DES MOINES – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in lake environments for bacteria can attend one of three meetings across the state Mar. 18, Mar. 24, and Apr. 1. Citizens are encouraged to bring their questions and ideas to improve the lakes to the meeting for discussion.
Multiple lakes throughout the state are on the state’s list of impaired waters for high levels of indicator bacteria. The current study, or DNR water quality improvement plan, focuses on three lakes to show where the bacteria comes from and how these problems can be addressed. This first phase of the document focuses on Nine Eagles Lake, Hickory Grove Lake, and Clear Lake. More lakes will be added to the document as additional information is collected and analyzed.
The plan explores the amounts and contributing source areas of bacteria entering the lake systems and offers potential solutions to reduce those levels and work toward fixing the problem. The document functions as a guide for local resource agencies, partners, stakeholders and residents to improve the lakes and specifically the beach and swimming area. Staff from the DNR’s Watershed Improvement Program will be on hand to answer questions.
The meetings will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the following dates and locations:
- Mar. 18, Lamoni Community Center, 108 South Chestnut St., Lamoni.
- Mar. 24, Nevada Community Senior Center, 1231 6th St., Nevada.
- Apr. 1, Lake View Room, 10 North Lake View Dr., Clear Lake.
Those not able to attend the public meeting can receive more information at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/WaterQuality/WatershedImprovement/WatershedResearchData/WaterImprovementPlans/PublicMeetingsPlans.aspx and submit comments on the plan by April 20 via:
E-mail: jeff.berckes@dnr.iowa.gov
Mail: Jeff Berckes, care of 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.