Missouri Revised Statutes Title XIV. Roads and Waterways § 236.250. Forfeiture of rights, when

If any person or corporation, or his or its legal representatives, to whom permission to erect a dam by virtue hereof shall have been given, shall fail to build, rebuild or repair the same, together with the mill, electric power and light works, or other machinery connected therewith, according to the requirements of law or the conditions of the permission, it shall be lawful for any person owning the land on one side of the watercourse, at the point where such dam is erected, or below, to build a dam and mill, electric power and light works, or other machinery thereon, as if no such permission had been given, without incurring any liability on account of backing the water on such dam.