Kansas Wastewater Operator Certification: Permitting Tracks & Lagoon Systems
Two Permitting Tracks Under KDHE
KDHE regulates Kansas wastewater treatment facilities under two distinct permit tracks:
- NPDES permits (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) — EPA-delegated authority for facilities that discharge treated effluent to a stream, river, lake, or reservoir. Larger municipalities such as Wichita, Topeka, and the Kansas City metro area typically operate mechanical activated-sludge plants under NPDES permits.
- State Water Pollution Control Permits — for non-discharging systems, most commonly evaporative or land-application wastewater lagoons. These are the dominant treatment technology for small, rural Kansas municipalities.
Lagoon Design Standards
Kansas lagoon systems are governed by Kansas Administrative Regulations **K.A.R. 28-16-160 through 28-1