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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