Public input needed on new Antidegradation policy for Iowa waters
These new water rules, called Antidegradation, refer to regulations that significantly increase protections for rivers, streams and lakes and keep water quality from worsening. Under the federal Clean Water Act, each state must adopt antidegradation rules for their rivers, streams and lakes. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently in the process of proposing antidegradation rules for Iowa waters and is asking for public comments that will help determine how protective (or lax) these rules will be. That is why it’s important that concerned Iowans participate in this process.
How you can help
Learn about antidegradation policy, frequently asked question, talking points and much more, by reading the documents posted on this section of our website:(http://www.iaenvironment.org/Antidegradation1.htm). Please don’t feel like you have to be an expert on antidegradation policy to speak or write about your concerns for strong water quality protections. And if you have questions after reading these documents, call or email Susan Heathcote, water program director for the Iowa Environmental Council. 515-244-1194, ext 205 or heathcote (at) iaenvironment (dot) org.
Attend one of the following public comment meetings and speak up in support of the antidegradation rules as proposed by the Iowa DNR.
Dec 12
1:00 p.m.
Wallace State Office Bldg
5th Floor
502 East 9th Street
Des Moines
Dec 15
10:00 a.m.
Washington Public Library
120 E. Main Street
Washington
Dec 17
10:00 a.m.
Storm Lake Public Library
609 Cayuga Street
Storm Lake
Dec 17
6:00 p.m.
Atlantic Municipal Utilities
Conference Room
15 W. Third
Atlantic
Dec 18
1:00 p.m.
Clear Lake Community Meeting Room
15 N. Sixth Street
Clear Lake
Jan 8
7:00 p.m.
Iowa Lakeside Laboratory
Waitt Lab
Milford
Jan 14
10:00 a.m.
Manchester Public Library
304 Franklin
Manchester
Jan 14
6:00 p.m.
Northeast Iowa Community College
Room 321
1220 3rd Avenue, Suite 102
Waukon
Jan 15
1:00 p.m.
Davenport Public Library
Film Room
321 Main Street
Davenport
If you are unable to attend a meeting, please send your written comments by January 29, 2009 to: Adam Schnieders at:
Encourage your friends to attend a meeting or write a letter. Be sure your local river, lake or watershed group knows about these rules.
Stay informed. The next step in the Iowa DNR process of developing water quality standards is setting “nutrient criteria” for lakes. We’ll need your help then, too.
These new water rules, called Antidegradation, refer to regulations that significantly increase protections for rivers, streams and lakes and keep water quality from worsening. Under the federal Clean Water Act, each state must adopt antidegradation rules for their rivers, streams and lakes. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently in the process of proposing antidegradation rules for Iowa waters and is asking for public comments that will help determine how protective (or lax) these rules will be. That is why it’s important that concerned Iowans participate in this process. 