BLACK HAWK COUNTY CITIZENS INVITED TO DRY RUN CREEK WATER QUALITY MEETING

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Berckes at (515) 281-4791 or [log in to unmask]

CEDAR FALLS – Iowans interested in the water quality of Dry Run Creek in Black Hawk County can attend a meeting Oct. 19 to discuss the results of a recent DNR study. Citizens are also encouraged to bring their suggestions for improving the creek to the meeting.

Dry Run Creek is on the state’s list of impaired waters due to sampling results that revealed a significant lack of fish and aquatic insects in the stream. The DNR will discuss the results of an investigation into the biological conditions of the stream.  

The presentation will also cover the subsequent water quality improvement plan that looks at the causes of the impairment and offers potential solutions to help fix the problem. The resulting document for the stream is designed to serve as a guide for local resource agencies, partners, stakeholders and residents to improve stream conditions.

“With the proximity of the stream to the Cedar Falls community and the University of Northern Iowa campus, we’re excited to present our findings to an active and engaged group. We want to encourage anyone with an interest in the stream to come out and ask questions,” said Mindy Buyck, co-developer of the plan.

The DNR will ask Iowans for their input at a meeting on Thursday, Oct. 19. The meeting is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lantz Auditorium (room 137) in McCollum Science Hall on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. A map of the campus can be accessed at www.uni.edu/infosys/campusmap/#. 

Those not able to attend the public meeting can receive more information at www.iowadnr.gov/water/watershed/tmdl/publicnotice.html and submit comments on the plan by Nov. 1, 2010 via:

E-mail: [log in to unmask]

Mail:   Jeff Berckes, care of Iowa DNR, Wallace State Office Building,

502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, Iowa 50319

After gathering Iowans’ comments, the DNR will forward the final plan, also called by its technical name of Total Maximum Daily Load, to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval.