Pasted below and attached as a Word document is a press release regarding
the March 19 meeting of the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission.
Please contact Karen Grimes at [log in to unmask] if you have any
questions.

Iowa DNR News
Environmental Protection

For immediate release March 19, 2001

For more information, contact Karen Grimes at (515) 281-5135.

SOLID WASTE ADDRESSED AT EPC MEETING

DES MOINES - At the March EPC meeting today, new director Jeff Vonk
introduced himself to commissioners and gave a brief history of his 20-year
career in the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service, including
four years as state conservationist in Iowa during the early 90s.  Vonk told
commissioners that he is experienced in building coalitions and that his
goal was to improve environmental conditions in the state, while working
with all the interest groups.
"I will be fair, firm and professional," said Vonk.  He also vowed to work
hard and to listen, as he cited significant challenges that the agency faces
with proposed budget cuts of six percent and existing problems of
understaffing.
At the meeting today, commissioners approved replacing two chapters of rules
on solid waste comprehensive planning with a new chapter, despite comments
from four solid waste agencies that the new chapter burdens city and county
governments with finding alternative disposal sites for some wastes.
"Solid waste comprehensive planning is the backbone of responsible waste
management in Iowa," said Liz Christiansen, division administrator.  "We
want to ensure that it remains a strong and vital effort in this state."
Agency representatives who commented on the new chapter also complimented
the DNR for an extensive rules review process that included stakeholders.
In other action, commissioners approved a contract for $307,968 with the
University of Iowa Hygienic Lab to monitor physical, chemical and biological
characteristics of 12 streams located throughout the state.
The contract includes monthly monitoring and additional monitoring during
two snowmelt runoff events and four rainfall runoff events.  The data will
be used to develop a total maximum daily load - or TMDL - for each of the
streams.  The TMDL identifies the pollution problem and the pollution
control methods that can be used to improve water quality.
Commissioners approved funding for the following six solid waste projects,
totaling approximately $929,483 in a combination of forgivable loans, zero
interest loans and three percent interest loans:
· MIW, Inc. of Marshalltown, $295,556 for a recycling building;
· Ida County Landfill Board of Supervisors, $67,562 for a recycling
education and public awareness program to assist with and publicize a ban on
recyclables in the landfill;
· Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls, Runnells, $50,000 for plastic grinding
equipment;
· Sivyer Steel Corporation, Bettendorf, $500,000 for sand reclamation
equipment to be used in their foundry;
· Pocahontas County, $4,005 for an outdoor recycling program in park and
recreation areas; and
· Meadow Ridge Stables, West Des Moines, $12,360 for resurfacing an indoor
and outdoor arena with recycled, crumb rubber using 103 tons of processed
scrap tires.
Commissioners approved a contract for $295,450 with Norstan Consultants to
develop a private well database and data management program.  The new
database will consolidate separate databases with information on well
permits, well logs, well plugging and well water testing.
The EPC voted to refer the following two cases to the Attorney General's
office for water supply violations and unpaid penalties:
· 10th Hole Food & Spirits in Calamus, and
· The Barn in Sherrill.
No action was taken on a contested case involving Bee Rite Tire Disposal,
Inc. in Rhodes because the responsible party appealed.

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