Greetings,
The following press release is regarding the Lower Des Moines River water quality improvement plan (aka TMDL) that the DNR is developing. We are holding 3 informational meetings next week. If this does not directly affect you, please pass the information on to the people in your organization that may have an interest.
Thank you for your time,
IOWANS ASKED TO ATTEND INFORMATIONAL MEETING REGARDING LOWER DES MOINES RIVER
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Berckes at (515) 281-4791 or [log in to unmask] or Bill Graham at (515) 281-5917 or [log in to unmask]
DES MOINES – Iowans interested in learning about the water quality improvement plan scheduled to be completed for the lower Des Moines River can attend a meeting to be held in three locations the week of Sept. 15.
A segment of the Des Moines River, known as the lower Des Moines River, is on the state’s impaired waters list because of excess E. coli bacteria in the water. This type of bacteria may indicate the presence of disease-causing human pathogens.
The lower Des Moines segment runs from downtown Des Moines where the Raccoon River enters to the uppermost part of Red Rock Reservoir. This segment collects water from many important Iowa rivers and streams including Raccoon River, Saylorville Lake, Beaver Creek, Four Mile Creek, North River, Middle River and South River.
The study, or DNR water quality improvement plan, will look at the problems and potential solutions for the river. The document can be used as a guide to improve recreation, wildlife and fishing on the river for local resource agencies, partners, stakeholders and residents interested in making a difference.
“We would like to work with people interested in learning more about water quality and how they can affect positive change in their watershed,” said Jeff Berckes with the DNR’s Watershed Improvement program. “These meetings are the first chance for the public to express their ideas on what can be done to improve the lower Des Moines River.”
The DNR will ask Iowans for public input at the following meetings:
Des Moines area: Sept. 15, 2-4 p.m., Meeting Room B, Urbandale Public Library, 3520 86th St., Urbandale.
Winterset: Sept. 15, 7-9 p.m., Community Center Room at the Farmers and Merchants State Bank, 101 West Jefferson St.
Indianola: Sept. 17, 7-9 p.m., Carver Hall Room 215 at Simpson College, West Clinton Ave.
Staff from the DNR’s Watershed Improvement Program will be on hand to answer questions.
Those not able to attend the public meeting can receive more information at www.iowadnr.gov/water/watershed/tmdl/publicnotice.html Or, they can contact Jeff Berckes, water quality improvement program coordinator, by emailing [log in to unmask], calling (515) 281-4791 or mailing him care of the DNR, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319
After gathering Iowans’ comments, the DNR will complete a draft plan. When the document is completed, it will be presented to the public for comments and then submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval. Local groups interested in improving water quality in the lower Des Moines River can then use the plan to assist their improvement efforts.
"Empowering Iowans to Revitalize Rivers, Lakes, Streams, & Groundwater
by Fostering Community Partnerships and Offering Technical Guidance"
Jeff Berckes, TMDL Program Coordinator
Watershed Improvement Sections
Wallace Bldg., 502 E 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319-0034
515-281-4791 (office) 515-281-8895 (fax)