DNR will issue permits within 60 days of receipt of a complete application or deny the permit in writing unless a longer review period is required and the applicant is so notified.

Application Fee

Construction permit applications must be accompanied by a fee of $100. To make an electronic payment, proceed to https://programs.iowadnr.gov/payments and choose “Pay Wastewater Construction Permit Fee”. Fill the information on the form and follow the on-screen instructions.

Land Application - Construction Permit Process Documents

Land Application - Construction/Operation Permit Application Forms

Land Application - Monitoring and Reporting 

Emergency Land Application - Submit to DNR Field Office

Land Application Resources