----- Original Message -----
From: Press Releases from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
January 29, 2009
1. DNR moves forward on stream assessments, meets with cities and
industries statewide
2. Dickinson County residents asked to share ideas on improving Silver
Lake
3. DNR reschedules meetings on antidegredation policy and
implementation rule
4. DNR to host public meeting on proposed ginseng rules
5. DNR enforcement actions
DNR MOVES FORWARD ON STREAM ASSESSMENTS,
MEETS WITH CITIES AND INDUSTRIES STATEWIDE
MEDIA CONTACT: Lori McDaniel at (515) 281-8094.
DES MOINES - An upcoming series of meetings will focus on recent DNR stream
assessments and the effects they will have on cities and businesses
discharging treated wastewater to state streams.
The four meetings across the state provide an important dialogue with
communities on how Iowa will implement significant changes to stream
classifications in the state's water quality standards. The DNR made the
changes in 2006 to meet requirements of the federal Clean Water Act.
The meetings will be held as follows:
Guthrie Center:
Monday, Feb. 2, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library, 400 Grand St.
Iowa City:
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A, 123 South Linn St.
Orange City:
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Orange City Public Library, 112 Albany Ave. SE
Waterloo:
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Waterloo Public Library, Meeting Room A, 415 Commercial St.
The changes in 2006 created a presumption that all streams deserve the
highest classification and the highest level of protection. Since then, the
DNR has conducted stream assessments in groups to determine what stream
classification is most appropriate for those streams. The DNR held a similar
round of meetings on the first group of streams in 2007.
These stream studies can change the level of protection on some streams,
which will affect how some cities and industries will need to treat effluent
being released to Iowa streams.
In the meetings, the DNR will address concerns of cities and businesses that
may face stricter permit requirements when new water quality standards go
into effect. The meetings will include a short presentation, a general
question and answer session, and one-on-one consultations with
representatives of industries and municipalities.
"I am looking forward to meeting with Iowa businesses and communities, to
work with them to find innovative solutions to the water quality challenges
we face as a state," said Adam Schnieders, who works on water quality
standards for the DNR.
Some facilities may need to make minor to major upgrades on their facilities
in coming years to meet new permit limits. These new permits will further
limit the amount of pollutants entering Iowa's streams and rivers.
The DNR will begin rulemaking efforts in February to formally make changes
to use designations for a number of Iowa streams and rivers.
For more information on water quality standards, visit the DNR's Web site at
www.iowadnr.gov/water/standards/ .
# # #
DICKINSON COUNTY RESIDENTS ASKED TO SHARE IDEAS ON IMPROVING SILVER LAKE
MEDIA CONTACTS: Jeff Berckes at (515) 281-4791 or [log in to unmask];
or Charles Ikenberry at (515) 281-8753 or [log in to unmask]
LAKE PARK - Iowans interested in improving Silver Lake in Dickinson County
can attend a Feb. 17 meeting to review and discuss a recent water quality
study and its suggestions for improving the lake.
Silver Lake is on the state's impaired waters list because of poor water
clarity. Lakes with poor water clarity contain high levels of turbidity,
which means that the water appears murky and unclear. Occasionally, large
amounts of algae are present in Silver Lake, which also contributes to high
turbidity. Poor water clarity can make a lake visually unappealing and
affect recreation, such as swimming and boating.
The cause of turbidity problems in Silver Lake appear to be soil erosion,
synthetic fertilizers, livestock manure and the stirring up of phosphorus
already in the lake.
The study, or DNR water quality improvement plan, looks at the causes and
potential solutions for the problems in Silver Lake. It is designed as a
guide for improving the lake for local resource agencies, partners,
stakeholders and residents.
"Silver Lake is an important resource to northwest Iowa, and we're looking
forward to meeting with citizens who want to make a difference in their
lake," said Jeff Berckes with the DNR's Watershed Improvement program. "We'll
present the results of our research at the meeting and talk about how we can
create a plan to improve water quality together."
The DNR will ask Iowans for their input at the Feb. 17 meeting in Lake Park.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Lake Park Community Center, 903
South Market St.
Staff from the DNR's Lake Restoration program, Watershed Improvement program
and Fisheries and Wildlife bureaus will also be on hand to answer questions.
Those not able to attend the public meeting can receive more information at
www.iowadnr.gov/water/watershed/tmdl/publicnotice.html and submit comments
on the plan from Feb. 3 to March 6 via:
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Telephone: Jeff Berckes at (515) 281-4791
Mail: Jeff Berckes, care of Iowa DNR, Wallace State Office
Building,
502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, Iowa 50319
After gathering Iowans' comments, the DNR will forward the final plan, also
called by its technical name of Total Maximum Daily Load, to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency for approval. Local groups interested in
helping Silver Lake can then use the plan to assist their improvement
efforts.
# # #
DNR RESCHEDULES MEETINGS ON ANTIDEGRADATION POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION RULE
MEDIA CONTACT: Adam Schnieders at (515) 281-7409 or
[log in to unmask]
DES MOINES - The DNR has rescheduled two public meetings on proposed water
quality standard rules to implement an antidegradation policy in Iowa.
The meetings were postponed due to winter weather and have been rescheduled
for Tuesday, March 3 at:
Independence: 10:00 a.m., Falcon Civic Center, 1305 Fifth Ave. NE
Waukon: 6:00 p.m., in the Northeast Iowa Community College/Waukon Wellness
Center, 1220 Third Ave. NW, Suite 102
The DNR has also extended the public comment period on the proposed rules to
March 4.
The antidegradation policy, required by Iowa law, would set minimum
requirements for the state to conserve, maintain and protect water quality
and existing uses of Iowa's waterbodies.
Antidegradation policy is one of the three components of water quality
standards (i.e. designated uses, water quality criteria to protect those
uses, and antidegradation policy). The DNR is proposing a four-tiered
approach, including creating a guidance document that establishes procedures
for implementing the antidegradation policy.
The changes being proposed include the following:
Incorporate by reference the document entitled "Iowa Antidegradation
Implementation Procedure," which proposes an approach to be followed in
assessing and minimizing degradation of Iowa's surface waters
Update antidegradation policy language with four tier approach
Remove High Quality (Class HQ) and High Quality Resource (Class HQR)
designated uses and add several waters to the newly proposed Outstanding
Iowa Water (OIW) category.
People can also submit written comments by sending them to Adam Schnieders,
Iowa DNR, 502 East 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50319, or by e-mail to
[log in to unmask] The DNR will accept comments until March 4.
For more information, view the complete rule proposal at
www.iowadnr.gov/water/standards/antidegradation.html or contact Schnieders
by e-mail or at (515) 281-7409.
# # #
DNR to Host Public Meeting on Proposed Ginseng Rules
NOTE TO EDITORS: This release updates an earlier version by including a
meeting location in Dubuque.
MEDIA CONTACT: Mimi Habhab at (515) 281-5034 or [log in to unmask]
DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is proposing new rules
covering the harvest and sale of ginseng and will hold a public meeting over
the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) to receive public input.
The proposal better defines wild and cultivated ginseng, green and dry
ginseng, persons permitted to harvest and sell ginseng, and prohibits the
harvesting or planting of ginseng on state-owned and state-managed lands.
The proposal also clarifies the fees charged for permits issued under these
rules, the restrictions and prohibitions for harvesting wild ginseng, and
the record keeping and reporting requirements related to ginseng
transactions.
The public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Feb. 4, at the following ICN
locations:
Des Moines: State Historical Building, Room 157 - Heritage Classroom C, 600
East Locust
Council Bluffs: Iowa Western Community College, Looft Hall, Room 112, 700
College Road
Davenport: Eastern Iowa Community College District, Kahl Education Center,
Room 300, 326 West Third St.
Decorah: Decorah Public Library, 202 Winnebago St.
Dubuque: University of Dubuque, Jackaline Baldwine Dunlap Technology Center,
Room T201, 2000 University Ave.
Elkader: Central Community Junior - Senior High School, Room 119, 400 First
St. NW
Fort Dodge: St. Edmund High School, Room 101, 501 N. 22nd St.
Garnavillo: Clayton Ridge Middle School, 502 W. Watson
Iowa City: Iowa City High School, north side of school, 1900 Morningside
Drive
Mason City: North Iowa Area Community College, Room 119, Careers Building,
500 College Drive
Waterloo: Hawkeye Community College, Tama Hall, 1501 E. Orange Road
West Burlington: Southeastern Community College, Trustee Hall, Room 528,
1500 West Agency
Persons may present their views either orally or in writing at the public
meeting. Persons will be asked to give their name and address for the record
and to confine their remarks to the subject of the amendment. Any person who
intends to attend the public hearing and has special requirements should
contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and advise of those
specific needs.
Any interested person may make written suggestions or comments on the
proposed amendment on or before Feb. 3, 2009. Written materials should be
directed to Mimi Habhab, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wallace State
Office Building, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0034. Persons
wishing to convey their views orally should contact Habhab at (515)
281-5034, by email at [log in to unmask] or in person at the fourth
floor of the Wallace State Office Building.
# # #
DNR ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
MEDIA CONTACT: Jessie Brown at (515) 281-5131.
DES MOINES - The DNR has taken the following enforcement actions. The
following are only briefs; please contact Jessie Brown of the DNR for more
information at (515) 281-5131.
Enforcement actions, including copies of the original orders and contact
information, are available on the DNR's Web site at
www.iowadnr.gov/legal/eactions.html. The Web listing offers orders first
taken in 2007 or later (original orders and amendments to orders issued
prior to 2007 are not listed).
Administrative Orders
Responsible parties have 30 days to appeal the order or 60 days to pay the
penalty.
Johnson County
Stuart Yoder, of Kalona, was issued an administrative order to pay a $5,000
penalty, cease open burning of solid waste and open dumping of solid waste,
and properly recycle or dispose of all waste at a permitted disposal site.
The order is in regard to violations of solid waste disposal.
Poweshiek County
GPS Properties LLC, dba Randhawas Travel Center, of Brooklyn, was issued an
administrative order to cease all discharges from its wastewater lagoon, to
maintain a certified operator for its wastewater treatment facility, and to
pay a $10,000 penalty. The order is in regard to wastewater violations.
Washington County
James Boller, of Kalona, was issued an administrative order to submit a
manure management plan (MMP), to pay associated fees, and to pay a $5,000
penalty. The order is in regard to animal feeding operation violations at a
site near Wellman.
Consent Orders
A consent order is issued as an alternative to issuing an administrative
order. A consent order indicates that the DNR has voluntarily entered into a
legally enforceable agreement with the other party.
Clayton, Polk Counties
Trileaf Corporation, of Grimes, agreed in a consent order to comply with a
plan of action that includes, among others, to submit a landfarming
notification form and flag the landfarming site. Trileaf also agreed to pay
$2,100 to the Economic Development Board of Parkersburg for tree planting as
a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP). The consent order is in regard
to violations related to the land application of petroleum-contaminated soil
at a site in Clayton County.
Carrol and Arlene Harbaugh, of Elkader, agreed in a consent order to make
improvements to record freeboard measurements in each of their outside
manure storage structures, to submit a plan of improvements to the DNR, and
to pay a $2,206.68 penalty and $1,293.32 in restitution for a fish kill. The
consent order is in regard to manure control violations that resulted in a
fish kill in West Fork South Cedar Creek.
Delaware, Fayette Counties
TEAMS 2000 LLC, of Masonville, agreed in a consent order to pay a $3,500
penalty and $1,241.17 in restitution for a fish kill. The consent order is
in regard to a manure discharge into the North Branch of the Volga River in
Fayette County. The penalty and restitution have been paid.
Louisa County
Randy Wood, of Columbus Junction, agreed in a consent order to pay a $5,000
penalty and $7,582.60 in fish restitution. The consent order is in regard to
a prohibited manure discharge that caused a fish kill.
O'Brien County
Roorda Dairy, LLC, of Paullina, agreed in a consent order to operate its
facility and controls in the manner they were designed to be operated, and
to pay a $4,000 penalty and $529.45 in restitution for a fish kill. The
consent order is in regard to wastewater violations that caused a fish kill
in Mud Creek. The penalty and restitution have been paid.
Shelby County
Natural Milk Production, LLLP, dba Ultimilk Dairy Company, of Kirkman,
agreed in a consent order to land-apply manure and all wastewater in a way
that will not cause water contamination, to maintain its manure management
plan and land application records according to DNR rules, and to pay a
$5,000 penalty. The consent order is in regard to a prohibited discharge to
the West Nishnabotna River. The penalty has been paid.
Wapello County
Troy Elevator, Inc., of Blakesburg, agreed in a consent order to pay a
$3,500 penalty. The consent order is in regard to air quality and solid
waste disposal violations during demolition of a building at the Troy
Elevator facility. The penalty has been paid.
Washington County
76 Ltd., of Keota, agreed in a consent order to submit an updated manure
management plan (MMP) and pay a $2,000 penalty. The order is in regard to
failure to update a manure management plan (MMP) and submit annual
compliance fees in a timely manner. The penalty has been paid.
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