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Before COVID-19, Iowa’s water operators took proctored standardized certification examinations using a computer at the DMACC Southridge Computer Lab or at one of the six DNR Field Offices. Because of the current uncertainty of when sites can reopen safely, Iowa DNR is in the process of switching to a remote proctoring process beginning in September.
The exam may be taken on any computer that has a camera and microphone. Using a unique number, the person logs into the website, the browser is frozen, a proctor watches the tester through the camera, the surroundings are monitored for extra materials or cheating, and the test session is recorded for future reference if there are any accusations or suspicions of cheating. A YouTube video and live customer support for any technical issues are provided during the remote session. This process will allow the people wanting to take the examinations to do so, and will quickly take care of the backlog that has arisen these past several months.
When we are past the COVID-19 outbreak, people will be able to return to the traditional method of taking the exam on a computer at the community college or at the DNR Field Offices, or the remote proctoring method.
Please note: We are NOT ready to accept requests for the examination yet. Watch the listserv for more information as it becomes available. The remote proctoring process will also be allowed for wastewater exams.
The proposed Water Use Annual Permit Fee is on the agenda for the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) at its August 18th meeting. The meeting will be held virtually. The $95.00 proposed fee will be presented for approval. The agenda brief is available on the website under Upcoming Meeting: “EPC Packet and Agenda;” the water use annual fee agenda item is Item 6, packet page 13., with the meeting call-in information available on the website.
The Fiscal Year 2021 Intended Use Plan (IUP) Second Quarter Update for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) are now available for public review and comment at the following locations:
Clean Water SRF
Drinking Water SRF
The IUPs cover the period of July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021. Public comments are welcome. Draft project lists are also available for review.
A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. via conference call. Participants should use the following call-in information to participate:
- PHONE: 1-484-816-5172 PIN: 526 705 122#.
Written comments will be accepted through Thursday, August 20, 2020. It is anticipated that the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission will act on the IUPs at their September 15, 2020 meeting.
Questions and written comments should be directed to Theresa Enright, SRF Coordinator, at 515-725-0498 or theresa.enright@dnr.iowa.gov.
EPA is holding its fourth American Iron and Steel webinar. This fourth webinar will cover co-funding with the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Rural Development. There will be a 15 minute presentation followed by a question and answer session. Registration is required.
Date: Aug. 26, 2020
Time: 1:00-1:30 PM CDT
Registration
The recent dry and hot weather has created conditions favorable for the formation of cyanobacteria, or blue-green, algal blooms in surface water. Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria that share some properties with algae and are found naturally in all surface waters, both freshwater and marine.
There are several types of cyanobacteria, some of which can generate one or more chemicals that are toxic to humans and animals. When conditions are favorable, cyanobacteria can rapidly multiply and cause algal blooms. Sometimes the cyanobacteria produce toxins that can be harmful. Toxin-producing strains in the Midwest are typically seen in early summer and late summer. Under conditions that are not fully understood but involve light and nutrients, some types of cyanobacteria can form toxins. Both toxic and non-toxic varieties of the most common cyanobacteria can be present at the same time. It is impossible to tell if a species is producing toxin or not just by looking at it.
Factors that affect cyanobacterial bloom formation and persistence include:
- Light intensity and total sunlight duration: stronger light and longer duration
- Nutrient availability (both nitrogen and phosphorus)
- Water temperature: warmer temperatures, in the range of 60°F – 80°F
Information is available from several sources on the DNR’s Drinking Water Health Advisories webpage under the Cyanotoxin heading.
Both the Des Moines Water Works and State Hygienic Laboratory offer cyanotoxin testing. Contact Jeff Mitchell at mitchell@dmww.com for Des Moines Water Works. Contact the State Hygienic Laboratory at 319-335-4500 or SHL-Environmental@uiowa.edu.
EPA’s June 2019 Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins: Information for Drinking Water Systems Fact Sheet (12-page .pdf) provides the most current information on human health effects, analytical screening tools, and the effectiveness of various treatment processes to remove or inactivate microcystin-LR, anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin and saxitoxins in public water systems.
To find continuing education opportunities, please view the “Training Calendar” at programs.iowadnr.gov/opcertweb/ Training events where Iowa DNR staff will make presentations are listed below. See the listing on the appropriate date on the Training Calendar for registration instructions. Look at the calendar often, as there are new opportunities posted throughout the week.
- September 28-29, 2020, IRWA Fall Water Conference, Okoboji. “IDNR Water Supply Rules Update.” See the website for the brochure and registration information.
- October 2020, IA-AWWA Virtual Fall Conference, “Iowa DNR WS Rules Update.” Watch the Calendar for the registration information when it becomes available.
- October 26-27, IRWA Fall Water Conference, Dubuque. “IDNR Water Supply Rules Update.” See the website for the brochure and registration information.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working with state and local officials to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and has transitioned employees to work remotely. DNR offices are closed to the public during this time and only available by appointment.
In another effort to further reduce the spread of COVID-19, the DNR is encouraging the use of the online services for submitting applications, payments and other daily tasks and interaction with DNR staff.
We thank you for your patience and flexibility during this time. If you need to contact DNR staff you can reach them by email or phone or by calling 515-725-8200.
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