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EPA SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT ON DECISION ON IOWA'S IMPAIRED WATERS LIST

Release Date: 11/14/2005
Contact Information:

Environmental News
Martin Kessler
(913) 551-7236
kessler.martin@epa.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 14, 2005

EPA SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT ON DECISION ON IOWA'S IMPAIRED WATERS LIST

EPA has announced its decision on Iowa’s 2004 Section 303(d) List (impaired waters), and is giving the public the opportunity to review its decision to add waters back to the state’s 303(d) list.

EPA commends the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ commitment to good science, fostering public input, and keeping Iowans informed about the impaired waters listing process.

Under Section 303(d) of the 1972 Clean Water Act (CWA), states, territories, and authorized tribes are required to develop lists of impaired waters every two years. By law, EPA must approve or disapprove those 303(d) lists.

EPA is partially approving and partially disapproving Iowa’s 2004 Section 303(d) List. EPA’s decision document and supporting documentation were mailed to the state November 14.

EPA is adding 20 water bodies and associated pollutants of concern to Iowa’s list. Of these 20 water bodies, six were removed by the state in its final 2004 list and are being restored to the list by EPA. EPA is also approving Iowa’s listing of 216 water bodies and delisting of 43 water bodies.

The 30-day public comment period on EPA’s decision begins Nov. 18, when the public notice appears in six Iowa newspapers. The comment period ends Dec. 19. (Dec. 18 falls on a Sunday.) The list and supporting information will be available on-line by Nov. 18 at: https://www.epa.gov/region07/water/tmdl.htm.

EPA will consider written public comments in reaching its final decision on the additional water bodies identified for inclusion on Iowa’s final 303(d) list.