FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 14, 2017
MEDIA CONTACT: Roger Bruner, DNR, (515) 310-0247, roger.bruner@dnr.iowa.gov
DES MOINES -- The DNR is seeking public comment on the newly released
draft impaired waters list. Data released by the Iowa Department of Natural
Resources, today, shows 56 impairments will be removed from the 2014 impaired
list, once approved by the EPA.
Of the 1,378 water segments studied, which include portions
of rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands, 327 segments fully met the
Iowa water quality standards for their intended use, while 301 segments were
identified as waters in need of further investigation and 750 segments did not
fully meet the standards
needed for their intended use and were impaired.
“The increase in impaired waters does not necessarily mean
that the water quality in the state is worsening, it often is a reflection of
the additional monitoring we are conducting,” said Roger Bruner, supervisor of
the DNR’s Water Monitoring and Assessment section.
This report identifies surface waters that do not fully meet
all applicable state water quality standards for their intended use and that
need a water quality improvement plan.
3-Step Process for Impaired Waters Study [PDF]
The DNR uses fixed station river monitoring, lake monitoring
and beach monitoring, wadeable stream biological monitoring, fish contamination
monitoring and wetland/shallow lakes monitoring. Several other data are also analyzed
before determining whether a water segment does or does not meet the
requirements like the DNR’s Fish Kill database, along with federal and
municipal data and surrounding states’ data.
All Iowa waters are designated for a combination of aquatic
life protection, water contact recreation, drinking water and human health
protection.
“The DNR works diligently to identify impaired waters and coordinates
with stakeholders on improving those areas to eventually remove them from the
list by sponsoring and funding watershed projects throughout the state,” said
DNR Director Chuck Gipp.
The DNR works to identify and improve Iowa’s water quality
and looks forward to working together with landowners and the public.
Therefore, public comment is encouraged now through May 29, 2017 and should be
sent to:
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Attn: Dan Kendall
Water Quality Monitoring & Assessment Section
Wallace State Office Building
502 East 9th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50319
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