For immediate release: sEPT. 6, 2012 <http://www.iowadnr.gov> www.iowadnr.gov | <http://www.facebook.com/iowadnr> facebook.com/iowadnr | <http://www.twitter.com/iowadnr> twitter.com/iowadnr IOWANS ASKED FOR INPUT ON YELLOW RIVER WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN 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] OSSIAN - Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in the Yellow River and its tributaries in Allamakee and Winneshiek counties can attend one of three meetings to be held Sept. 26 and Sept. 27. Citizens are encouraged to bring their questions to the meeting. The Yellow River and several of its tributaries are on the state's list of impaired waters for high levels of indicator bacteria. The current study, or DNR water quality improvement plan, shows where the bacteria comes from and how these problems can be addressed. The plan explores the amounts and sources of bacteria entering the river system and offers potential solutions to reduce those levels and work toward fixing the problem. The document is designed as a guide for local resource agencies, partners, stakeholders and residents to improve the water quality in the river system. Staff from the DNR's Watershed Improvement Program will be on hand to answer questions. The meetings will be held at the following locations and times: * Sept. 26, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Yellow River State Forest Visitor Center, 729 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry * Sept. 26, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Allamakee County NRCS Office, 635 Ninth St. NW, Waukon * Sept. 27, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Ossian Community Building, 123 West Main St., Ossian Those not able to attend a public meeting can receive more information at www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/WaterQuality/WatershedImprovement/WatershedResea rchData/WaterImprovementPlans/PublicMeetingsPlans.aspx and submit comments on the plan by Oct. 8 via: E-mail: <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [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 (TMDL), to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp