From Iowa Water Volunteers Program::   Below are two opportunities that may interest you:

 1. DNR Seeks Public Comment on Antidegradation Policy and Implementation Rule

2. DNR Seeks Public Comment on Private sewage disposal systems Rule Changes

 1.  DNR Seeks Public Comment on Antidegradation Policy and Implementation Rule

 People can comment orally or in writing on the proposed rules at eight public meetings:

• 1:00 p.m. on Dec. 12 in the fifth floor conference rooms of the Wallace State Office Building, 502 East Ninth Street, Des Moines, IA,
• 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 15 in the Washington Public Library at 120 E. Main Street, Washington, IA,
• 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 17 in the Storm Lake Public Library at 609 Cayuga Street, Storm Lake, IA,
• 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 17 in the Atlantic Municipal Utilities Conference Room at 15 W. Third Street, Atlantic, IA,
• 1:00 p.m. on Dec. 18 in the Clear Lake Community Meeting Room at 15 N. Sixth Street, Clear Lake, IA,
• 10:00 a.m. on Jan. 14 in the Manchester Public Library at 304 Franklin Street, Manchester, IA,
• 6:00 p.m. on Jan. 14 in the Northeast Iowa Community College - Waukon, Room 115 at 1220 3^rd Avenue, Suite 102, Waukon, IA,
• 1:00 p.m. on Jan. 15 in the Davenport Public Library, Film Room at 321 Main Street, Davenport, IA.

 The changes being proposed will propose the following:

·        Incorporate by reference the document entitled “Iowa Antidegradation Implementation Procedure,” which proposes an approach to be followed in assessing and minimizing degradation of Iowa’s surface waters,

·        Update antidegradation policy language with four tier approach,

·        Remove High Quality (Class HQ) and High Quality Resource (Class HQR) designated uses and add several waters to the newly proposed Outstanding Iowa Water (OIW) category.

 Antidegradation policy is one of the three components of water quality standards (i.e. designated uses, water quality criteria to protect those uses, and antidegradation policy).  The purpose of the antidegradation policy is to set minimum requirements for the state to follow in order to conserve, maintain, and protect existing uses and water quality.  The department is required by 40 CFR 131.12(a) to develop and adopt a statewide antidegradation policy and to identify procedures for implementing the policy.  The department is proposing a four-tiered approach and guidance document establishing procedures for implementing the antidegradation policy.

 People can submit written comments by sending them to Adam Schnieders at the Iowa DNR, 502 East 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50319, or by email to [log in to unmask]. The DNR will accept comments until January 29, 2009.

 For more information, view the complete rule proposal at http://www.iowadnr.com/water/standards/antidegradation.html.

 2.  DNR Seeks Public Comment on Private sewage disposal systems Rule Changes

 People can comment orally or in writing on the proposed rules at three public meetings:

• 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 in the South Conference Room at 401 SW 7^th Street, Suite M, in Des Moines,
• 1:00 p.m. on Dec. 3 in Room B of the Iowa City Public Library, 123 South Linn Street,
• 1:00 p.m. on Dec. 4 in the Fort Dodge Public Library Meeting Room at 424 Central Avenue.

The following is a list of the proposed changes to the rules:

·                    Title changed to “Private Sewage Disposal Systems” to match Iowa Code

·                    Changes and additions to definitions

·                    Addition of a time of transfer inspection section

·                    Addition of final inspection requirement and database tracking

·                    Changes to the requirements for discharging systems and NPDES permitting

·                    Changes to septic tank sizing and configuration

·                    Addition of soil loading rates to absorption system sizing

·                    Addition of requirements for grease traps, tank abandonment, pump vaults, at-grade soil systems, EPS aggregate, peat filters and textile filters.

·                    Removal of some applications of free access sand filters and waste stabilization ponds. 

·                    Additional requirements for aerobic treatment units.

·                    General permit 4 will change to include only those discharging onsite systems that pose a substantial risk to water quality.

·                    IAC 567-Chapter 64.15 will change to reflect the change in effective dates of the NPDES General Permit #4.

 People can submit written comments by sending them to Daniel Olson at the Iowa DNR, 502 East Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319, or by email to [log in to unmask]. The DNR will accept comments until December 5, 2008.

 For more information, view the complete rule proposal at http://www.iowadnr.com/water/npdes/rulemaking.html.