Two items of interest from yesterday's Environmental Protection Commission
meeting:

1.  As an Informational item, the DNR presented draft rules on the subject of
"natural resources damages," or fines charged for damages to aquatic
ecosystems due to chemical and manure spills.  At next month's EPC meeting,
the DNR will submit the proposed rules as a Notice of Intended Action, which
means the public comment period and public hearing will be scheduled.

To look at the proposed rules, go to the EPC page on the DNR website at
www.ia.us/government/dnr/commissions/epc/index.htm
From the index page, choose Agendas, then Click here to view current agenda,
then
Next Meeting, and finally Item 20.  Check to make sure you are looking at the
agenda for the MARCH 18, 2002 meeting.

It would be really helpful to have members who are interested in the fine
issue at the next EPC meeting, to make comments about the importance of the
rule making process for this issue or just to observe.  However, it will be
most important to have comments made at the public hearing and during the
public comment period.  I will let you know the schedule for the public
comment period.

2. Also as an Informational item, the DNR presented its proposed plan and
budget for an animal feeding operations air quality program.  At the next EPC
meeting (April 15), the DNR will present the proposal as a Notice of Intended
Action, so the rule making process will begin and the public comment period
will be scheduled.

The proposed air quality program stems from the recent report written by
professors at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, Iowa Confined
Animal Feeding Operations Air Quality Study.

The informational handout for the air quality issue is not yet up on the EPC
web page, but hopefully it will be soon, so go through the directions listed
above but click on Item 22 instead of 20.

It will also be important to have comments made about the air quality
program. I will post the public comment period as soon as I know it. Contact
me if you have questions.


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