Public Hearings Set for DNR Engineering Standards for Open Feedlots The DNR has proposed rules that would amend Iowa rules for animal feeding operations. The purpose of the amendments is to create a separate division within the current rules for regulations pertaining specifically to open feedlots. The proposed rules would also establish minimum design standards for manure and effluent control structures for open feedlots which the DNR was directed to do by state law. Please review the rules at http://www.iowadnr.com/afo/files/proposed.pdf and send comments to Gene Tinker by January 7. Five public hearings will be held on the proposed rule for engineering standards. The dates, locations and times are: • Jan. 4, at 8:30 a.m. in the Red Oak Fire Station, 1904 N. Broadway St., in Red Oak. • Jan. 4, at 6:30 p.m., in Room 142-146 of the main building at the Des Moines Area Community College – Carroll Campus, 906 N. Grant Road, in Carroll. • Jan. 5, at 8:30 a.m. in the Spencer Events Center, 800 West 18th St., Spencer, IA • Jan. 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lime Creek Nature Center, 3501 Lime Creek Road in Mason City. • Jan. 7, at 8:30 a.m. in the Iowa Rooms A and B on the 3rd floor of the Iowa Hall, Kirkwood Community College, 6301 Kirkwood Boulevard S.W., in Cedar Rapids. Comments may be submitted orally or in writing during the public hearings. All other comments must be received no later than Jan. 7, 2005. Any person who intends to attend a public hearing and has special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility, should contact Gene Tinker. Written comments on the proposed rules should be directed to Gene Tinker at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 502 East Ninth St., Des Moines, Ia 50319, Fax (515) 281-8895, or by e-mail to [log in to unmask] Neila Seaman, MPA Director Sierra Club, Iowa Chapter 3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280 Des Moines, IA 50310 [log in to unmask] 515-277-8868 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp