PUBLIC ASKED TO ATTEND MEETINGS ON IMPROVING THE BIG SIOUX RIVER
Public comment period extended on water quality improvement plan

DES MOINES - The DNR will hold two public meetings to gather Iowans' input on a draft plan to improve water quality in the Big Sioux River.

The meetings are scheduled for March 9 at the following locations:
* Rock Rapids: 1 p.m., Rock Rapids Community Center, 404 First Ave.
* Hawarden:  6 p.m., Hawarden Community Center, 1150 Central Ave.

High bacteria levels are the main cause of water quality problems in the Big Sioux River, located in northwest Iowa. Those bacteria indicate that waste from wildlife, livestock, birds and humans is in the water. The bacteria come from sources throughout the watershed, or area of land that drains into the river. Those sources include treated wastewater, rain and snow runoff from areas with wildlife and livestock, and leaking septic systems.

The DNR has developed a draft water quality plan, also known as a TMDL, or Total Maximum Daily Load. TMDLs are calculations used to determine how much of a pollutant a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards. The plan includes information on how conservation efforts in the watershed can improve water quality.

Iowans can submit comments on the Big Sioux River plan via e-mail, phone or mail (contact information below). The public comment period has been extended from March 6 to March 17.

The draft plan and supporting documents can be obtained through: 
Internet: www.iowadnr.com/water/tmdlwqa/tmdl/publicnotice.html
E-mail:  [log in to unmask]
Telephone: William Graham at (515) 281-5917
Mail: William Graham, care of Iowa DNR, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. 9th St., Des Moines, Iowa 50319

After receiving public comments, the DNR will forward the draft plan to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for final approval.

For more information, contact Chris Van Gorp at (515) 281-4791.

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