In accordance with 2002 Iowa Acts, Senate File 2293, the IDNR has proposed
amendments to incorporate the master matrix into Chapter 65.

To view the proposed matrix, go to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
page, under the Environmental Protection Commission's most recent meeting
agenda, Item 8: www.state.ia.us/epd/epcmintz/02oct21a.htm

Written comments can be submitted on or before December 5 to:
Robin Pruisner
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Building
502 East 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
fax 515-281-8895
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The IDNR will also host a public hearing on December 5, 2002, from 1:00 to
4:00 PM via the ICN network at:
Spencer High School
North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City
North Fayette High School, West Union
Maquoketa High School
Fairfield High School
Kuemper High School, Carroll
Osceola Public Library
Southwestern Community College, Red Oak
Department of Economic Development, Des Moines


The IDNR welcomes public comment on all the proposed rules, but specifically
requests public comment on several facets of this rule package.  The master
matrix was created based upon a recommendation by a committee of 10
individuals representing organizations, as directed by SF2293.  The committee
did not reach a consensus on the inclusion or exclusion of two possible
mitigating factors: 1) awarding points for the absence of non-therapeutic use
of antibiotics, and 2) awarding points for demonstrated community support.
The IDNR asks the public to comment on whether these two mitigating factors
should be included in the matrix, and if so, how many points should be
awarded and under what circumstances.

Secondly, the committee could not reach a consensus decision on the use of
subcategory scoring on the master matrix.  The IDNR specifically requests
public comment on the feasibility of requiring minimum threshold passing
scores in the three subcategories of "air," "water," "and community impacts,"
as well as an overall minimum passing score.

Thirdly, the committee did not provide the IDNR with a recommended minimum
threshold passing score on the master matrix.  In light of this, the IDNR has
set forth proposed minimum threshold scores of A) attain a minimum of 50% of
the points available in the overall score column, and B) attain a minimum of
30% of the points possible in each of the subcategories of air, water, and
community impacts.  The IDNR specifically requests public comment on the
achievability of these scores.  The IDNR is interested in what the public
feels is a fair minimum passing score(s).

Finally, the IDNR requests public input on the mitigating factors listed in
the master matrix.  Does the general public believe that all the listed
factors belong in the master matrix?  Does the general public feel that the
mitigating factors have been assigned reasonable scores?  Are there
mitigating factors that should be listed in the master matrix but are not
currently listed, and if so, how many points should be awarded and under what
circumstances?


Erin E. Jordahl
Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-277-8868
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