PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON IOWA NUTRIENT REDUCTION STRATEGY CLOSES JANUARY 18;

MONTICELLO MEETING TOMORROW

Iowans are reminded that the public comment period on the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy closes on Friday, Jan. 18 at midnight.

Those interested in participating in the comment period can submit comments online at www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu or by mailing their comments to Nutrient Reduction Strategy, ANR Program Services, 2101 Agronomy Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011-1010. Mailed comments must be postmarked by Jan. 18.

A final informational meeting regarding the strategy will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office on the Jones County Fairgrounds, 800 N. Maple St., Monticello.

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is a science and technology-based approach to assess and reduce nutrients delivered to Iowa waterways and the Gulf of Mexico. The strategy outlines voluntary efforts to reduce nutrients in surface water from both point sources, such as wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities, and nonpoint sources, including farm fields and urban areas, in a scientific, reasonable and cost effective manner.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) worked with Iowa State University over a two-year period to develop the strategy. The resulting strategy is the first time such a comprehensive and integrated approach addressing both point and nonpoint sources of nutrients has been completed.

The Iowa strategy has been developed in response to the 2008 Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan that calls for the 12 states along the Mississippi River to develop strategies to reduce nutrient loading to the Gulf of Mexico. The Iowa strategy follows the recommended framework provided by EPA in 2011 and is only the second state to complete a statewide nutrient reduction strategy.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa DNR and Iowa State University have previously hosted two public meetings and held a webinar to educate Iowans about the strategy and answer questions. The webinar has been archived and can be viewed on the nutrient strategy website at www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The following is a joint press release from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa State University.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adam Schnieders, DNR, at 515- 281-7409, [log in to unmask];

Dustin VandeHoef, IDALS, at 515-281-3375, [log in to unmask];

John Lawrence, Iowa State University, at 515 294-7801, [log in to unmask].