The DNR is seeking public comments on proposed new antidegradation
rules, and on a proposed list of "Outstanding Iowa Waters" ...


-------- Original Message --------
Subject: New Clean Water Rules - Action needed
Date: Wed, 3 Dec 2008 11:44:42 -0600
From: Heathcote, Susan <Heathcote@...>

New water quality rules need your support!

If you care about clean water, the time is NOW to speak up and show your
support for strong rules to prevent new pollution of our rivers and lakes

These new water rules, called Antidegradation, refer to regulations that
significantly increase protections for all rivers, streams and lakes and
keep water quality from worsening. Under the federal Clean Water Act,
each state must adopt antidegradation rules for their rivers, streams
and lakes. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently
in the process of proposing antidegradation rules for Iowa waters and is
asking for public comments that will help determine how protective (or
lax) these rules will be. That is why it’s important that concerned
Iowans participate in this process.

In addition to strengthening protections for all rivers and lakes the
proposed rules include an initial list of more than 50 waters with
exceptional recreational or ecological significance to receive special
designation and protection as Outstanding Iowa Waters, including West
Lake Okoboji, Spirit lake, Wapsipinicon River, Maquoketa River, and
French Creek.

How you can help

1) Learn about antidegradation policy, frequently asked question,
talking points and much more, by reading the documents posted on this
section of our website
(http://www.iaenvironment.org/Antidegradation1.htm). Don’t feel like
you have to be an expert on antidegradation policy. If you have
questions after reading these documents, call or email Susan Heathcote,
water program director for the Iowa Environmental Council.
515-244-1194, ext 205. Heathcote@....

2) Attend a public comment meeting and speak up in support of the
antidegradation rules as proposed by the Iowa DNR. Meetings will be
held in December and January. For a list of dates and locations, go to
http://www.iaenvironment.org/waterquality.php.

3) If you are unable to attend a meeting, please send your written
comments, by January 29, 2009 to: Adam Schnieders at:
adam.schnieders@... or

Adam Schnieders
Iowa DNR
502 East 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319

Talking points for composing your letter or making comments at a meeting
can be found at our website also:
http://www.iaenvironment.org/Antidegradation1.htm.

4) Encourage your friends to attend a meeting or write a letter. Be
sure your local lake or watershed group knows about these rules.

5) Stay informed. The next step in the Iowa DNR process of developing
water quality standards is setting “nutrient criteria” for lakes. We’ll
need your help then, too.


Susan Heathcote
Water Program Director
Iowa Environmental Council
521 East Locust St., Suite 220
Des Moines, IA 50309
phone: 515/244-1194 ext 205
fax: 515/244-7856
heathcote@...
http://www.iaenvironment.org