DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold public hearings in September in order to gather input on proposed updates to its surface water quality standards.
According to the DNR, the proposed rule changes aim to clarify and update procedures for technical methodologies used by the DNR to develop wastewater discharge permit limits to meet water quality criteria. The revision would also provide more flexibility for facilities seeking to use alternative permitting options.
The proposed rule would also update water quality criteria for E. coli by eliminating the existing single sample maximum value, which the DNR has determined is not an appropriate tool for water quality assessment and permitting purposes.
The DNR said it plans to retain the geometric mean E. coli value because it is the more appropriate measure and is protective of recreational activity in Iowa’s waters.
The DNR will host three public hearings in Washington, Urbandale and Harlan in order to hear comments on the rule proposal. Any interested person is welcome to attend. Meetings will be held as follows:
- Washington: Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 4 p.m., State Bank Room, Washington Public Library, 115 W. Washington St.
- Urbandale: Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 4 p.m., Meeting Room B, Urbandale Public Library, 3520 86th St.
- Harlan: Thursday, Sept. 7 at 4 p.m., Harlan Community Library, 718 Court St.
