Here is the action alert that was sent out regarding the triennial review. We want the DNR to make nutrient reduction the top priority. Wally Taylor DNR: Make Nutrient Reduction a Priority Prioritize Nutrient Reduction in Triennial Review Iowans are invited to attend one of six public water qualitymeetings held by the DNR across the state. The DNR is gathering Iowans’ thoughts on improving the state’s water quality goals as part of its three-year review of water quality standards and goals. The meetings are part of the triennial review process set forth in the federal Clean Water Act, providing opportunity to the public to help set state goals for streams and rivers. The triennial review process ensures water quality standards, as listed in Chapter 61 of the Iowa Administrative Code, are up-to-date. After identifying issues, the DNR will develop a work plan to address the concerns. Sierra Club Iowa Chapter asserts that the priority issue isnutrient reduction. In 2012, DNR reported to the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) that 480 of Iowa’s waterbodies were impaired with 642 impairments. The reports are submitted every two years soanother impaired waters report will be submitted to EPA again for 2014. The number of impairments steadily have risenin the past decade. Althoughagricultural-related impairments don’t account for 100 percent of the impairments,they contribute to enough impairments that nutrient reduction needs to beaddressed by DNR. The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy was developed to reducethe size, severity and duration of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. As of August 18, 2014, the dead zone in thenorthern Gulf was 5,052 square miles[i] orroughly the area of Connecticut. Closer to home, nutrients forcelocal water utilities to operate expensive equipment to clean water suitablefor drinking. Nutrients that find theirway to groundwater can cause cancer and Blue Baby Syndrome in infants by reducing theblood’s capacity to carry oxygen, which can cause death or serious healthissues. Both private wells and urban drinking water sources can be polluted bymanure and commercial fertilizers. Currently, DNR is considering as its top priorities: Copper criteria Whether metals criteria should be expressed as totalrecoverable metals or dissolved metals Modifying the waste load allocation procedure The Iowa Chapter continues to believe that the Department ofNatural Resources, with its expertise and experience in point-source pollution,is the best entity for implementing any programs that will effectively reducenutrients. -----Original Message----- From: Jane Clark <[log in to unmask]> To: IOWA-TOPICS <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Thu, Sep 4, 2014 8:15 pm Subject: Help set water quality goals for streams, rivers IOWANS INVITED TO HELP SET WATER QUALITY GOALS FOR STREAMS, RIVERS Iowans are invited to attend public water quality meetings held by the DNR across the state. The DNR is gathering Iowans thoughts on improving the states water quality goals as part of its three-year review of water quality standards and goals. The meetings are part of the triennial review process set forth in the federal Clean Water Act, providing opportunity to the public to help set state goals for streams and rivers. This is the publics opportunity to tell us what is important to them, said Rochelle Weiss, DNR water quality standards coordinator. We want to hear Iowans concerns about potential pollutant levels, how streams are being used and how to protect existing water quality. The triennial review process ensures water quality standards, as listed in Chapter 61 of the Iowa Administrative Code, are up-to-date. Following the public comment period, the DNR will meet with the stakeholder technical advisory team to consider the publics suggestions. After identifying issues, the DNR will develop a work plan to address the concerns. Public meetings will be held at the following locations and times in: West Des Moines Sept. 8, 10 to 12 p.m. West Des Moines Public Library (Community Room), 4000 Mills Civic Parkway Independence Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Falcon Civic Center, 1305 Fifth Ave.. NE Clear Lake Sept. 9, 4 to 6 p.m. Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce Lakeview Room, 10 North Lakeview Drive Those not able to attend a meeting may submit written comments by Oct. 15 to: Rochelle Weiss, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 502 East Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319, or by e-mailing [log in to unmask] More information, including the full text of Chapter 61, is available at http://www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/RegulatoryWater/WaterQualityStandards/Rules .aspx under Rule Reference Documents. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the flagship e-newsletter. Sent out twice a month, it features the Club's latest news and activities. 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