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Iowa Department of Natural Resources
February 12, 2009
For immediate release
1.      Water issues top EPC’s February 17 agenda
2.      Manure spills reported in northern Iowa – DNR cautions applicators
3.      DNR biodiesel project fuels financial and sustainable benefits for Iowa
4.      DNR seeks input on permit rules for livestock operations
5.      Livestock master matrix passes in 87 counties
WATER ISSUES TOP EPC’S FEBRUARY 17 AGENDA
MEDIA CONTACT: Jerah Gallinger at (515) 313-8909 or [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
URBANDALE – A contract and rule proposals concerning water quality will be discussed at the Feb. 17 meeting of the Environmental Protection Commission.
Commissioners will be asked to approve final rule proposals affecting construction and operation of wastewater facilities and inspection of underground storage tanks. A contract for staffing water quality improvement projects will also be up for approval.
In other action, commissioners will be asked to approve going forward with a rule proposal that would change the recreational and aquatic life use designations for 138 stream segments. This is the second group of proposed changes based on the scientific analysis of each stream segment to determine its highest possible use.
The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. at the DNR Air Quality Building at 7900 Hickman Road in Urbandale. The meeting is open to the public and public participation is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.
The Environmental Protection Commission has the following scheduled appointments:
·        at 1 p.m., Jerald L. Schnoor, Ph.D., from the University of Iowa will give a report on the Climate Change Advisory Council;
·        at 1:30 p.m., an appeal of a proposed decision will be heard; and
·        at 2 p.m., there will be a DNR staff presentation on monitoring and testing of mercury emissions followed by the notice of intended action regarding the Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR).
The complete agenda follows:
·        Approval of Agenda
·        Approval of Minutes
·        Director’s Remarks
·        Contract – IDALS-DSC – Nonpoint Source Program Basin Coordinator Staffing Assistance Contract
·        Solid Waste Alternatives Program – Recommendations
*   Adopted and Filed – Water Use & Allocation Permit Fees, Chapter 50: Scope of Division—Definitions—Forms—Rules of Practice; and Chapter 55: Aquifer Storage and Recovery: Criteria and Conditions for Authorizing Storage, Recovery, and Use of Water
·        Adopted and Filed – Amendments to Wastewater Rules, including Chapters 60, 62, 63, and 64
*   Appeal of Proposed Decision – Anthony Herman dba Mighty Good Used Cars
·        Adopted and Filed – Chapter 135 – Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements for Owners and Operators of Underground Storage Tanks
·        Notice of Intended Action – Chapter 134 – Certification of Groundwater Professionals and Underground Storage Tank (UST) Compliance Inspectors
·        Notice of Intended Action – Chapter 61 – Water Quality Standards (Stream Reclassifications via Use Assessment and Use Attainability Analyses – Batch #2)
*   Amended Notice of Intended Action – Chapter 61 – Water Quality Standards (Antidegradation Policy and Implementation Procedures)
·        Final Rule – Chapter 23 – Air Quality Program Rules – Rescission of vacated NESHAP
·        Notice of Intended Action: Chapters 23, 25 and 34: Air Quality Program Rules – Rescission of vacated CAMR regulations and addition of new mercury monitoring provisions
·        Monthly Reports
        General Discussion
o       Water Quality Advocate Bi-Annual Update
·        Items for Next Month’s Meeting
o       March 17 – Cedar Rapids
o       April 21 – Urbandale
Look for more information about the agenda items on the DNR Web site under
“Commissions and Boards” at www.iowadnr.gov<http://www.iowadnr.gov/>.
The members of the commission are Henry Marquard, chair, Muscatine; Charlotte Hubbell, vice chair, Des Moines; Suzanne Morrow, secretary, Storm Lake; David Petty, Eldora; Susan Heathcote, Des Moines; Paul Johnson, Decorah, Marty Stimson, Cedar Rapids; Shearon Elderkin, Cedar Rapids; and Eugene Ver Steeg, Inwood. The director of the DNR is Richard Leopold.
Writer: Karen Grimes
MANURE SPILLS REPORTED IN NORTHERN IOWA - DNR CAUTIONS APPLICATORS
MEDIA CONTACT: Eric Wiklund at (641) 424-4073 or [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
ELLSWORTH – Manure applicators who are hoping to beat the spring thaw by applying now might want to consider the runoff potential and hold off until the ground has thawed.
Late winter or early spring, shortly before the ground thaws or the snow melts, is one of the more risky times to apply manure, according to Eric Wiklund, an environmental specialist at the DNR’s Mason City field office. “Manure runoff and resulting water quality problems are most likely to occur during these conditions because the manure can’t absorb into the ground,” he said.
“I know it delays application until later in the spring, but if producers want to take advantage of the nutrients for crop fertility and protect water quality, they are better off waiting until the ground has thawed,” he said. Producers who apply under these conditions are losing their fertilizer value.
If producers don’t have adequate storage capacity, they should consider alternative storage options. Wiklund advises those who can’t wait to pick a relatively flat field, make sure it’s located far from a stream or waterway, and to plug or sleeve any tile inlets in the field or other areas which could be reached by runoff. However, almost no precautions would have prevented a discharge this week given the soil conditions.
The Mason City field office investigated four complaints about manure runoff this week and found one with active runoff. They found that hog manure applied to a field east of Ellsworth reached Long Dick Creek in Hamilton County. The manure came from a confinement operation owned by David Hegland of Ellsworth.
Hegland applied an estimated 132,000 gallons of manure to part of the field late Monday and early Tuesday. An unknown amount reached the creek. When DNR investigated, they found the snow had melted, but the ground was still frozen. Manure was running off the field into a nearby road ditch, then down a tile intake, through the tile line and into the creek about a half mile away.
Investigators found high ammonia levels Tuesday, but no evidence of a fish kill. The ammonia levels had dropped by Wednesday after Hegland plugged the tile intake and pumped liquids back to the confinement.
“This is a case where he should not have hauled under the current soil and high moisture conditions,” said Wiklund. “Even though the field was relatively flat, the frozen conditions were such that the liquid manure could not be absorbed and had no place to go except downhill.
The DNR will consider appropriate enforcement action.
Producers who are out of storage and need to land apply can call their local DNR field office for technical assistance at the following locations:
Northeast Iowa, Manchester, (563) 927-2640.
North Central Iowa, Mason City, (641) 424-4073.
Northwest Iowa, Spencer, (712) 262-4177.
Southwest Iowa, Atlantic, (712) 243-1934.
South Central Iowa, Des Moines, (515) 725-0268.
Southeast Iowa, Washington, (319) 653-2135.
DNR BIODIESEL PROJECT FUELS FINANCIAL AND SUSTAINABLE BENEFITS FOR IOWA
MEDIA CONTACT: Steve Fugate, DNR, at (515) 281-8901 or (515) 868-2545 (cell)
DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Trails Program initiated a Biodiesel Production Pilot Project at Big Creek State Park after receiving an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Blue Skyways grant.
Used fryer oil is now being collected from state-run cafeterias and facilities, including the State Capitol, Lucas building, Historical building and several local restaurants. The oil is then converted into biodiesel for DNR Trails Program vehicles and service equipment.
The post-consumer oil will reduce fuel expenditures and is currently the most energy-efficient transportation fuel available.
“The State must take a leadership role in efficiency, recycling and environmental stewardship,” said Steve Fugate, DNR biodiesel project director. “By providing an example of relatively simple actions that can be taken to reduce our dependence on foreign oil while improving the environment, we illustrate the positive role of state government.”
During the first half of 2009, the Biodiesel Production Project at Big Creek State Park will produce approximately 6,000 gallons of fuel.
The goals of the Biodiesel Project are to:
*   Reduce fuel costs for state park vehicles and service equipment
*   Reduce vehicle and equipment maintenance frequency
*   Reduce use of imported petroleum
*   Improve energy efficiency and air quality
*   Keep energy dollars at work in Iowa
*   Provide resource management leadership
“We hope to integrate other forms of renewable energy into our process to increase efficiency and reduce energy consumption,” said Fugate. “We look forward to increasing educational efforts with our achievements and serve as a sustainability model for all Iowa’s state parks.”
For further information on the DNR Biodiesel Production Project, contact (515) 868-2545 (cell), 515-281-8901 or [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.
DNR SEEKS INPUT ON PERMIT RULES FOR LIVESTOCK OPERATIONS
MEDIA CONTACT: Gene Tinker at (563) 927-2640, or [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
DES MOINES – The DNR is seeking public input on a rule proposal that would bring Iowa’s regulations on open feedlots into compliance with federal and state laws.
The rule proposal would update the Iowa Administrative Code to implement a state law passed in 2008 and to bring state regulations regarding national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permits in compliance with federal laws.
Specific changes are proposed for definitions, land application practices and requirements for nutrient management plans.
The public hearings are scheduled for the following locations:
March 3, Spencer, 7 p.m. - Iowa Lakes CC, Gateway North, Room 108 B, 1900 North Grand Avenue
March 4, Atlantic, 9 a.m. - DNR Field Office, Conference Room, 1401 Sunnyside Lane
March 4, Cedar Rapids, 3 p.m. - Kirkwood Center for Continuing Education, Room 123, 7725 Kirkwood Boulevard
March 5, Des Moines, 2 p.m. - Wallace State Office Building, Fifth Floor Conference Rooms, 502 E. Ninth St.
View the entire rule proposal on the DNR’s Web site at http://www.iowadnr.gov/afo/newrules.html
People may make comments verbally or in writing at any of the public hearings. They may also submit comments to Gene Tinker, Iowa DNR, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0034, or by email to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Comments must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on March 6.
LIVESTOCK MASTER MATRIX PASSES IN 87 COUNTIES
MEDIA CONTACT: Jerah Gallinger at (515) 313-8909.
DES MOINES – By the end of January 87 counties had notified the DNR that they intend to evaluate construction permit applications and proposed locations for animal confinements by using the master matrix.
Animal producers in these counties must meet higher standards than other confinement producers who also need a construction permit. They must earn points on the master matrix by choosing a site and using practices that reduce impacts on air, water and the community.
All counties except for 12 notified the DNR that they will be using the matrix during the next 12 months. The following counties will not be using the matrix in 2009: Decatur, Fremont, Iowa, Jasper, Keokuk, Lee, Mahaska, Osceola, Plymouth, Warren, Wapello and Washington.
Counties that adopt the master matrix can provide more input to producers on site selection, the proposed structures and proposed facility management. Participating counties can also participate in DNR site visits to a proposed confinement site.
While all counties may submit comments to the DNR during the review process for permit applications, counties that adopt the master matrix can also appeal a preliminary permit approval to the Environmental Protection Commission.
The deadline for enrolling in the program is Jan. 31 of each year.
Producers and citizens can obtain more information and view a map of participating counties at www.iowadnr.gov/afo/matrix.html<http://www.iowadnr.gov/afo/matrix.html>.
Only those producers who must get a construction permit are affected by the matrix.
Writer: Karen Grimes