The DNR is holding three more public hearings to get input on their proposed
hydrogen sulfide standard for factory farm emissions. The industry was out
in droves opposing the standard at the first two, and we need our voices to
be heard! If you can attend your nearest hearing to speak in support of the
15 part per billion one-hour average public health standard for hydrogen
sulfide, great! If not, the DNR is accepting written comments until April
8th and they can be sent to the addresses below.

Hearings:

Mason City, today, 6 p.m. in the public library, 225 2nd Street SE

Davenport, Monday March 8, 6:30 p.m. in the public library, 321 Main Street

Urbandale, Thursday March 11, 7 p.m. in the public library, 3520 86th Street

Written comments can be sent to all of the following:

Director Jeffrey Vonk
Wallace Building
502 E 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319

Bryan Bunton
DNR Air Quality Bureau
7900 Hickman Road Suite 1
Urbandale, IA 50322

Office of the Governor
State Capitol
Des Moines, IA 50319

Wayne Gieselman
Wallace Building
502 E 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319

The points we want to get across:

·       Main message: I support the proposed hydrogen sulfide standard of 15 parts
per billion (one-hour average) that was recommended in the Joint University
study. This standard will be protective of public health, and there is no
reason to back off from the recommendations of this study.
·       Iowa also needs standards for ammonia and odors from factory farms, as
recommended in the Joint University study.
·       This standard would help, not hurt, Iowa’s family farmers. Responsible
family farmers will not be the target of the DNR’s air quality monitoring
efforts, because there is no reason to believe their operations would
violate the standard or pose a threat to public health.

Please call or email me with any questions or for more information! Thanks,

Tarah Heinzen
Sierra Club Conservation Organizer
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 251-3995
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