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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Berckes at 515-725-8391 or jeff.berckes@dnr.iowa.gov.
MEDIAPOLIS – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in Big Hollow Lake in Des Moines County can view a presentation on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel.
Big Hollow Lake is on the state’s list of impaired waters for high levels of algae and fluctuations in pH. The current study, or DNR water quality improvement plan, shows how these problems are caused by too much phosphorus in the lake. The problems impact recreation on the lake and aquatic life.
The plan explores the amounts and sources of phosphorus entering the lake and offers potential solutions to reduce those levels and work toward fixing the problem. The document is designed as a guide for local resource agencies, partners, stakeholders and residents to improve the lake.
The presentation is available now at youtube.com/iowadnr through April 19. The full document can be downloaded on the Iowa DNR’s website at the following: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/WaterQuality/WatershedImprovement/WatershedResearchData/WaterImprovementPlans/PublicMeetingsPlans.aspx.
Public comments on the plan must be submitted by April 19 to Jeff Berckes by E-mail at jeff.berckes@dnr.iowa.gov, or by mail to Jeff Berckes, Iowa DNR, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. Ninth St. Des Moines, Iowa 50319.
After gathering Iowans’ comments, the DNR will forward the final plan, also called by its technical name of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval.
MEDIA CONTACT: Danielle Roseland, DNR, at 515-217-0010 or Danielle.Roseland@dnr.iowa.gov.
DES MOINES – Seven businesses will team with DNR’s Pollution Prevention (P2) Intern Program this summer to increase efficiency of a system or process and reduce associated operating costs.
Upper-level engineering students will work on-site at one of the assigned seven companies to analyze data, research pollution prevention strategies, and provide calculated recommendations. Companies utilize the data to make informed decisions and drive implementations that will help meet their environmental performance goals.
“Companies often know they have inefficiencies in their processes but do not have the time or the capacity to focus on a solution,” says Jeff Fiagle, Team Lead for the P2 Services team. Technical advisers with the P2 Intern Program provide oversight to the interns who seek to pinpoint the root cause of the inefficiencies and provide long-term solutions.
Since 2001, more than 190 Iowa companies, hospitals, universities and government agencies have participated in this innovative program, accumulating more than $109 million in savings as a result of using resources more efficiently and improving environmental performance.
Environmental benefits achieved include the reduction of:
- 5 billion gallons of water;
- 254,929 tons of solid waste;
- 9,965 tons of hazardous waste;
- 9 million kilowatt hours of electricity;
- 7 million therms of energy.
Companies participating in the 2021 P2 Intern Program include (listed alphabetically by town):
Burlington: CNH Industrial America, LLC
Clarinda: NSK Corporation
Marshalltown: JBS USA, LLC
Mason City: Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry
Newton: TPI Composites, Inc.
Ottumwa: JBS Swift Pork
Storm Lake: Tyson Foods Inc. Hillshire Brands
Funding for the P2 Intern Program includes federal grants, portions of solid waste tonnage fees and cost share contributed by the host companies.
Pollution Prevention Services also provides confidential, non-regulatory, environmental technical assistance in the form of assessments, Environmental Management Systems development assistance, workshops, and access to the P2 Technical Resource Library. These services are offered at no-cost to help companies reduce expenses through source-reduction strategies to improve process efficiency and reduce or eliminate waste.
For more information on the Pollution Prevention Intern Program and a list of 2021 projects, visit: www.iowap2interns.com. Case summaries of the 2021 projects will be posted to this site in the fall.
MEDIA CONTACT: Marnie Stein, DNR, at 515-725-9525 or Marnie.Stein@dnr.iowa.gov for Title V permits.
DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements. We encourage public comments on draft permits, providing help on how to make effective comments. Submit written comments to the assigned permit writer before 4:30 p.m. on the last day of the comment period. DNR considers public comments before finalizing the permits.
Title V Operating Permits
Title V Operating permits are reviewed and re-issued every five years. Facilities with a Title V permit have the potential to emit large amounts of air pollutants compared to other facilities. The five-year reviews are a federal requirement and ensure adequate monitoring is included in the permit. The DNR plans to issue Title V Operating Permits for the following facilities. Find permit details at www.iowadnr.gov/titlev-draft.
Cerro Gordo County Landfill of North Iowa – 15942 Killdeer Avenue, Clear Lake. The application was submitted to operate their existing Refuse Systems facility. The public comment period ends April 17.
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