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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Cory Frank, DNR onsite wastewater coordinator, at 515-689-7941 or Cory.Frank@dnr.iowa.gov, or Eric Wiklund, DNR supervisor, at 515-725-0313 or Eric.Wiklund@dnr.iowa.gov.
DES MOINES – Fall is a great time for one in four Iowans to take a few simple steps to protect their pocket books, their septic systems and Iowa’s waters.
Septic failures are most likely to occur when they’re neglected. And, failures are costly. Routine inspections and maintenance may reduce those future costs. DNR urges Iowans with septic systems to celebrate SepticSmart Week, Sept. 20 to 24, by checking and maintaining their home systems.
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency makes it easy,” says Cory Frank, DNR’s septic system expert. “EPA offers six tips to keep your system working at its peak. For example, fall is a good time to pump out the tank before the ground freezes.
“Follow these tips to safeguard your family’s health and protect our recreational waters from harmful organisms,” he says.
EPA sums up six tips to keep your system performing.
- Don’t Strain your Drain—use water efficiently and stagger washing, dishwashing and other high water uses.
- Think at the Sink—avoid pouring fats, solids and harsh chemicals down the drain.
- Don’t Overload the Commode—flush only toilet paper, not tissues, wipes, paper towels, pet litter or any other trash.
- Shield your Field—no parking and no tree planting keeps septic fields functioning.
- Pump your Tank—follow your professional’s recommendations.
- Protect it and Inspect it—service the system every one to three years.
Surprisingly, most Iowans who depend on septic systems for wastewater treatment live in the urban fringe around large cities. “It’s crucial to maintain those systems properly to protect our health and our waters,” Frank said.
SepticSmart Week is a nationwide campaign sponsored by EPA. Learn more about how septic systems work, how to care for them and what to do if they fail on the SepticSmart website.
MEDIA CONTACT: Tamara McIntosh, DNR, at 515-725-8242 or Tamara.Mcintosh@dnr.iowa.gov.
DES MOINES – DNR staff work with individuals, businesses and communities to help them protect our natural resources by complying with state and federal laws. This approach is very effective. In the few cases where compliance cannot be achieved, the DNR issues enforcement actions. The following list summarizes recent enforcement actions. Find the entire, original orders on DNR’s website at www.iowadnr.gov/EnforcementActions.
Consent Orders
A consent order is issued as an alternative to issuing an administrative order. A consent order indicates that the DNR has voluntarily entered into a legally enforceable agreement with the other party.
Winneshiek County
Precision Pumping, LLC
Submit for approval a written plan with Standard Operating Procedures for land application methods; upon approval, immediately implement the Standard Operating Procedures; pay $5,962.88 in fish restitution and investigative costs; and pay a $6,000 administrative penalty.
Administrative Orders
Responsible parties have 60 days to appeal the order or 60 days to pay the penalty.
Wapello County
Chamness Technology, Inc.
Facility's sanitary disposal permit is revoked, subject to appeal rights; upon permit revocation, all solid waste and leachate onsite shall be removed and properly disposed of, consistent with facility's closure plan; and comply with all prior administrative orders.
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.
Pottawattamie County
OSI Industries, LLC – 21876 N. Highway 59, Oakland
The application was submitted to operate their existing sausages and other prepared meats facility. The public comment period ends Oct. 16.
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