The Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently collecting public comments on the methodology used to determine which Iowa water bodies are included on the impaired waters list (303 (d) list) for the state. This list is then used to develop clean up plans (including Total Maximum Daily Load assessments, or TMDLs) for the water bodies.

But because of the "credible data" law passed by the state legislature in 2000, the DNR may be required to remove (de-list) some water bodies from the impaired waters list without showing that new data proves the water bodies have been cleaned up or that there was a mistake made in 1998 when the water bodies were originally listed.

If "credible data" is really important to the state of Iowa, then the DNR should have to show that new data warrants de-listing some water bodies.

We need to let the DNR know that we don't agree with their listing (and de-listing) methodology.  We need lots of people to submit written comments to the DNR (and to send copies to the EPA) by May 17th.

The draft listing methodology can be found at www.state.ia.us/dnr/organiza/wtresrce/files/tmdlnotice.htm

(You can also find information at this site about the lawsuit brought by Sierra Club and others against the EPA to force the creation of TMDLs.)

Comments should be sent to Chris Van Gorp by MAY 17 at:
Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Building
502 E 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
or [log in to unmask]

Comments should be copied to Paul Schwaab at:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII
901 North 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
or [log in to unmask]

If you would like more information or some ideas for comments, please contact Erin Jordahl at 515-277-8868 or [log in to unmask]

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