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Biodiesel 101
04/02/2009
The Iowa DNR Trails Program is hosting a workshop on how to make your own diesel fuel from used restaurant fryer oil from 9 a.m. to noon, April 7, at the Trails Building at Big Creek State Park, just north of Polk City. The workshop is open to everyone.
(Full Story)
Rescue Iowa's Prairies and Celebrate Earth Day
04/02/2009
Iowa volunteers are invited to rescue prairies throughout the state to celebrate Earth Day 39. This is the 10th annual Prairie Rescue Event.
(Full Story)
Iowa State University Gets $600K in Grants to Improve Gulf of Mexico
04/02/2009
Iowa State University has been awarded three grants totaling $600,000 through EPA's national Targeted Watersheds Grant Program to reduce pollutants in Iowa watersheds that contribute to the oxygen-depleted zone in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
(Full Story)
Five Iowa Communities to Receive 'Smart Growth' Assistance to Recover
03/20/2009
The cities of Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Iowa City and New Hartford, Iowa, will receive a total of $200,000 in technical assistance for their continuing efforts to recover and redevelop from 2008's weather-related natural disasters, federal and state officials announced today.
(Full Story)
Annual River Cleanup Route and Dates Announced
03/20/2009
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for adventuresome volunteers to take part in the seventh annual Project AWARE (A Watershed Awareness River Expedition) river cleanup event.
(Full Story)
Deadline for DNR grants to help local water quality efforts is April 1
03/20/2009
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship - Division of Soil Conservation (IDALS-DSC) are reminding water quality groups across the state of the April 1 deadline for grant applications.
(Full Story)
DNR-funded conservation practices reduce water pollution in 2008
02/26/2009
About 19,000 tons of soil are staying put on the land and out of Iowa streams and lakes, thanks to conservation practices installed in fiscal year 2008, according to numbers released today by the DNR.
(Full Story)
DNR biodiesel project fuels financial and sustainable benefits for Iowa
02/26/2009
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Trails Program initiated a Biodiesel Production Pilot Project at Big Creek State Park after receiving an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Blue Skyways grant.
(Full Story)
Iowa City, Iowa, Receives National Award for Excellence
02/26/2009
Iowa City, Iowa, has been nationally recognized for a series of community planning strategies that support and encourage older adults to remain active through the exercise of walking.
(Full Story)
University of Iowa Receives $899,401 Research Grant
02/26/2009
EPA's National Center for Environmental Research has awarded a $899,401 grant to the University of Iowa for a research project that will develop techniques to identify the most harmful fractions and sources of air particulate matter in major U.S. cities, including Chicago.
(Full Story)
Oil Filter Recycling Legislation
02/12/2009
Now in Effect
(Full Story)
Fayette County looks at landfill options
02/12/2009
Time--and space--are quickly becoming a premium at the Fayette County Landfill.
(Full Story)
Groups Alerted to Change in Application Requirements
02/12/2009
for Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) Grants
(Full Story)
DNR Moves Forward on Stream Assessments
02/12/2009
Meets with Cities & Industries Statewide.
(Full Story)
Iowans create water quality successes in 2008
01/23/2009
The efforts of Iowans in 2008 to improve Iowa's lakes, rivers and streams have resulted in success stories across the state, and more efforts are underway for 2009.
(Full Story)
Small Business Assistance Program
01/23/2009
The Iowa Air Emissions Assistance Program (IAEAP) is a program through the University of Northern Iowa's Iowa Waste Reduction Center.
(Full Story)
$477,000 Grant to Mason City, Iowa, for Water Infrastructure
01/09/2009
EPA has awarded $477,000 to Mason City, Iowa, for improvements to the city's existing sanitary sewer collection system.
(Full Story)
One Week Left to Apply for Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Award
01/09/2009
Applications are due Jan. 31, 2009.
(Full Story)
Final Report on Greenhouse Gas Cutbacks Submitted to Governor
01/09/2009
The Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council came to consensus on two greenhouse gas reduction scenarios and 56 policy options in their 469-page final report to the Governor and General Assembly released today during a news conference at the Iowa State Capitol.
(Full Story)
DNR, IDALS Offering Grants to Help Local Efforts to Improve Water Quality
01/09/2009
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) are encouraging groups across the state to apply for grant funding to help improve Iowa's water quality.
(Full Story)
Iowa's Scott and Muscatine Counties in Violation of Air Standards
01/09/2009
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officially notified the state of Iowa today that portions of Scott and Muscatine counties do not meet the Agency's daily standards for fine particle pollution.
(Full Story)
Power Fund is up for renewal
12/11/2008
The Iowa Power Fund, created in 2007, has granted almost $29 million to Iowa companies and schools for energy-related projects and also was called on to give $7.5 million for flood and tornado relief.
(Full Story)
Iowa schools rank high in polluted-air study
12/11/2008
School officials are calling on government officials to test the air near several Iowa schools after a national study revealed the state's students may be exposed to some of the most toxic air found in schoolyards nationally.
(Full Story)
Livestock Producers Who House Anaimals May Need to Apply for Permit
12/11/2008
Animal producers, primarily beef and dairy producers, may need to act soon if they raise large numbers of the same kind of animals in both indoor and outdoor housing.
(Full Story)
Safety Stresses During Shotgun Deer Seasons
12/11/2008
As Iowa's largest group hunting season approaches hunters are encouraged to brush up on their safety and to bring a new hunter along to share the hunt and help keep the great Iowa tradition alive.
(Full Story)
Wetlands and Stream Project Grants Available
12/11/2008
Grants are available through the Five Star Restoration Program, which brings together citizen groups, corporations, youth organizations, landowners and government agencies to undertake projects that restore streams and wetlands.
(Full Story)
U.S. EPA Regions 5 and 7 Web Site "Goes Live"
12/11/2008
for Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Regulation Seminar
(Full Story)
Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards
11/21/2008
2008 Application Information
(Full Story)
Iowa Stakeholders Asked to Share Comments for Construction & Demolition
11/14/2008
Iowans interested in providing feedback regarding proposed revisions to disposal requirements for construction and demolition (C&D) waste can submit written comments...
(Full Story)
Iowa companies: Submit project proposals for economic solutions
11/14/2008
Iowa companies can submit project proposals for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' 2009 Pollution Prevention Intern Program...
(Full Story)
Environmental Justice Small Grants Workshop Scheduled
11/14/2008
EPA Region 7 will hold a one-day Environmental Justice (EJ) Small Grants Workshop to help organizations apply for EPA grants.
(Full Story)
Rockwell Collins of Coralville, Iowa, Receives Top Honor
11/14/2008
A global aerospace and defense manufacturer's operations in Coralville, Iowa, has received the top honor at EPA Region 7's 2008 Performance Track Member Conference.
(Full Story)
Rebuild Iowa Office Helps Organize Disaster Recovery Conference
11/12/2008
Several State Agencies Host Event to Assist with Recovery Efforts
(Full Story)
Iowa Agencies Receive Gulf Guardian Award
10/27/2008
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Farm Service Agency and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Receives Gulf Guardian Award
(Full Story)
DNR Wants Your Ideas for Water Trails and Low-head Dam Safety
10/27/2008
An 18-month planning process is underway for water trails and low-head dam safety in Iowa. A series of listening sessions are scheduled around the state in coming months.
(Full Story)
Rule Strengthens Lead Emissions Standard, Increases Monitoring
10/27/2008
EPA significantly reduced the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for lead with the signing of the final rule Oct. 15.
(Full Story)
DNR Report Details Exeedances of EPA Health Limits
10/27/2008
Iowa sites have exceeded a national air quality health limit 22 times so far this year, according to reports made to the DNR.
(Full Story)
Information Meetings Scheduled to Discuss Proposed Rule Changes
10/13/2008
A series of informational meetings to highlight proposed rule changes regarding public lands will be held in October in Des Moines, Dubuque and Spirit Lake.
(Full Story)
A Bounty of Opportunities for Fall Volunteers
10/13/2008
This fall, the Keepers of the Land Volunteer Program, in the Iowa DNR offers volunteers bountiful opportunities to protect and conserve Iowa's great outdoors.
(Full Story)
Fine Particle Pollution Causes Poor Air Quality in Eastern Iowa
10/13/2008
Fine particulate pollution was measured at levels above EPA health standards at four sites in Eastern Iowa.
(Full Story)
New Service Opportunity to Rebuild Iowa Green
09/25/2008
Iowa Green Corps, in conjunction with AmeriCorps and the DNR, is looking for six people who want to lead Iowa's rebuilding green efforts for the next twelve months.
(Full Story)
EPA Encourages Students to Enter Environmental Youth Award
09/25/2008
Entries are now being sought for the 2008 President's Environmental Youth Awards.
(Full Story)
Business Recovery Center
09/25/2008
Many businesses not in the flood zone are feeling an impact by the flood, even though they didn't take on water.
(Full Story)
Six Operation ReLeaf Events Planned in Iowa for Fall 2008
09/25/2008
Iowans looking for a cost-effective, yet eye-pleasing way to reduce home heating and cooling costs are encouraged to participate in Operation ReLeaf.
(Full Story)
EPA Taking Public Comment on Fine Particle Recommendations
09/12/2008
EPA is opening a 30-day public comment period on its recommendations for areas to be designated as out of compliance with the Agency's 24-hour fine particle air quality standards.
(Full Story)
Iowa Redemption Center Improvement Grant Funding Now Available
09/12/2008
The DNR will now be accepting applications from independent redemption centers seeking funds from the Independent Redemption Center Grants Program.
(Full Story)
EPA Region 7 Hosts Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee Meeting
09/12/2008
EPA Region 7 hosted the second meeting of the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee, September 8-10, in Kansas City, Mo.
(Full Story)
EPA to Distribute "Mercury: An Educator's Toolkit" to Schools in Ia, Ks, Mo
09/12/2008
With goals of teaching young people about the dangers of elemental mercury and reducing the potential for mercury spills, EPA Region 7 will soon distribute more than 7,400 hard copies of an educational toolkit.
(Full Story)
EPA and K-State Host Sustainable Redevelopment Workshop
09/02/2008
The U.S. EPA, Region 7, and Kansas State University will host a Sustainable Redevelopment Workshop September 9-11 at the Kansas State University Student Union in Manhattan, Kan.
(Full Story)
Oil Filter Recycling Legislation Requirements Revised
09/02/2008
Iowa law now requires any retailer selling oil filters to accept used oil filters from customers or post notice of locations for consumer disposal.
(Full Story)
Iowa Scrap Tires Used to Make School Playgrounds Safer
08/28/2008
Students and staff at several Iowa schools will begin the new academic year with a safer playground.
(Full Story)
EPA Awards $182,000 in Environmental Education Grants
08/28/2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 7 office has awarded nine grants totaling $182,000 to develop new environmental education projects.
(Full Story)
EPA Region 7 Completes Water Testing Preparedness Exercise
08/28/2008
Labs that test drinking water throughout the four states of EPA's Region 7 should be better suited to respond to natural disasters...
(Full Story)
2007 Iowa Drinking Water Report Available
08/28/2008
More than 2.5 million Iowans served by public water supplies received safe drinking water in 2007.
(Full Story)
Iowa Counties Identified as Possible Pollution Nonattainment Area
08/28/2008
EPA has sent a letter to Gov. Chet Culver proposing Scott and Muscatine counties in Iowa as potential nonattainment areas for exceeding the short-term fine-particle pollution standard.
(Full Story)
Bus Funds Reduce Iowa Children's Exposure to Diesel Exhaust
08/28/2008
EPA Region 7 and the Blue Skyways Collaborative will work with the Iowa Bus Emission Education Program (BEEP) to reduce Iowa children's exposure to diesel exhaust.
(Full Story)
Indoor air quality proves to be significant problem
08/18/2008
There's been a lot of attention focused lately on the role indoor air pollution plays in our ability to live a healthy lifestyle.
(Full Story)
EPC Adds Voting Requirements To Agenda
08/18/2008
The Environmental Protection Commission has added an agenda item to their Aug. 19 meeting in Urbandale.
(Full Story)
Plugged and Broken Lines Result in Bypass of Sewage Into Iowa River
08/18/2008
Two pipes that carry wastewater under the Iowa River to the treatment plant were discovered to be either plugged or partially plugged on Thursday.
(Full Story)
Environmental Protection Commission to Meet August 19
08/01/2008
The Environmental Protection Commission will discuss proposed changes to wastewater rules at its monthly meeting Aug. 19.
(Full Story)
EPA Partners with Water Utilities to Save Energy
08/01/2008
EPA hosted a first-ever Innovative Energy Management Workshop on July 22 in Kansas City, Mo.
(Full Story)
Soil, water conservation took a beating in floods
08/01/2008
Iowa's terraces and other soil and water conservation structures suffered $40 million in damage from heavy rain and flooding this year.
(Full Story)
Expert: Iowa's crop loss less severe than assessed
08/01/2008
Iowa's crop losses from floods are far less than first estimated.
(Full Story)
EPA Approves Iowa's List of Impaired Waters
07/18/2008
EPA has approved Iowa's 2006 list of impaired waters.
(Full Story)
DNR & FSA Program Expansion Will Better Protect Public Drinking Water Wells
07/18/2008
More public wells in Iowa are eligible for a federal program that helps protect public drinking water sources.
(Full Story)
Volunteers Needed to Enhance Iowan's Summer Recreation
07/18/2008
With summer in full swing, Keepers of the Land, the volunteer program with the Iowa DNR, offers many statewide volunteer events.
(Full Story)
EPA Encourages Farmers in Iowa Flood Areas to Report Orphan Containers
07/18/2008
Recent flooding may have scattered tanks, drums, cylinders and barrels onto private properties and farmland throughout flooded areas in Iowa.
(Full Story)
Air Sampling and Monitoring Show No Health Risk in Iowa Communities
07/18/2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's air sampling for asbestos and air monitoring for particulates in...
(Full Story)
Beware of Scams
07/07/2008
EPA Is Not Currently Performing Indoor Air Sampling in Response to Iowa Floods
(Full Story)
Septic Haulers May Need Alternate Sites for Discharging
06/20/2008
With floodwaters overwhelming or shutting down numerous wastewater treatment plants...
(Full Story)
Region 7 Providing Hazardous Material Expertise for Iowa Floods
06/20/2008
EPA Region 7 has been tasked by FEMA to provide expertise in potential hazardous materials...
(Full Story)
EPA Recognizes Two Ethanol Facilities in Iowa & Kansas
06/20/2008
that Demonstrate Exceptional Energy Savings
(Full Story)
DNR Asks Farms to Dispose of Sand and Soil Away from Streams
06/20/2008
As floodwaters have swept through the state, they've left many landowners wondering what to do with silt...
(Full Story)
Tornado takes heavy toll on Parkersburg businesses
06/06/2008
Matt Wildeboer was among 60 Parkersburg residents on a canoe trip in Mason City when he heard the news.
(Full Story)
Small Business Contracting Conference in Bettendorf Draws Experts
06/06/2008
Congressman, SBA Deputy Administrator Headline Event
(Full Story)
Seven projects get grants to improve water quality
06/06/2008
State environmental officials say seven projects are expected to be awarded about $5.4 million in grants...
(Full Story)
Event at Union Grove Lake Highlights Partnership Working on Water Quality
05/23/2008
Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Richard Leopold and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will be at Union Grove Lake in Tama County...
(Full Story)
Significant Changes Proposed for Lead Emissions & Monitoring
05/23/2008
EPA proposed a significant reduction in the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for lead emissions May 1
(Full Story)
Small-business loans awarded to six companies
05/23/2008
Six Iowa businesses with women, minority and disabled owners received targeted small-business loans...
(Full Story)
EPA Conducts Mercury Safety Outreach to Contractors
05/09/2008
EPA Region 7 has developed fact sheets to inform plumbing, heating and cooling contractors who repair or replace mercury-containing gas regulators, pressure gauges, heat generators and thermostats about the health risks and liability issues associated with a mercury release.
(Full Story)
Lean Training Concepts Are Not Just For Manufacturers
05/08/2008
Lean training concepts have been successfully implemented in many organizations, including insurance, manufacturing, banking, transportation, financial services, health care, government and education.
(Full Story)
EPA E-Scrap Event Nets Nearly 10 Tons of Used Electronics
05/08/2008
Nearly 10 tons of used electronic equipment will be responsibly recycled instead of going to landfills.
(Full Story)
Natural Resources and EPC to Meet May 12 and 13
05/08/2008
The Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Commission will have a joint meeting May 12 in West Des Moines.
(Full Story)
Significant Changes Proposed for Lead Emissions, Monitoring
05/08/2008
EPA proposed a significant reduction in the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for lead emissions.
(Full Story)
EPA Region 7 Responders Participate in Ethanol Training
04/25/2008
A group of emergency response coordinators from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will take part in several ethanol emergency response training sessions.
(Full Story)
U of I Students Find Greener Solutions and Win Environmental Awards
04/25/2008
EPA presented annual People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Awards to six university teams including University of Iowa students.
(Full Story)
State Power Fund board backs UNI, Osage energy initiatives
04/25/2008
The Iowa Power Fund Board gave preliminary backing Wednesday to two area alternative energy projects.
(Full Story)
Coal-plant emissions threaten public health
04/25/2008
On Sunday, the Iowa Medical Society, which represents more than 4,600 physicians in Iowa, passed a resolution...
(Full Story)
Special Funds Target Diesel Emission Reductions
04/11/2008
Organizations that are working to improve air quality can apply for grants which will help reduce diesel emissions in their areas.
(Full Story)
DNR Offers Springtime Opportunities for Volunteers
04/11/2008
Spring has officially arrived and the Keepers of the Land, the volunteer program with the DNR, offers many statewide volunteer events and opportunities to welcome the season.
(Full Story)
Region 7 Areas Selected to Receive Nearly $5 Million to Revitalize Blighted
04/11/2008
Nearly $5 million in Brownfields grant money was announced today by EPA to assess or clean up properties in more than 16 communities and one state in Region 7.
(Full Story)
Celebrate Earth Day at UNI!
04/11/2008
Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22 -- celebrations will be in full swing on the UNI campus
(Full Story)
Test Soils Before Spring Fertilizer and Manure Applications
03/28/2008
Crop and confinement animal producers who use manure as fertilizer
should schedule soil sampling this spring before applying commercial or manure
fertilizer.
(Full Story)
New Free Download Available at IWRC Website!
03/28/2008
A guide for building, construction and environmental professionals.
(Full Story)
Companies work together to convert waste into hydrogen fuel
03/28/2008
Companies in Iowa and Connecticut are working together on a power system run by internal combustion engines burning hydrogen gas made from all types of waste products.
(Full Story)
EPA Strengthens Smog Standards to Better Protect Human Health & Environment
03/17/2008
EPA today met its requirements of the Clean Air Act by signing the most stringent 8-hour standard ever for ozone.
(Full Story)
Tighter Ozone Standards Strengthen Iowa Air Quality Programs
03/17/2008
The new standards for ground-level ozone announced today in Washington will strengthen air quality programs in Iowa.
(Full Story)
Expanding bottle bill good for environment
03/17/2008
Just a few weeks after a revised bottle bill proposal was declared dead in the Legislature, a remodeled version is gaining some traction.
(Full Story)
EPA Approves Latest Iowa Water Quality Standards
02/14/2008
(Kansas City, Kan.,) - EPA has approved new and revised Iowa water quality standards, designating more than 14,000 additional miles of Iowa waters for recreational and aquatic life uses.
(Full Story)
DNR to Hold Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Workshops
02/14/2008
(Iowa City, IA) - IOWATER, Iowa's statewide volunteer water quality monitoring program, will host workshops throughout the state this summer.
(Full Story)
ENERGY STAR Label Goes to 22 Buildings in EPA Region 7
02/14/2008
(Kansas City, Kan.,) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded its prestigious ENERGY STAR label for 2007 to 22 buildings in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
(Full Story)
Legislation Addresses Water Pollution in Iowa
02/14/2008
(Des Moines, IA.) - A bipartisan group of state lawmakers unveiled legislation Monday aimed at identifying problems and preventing pollution in Iowa's largest lakes, rivers and creeks.
(Full Story)
DNR to Hold Annual Water Monitoring Conference
02/04/2008
Water quality professionals and volunteers can discover what Iowans are doing to improve Iowas water resources at the DNRs eighth annual Water Monitoring Conference.
(Full Story)
IWRC Offers Free Downloadable Grain Software
02/04/2008
As of March 31, 2008, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will be implementing a new rule (567 IAC 22.10) to regulate grain storage operations.
(Full Story)
Pappajohn Launches 3rd Annual Iowa Business Plan Competition
02/04/2008
John Pappajohn, Iowa's premier venture capitalist, has announced the launch of the third annual John Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition.
(Full Story)
Iowa, Florida Join California's Challenge of EPA Ruling
02/04/2008
Iowa and Florida have joined the legal battle over whether states should have the right to set tougher vehicle emission standards than those set by the federal government, officials said Friday.
(Full Story)
Final Rule for Manuare Application to Soybeans
02/04/2008
The final rule that would limit manure application on fields going into soybean production will be up for approval at the Feb. 5 Environmental Protection Commission meeting.
(Full Story)
DNR, IDALS Offering Grants for Improving Water Quality
01/18/2008
The Iowa DNR and Iowa IDALS are encouraging groups across the state to apply for grant funding to help improve Iowa's water quality.
(Full Story)
Culver Outlines Spending Blueprint for Coming Year
01/18/2008
Iowans should get the same type of health care as elected officials, Gov. Chet Culver said this morning.
(Full Story)
70 Counties Decide to Evaluate Animal Confinement Sites
01/18/2008
Almost three fourths of Iowa counties have decided to use the master matrix to evaluate the proposed locations of animal confinement operations.
(Full Story)
EPC to meet Jan. 15 and 16
01/07/2008
The Environmental Protection Commission will meet Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. in Urbandale.
(Full Story)
Grain Elevator PTE Calculation Tool Available for Use
01/04/2008
A tool to facilitate the calculation of potential to emit (PTE) of regulated air pollutants from country grain elevators, grain terminal elevators, and country grain terminal elevators is now available...
(Full Story)
Grain Elevator Workshops and Documents
01/04/2008
The Iowa DNR, Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI), UNI and the Iowa Department of Economic Development are co-sponsoring a series of workshops for grain elevators.
(Full Story)
EPA Proposes Better Approach to Reporting Hazardous Substances
01/04/2008
EPA has proposed a rule change to provide an administrative reporting exemption for air releases of hazardous substances -- primarily ammonia and hydrogen sulfide -- from animal waste at farms.
(Full Story)
EPA Accepting Grant Proposals to Support Communities
01/04/2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, is announcing EPA's national grant competition through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program.
(Full Story)
'Green' paint comes in all colors
12/14/2007
Green isn't just a paint color.
(Full Story)
January Sign Up For Counties to Evaluate Animal Confinement Sites
12/14/2007
For counties that are interested in evaluating proposed locations of confinement facilities that need a construction permit, the sign-up ends Jan. 31, 2008.
(Full Story)
Iowa energy independence plan unveiled
12/14/2007
Iowas new energy-independence plan calls for California-style emissions standards for new cars sold in Iowa, massive cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, new renewable-energy and energy-efficiency requirements for utilities, a bigger push for renewable fuels and a congratulatory labeling system for energy-efficient buildings.
(Full Story)
Permitting Workshops for Grain Handling Facilities
11/30/2007
Workshops to assist grain handling facilities in complying with new air regulations and ensuring continued protection of human health near grain elevators will be held around the state beginning Wednesday, November 14 in Spencer.
(Full Story)
Voluntary Incentive Program Introduced to Reduce Livestock Odors
11/30/2007
A comprehensive plan to reduce livestock odors received unanimous, bi-partisan approval Wednesday from the interim Livestock Odor Study Committee of the Iowa Legislature.
(Full Story)
Fire pollution not expected to be significant
11/02/2007
While crews checked for environmental trouble at the scene of the burned Barton Solvents plant in northeast Des Moines this morning, a key state staffer said it is unlikely the incident caused significant pollution problems.
(Full Story)
Permitting Workshops for Grain Handling Facilities
11/02/2007
Workshops to assist grain handling facilities in complying with new air regulations and ensuring continued protection of human health near grain elevators will be held around the state beginning Wednesday, November 14 in Spencer.
(Full Story)
School Buses Running Cleaner With Completion of EPA Grant Activities
10/19/2007
The Bus Emission Education Program (BEEP) reported the installation of an additional 213 diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) on school buses in 33 school districts in its September 2007 report to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
(Full Story)
C.F. adopts resolution to reduce greenhouse emissions
10/19/2007
The City Council adopted a resolution Monday to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
(Full Story)
Crop and Animal Producers - Test Soils Now
10/04/2007
Crop and confinement animal producers should take soil samples this fall before land applying manure, according to the DNR.
(Full Story)
Cities and Industries to Learn About Wastewater Treatment Plant Changes
10/04/2007
City officials and industry managers are invited to attend any of six meetings to discuss how changing water quality standards could affect compliance with permit limits at their wastewater treatment facilities.
(Full Story)
EPA Awards More Than $540,000 to Reduce Lead Poisoning
09/07/2007
EPA Region 7 has awarded six grants in Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska in areas with high incidences of children with elevated blood-lead levels.
(Full Story)
New Rules Proposed to Control Air Quality at Grain Elevators
09/07/2007
New rules that would assist grain elevators in complying with air regulations and ensure continued protection of human health near grain elevators will be open for public comment at three informational meetings/public hearings to be held this fall.
(Full Story)
Livestock Producers - Stop Manure Runoff From Reaching Water Near You
08/28/2007
Livestock producers can prevent or reduce damage from manure discharges despite heavy rainfalls that may have stressed manure storage facilities.
(Full Story)
EPA Awards $94,000 in Environmental Education Grants
08/28/2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 7 office has awarded seven grants totaling $94,000 to develop new environmental education projects.
(Full Story)
Expert warns of ethanol pollution
08/09/2007
Decisions on growing corn and other feedstocks for the fuel additive are critical, environmental leaders hear.
(Full Story)
Storms Overwhelm Iowa Wastewater Systems
07/19/2007
Following heavy storms across eastern and northern Iowa Monday evening, communities are reporting wastewater bypasses to the DNR on Tuesday.
(Full Story)
Numbers Grow, So Does Trash on Project AWARE
06/27/2007
It's amazing what you can find, canoeing down the lazy river.
Patio furniture
A basketball rim...and basketball
Pots, pans, china
(Full Story)
A catalog of insults to forests
06/27/2007
Every year, the catalog industry sends out more than 20 billion catalogs. That's over 60 catalogs per man, woman and child in the United States. In essence, this mean that the catalog industry moves more than 6 billion tons of trees from the forest to the landfill - with a brief appearance as junk mail in the middle.
(Full Story)
DNR Launches New Online Water Information Tool
06/27/2007
The DNR launched a new interactive online tool today to help Iowans learn more about the state's surface water resources.
(Full Story)
Military paint shop school tucked away in Cedar Falls
06/27/2007
STAR4D stands for Spray Technique Analysis and Research for Defense and is part of the University of Northern Iowa's Waste Reduction Center. The program caters almost exclusively to military personnel, using state-of-the-art equipment to improve their spray painting techniques.
(Full Story)
Ethanol producers work hard to be green
06/14/2007
Many Iowans have embraced the development and expansion of the biofuels industry because of its role in helping America achieve energy independence while providing substantial economic benefits to the people of America's heartland.
(Full Story)
Cut waste, high bills by conserving water
06/14/2007
Like many resources today that are plentiful and easy to obtain, we seldom think about how much water we use daily.
(Full Story)
Governor signs bills fostering renewable energy
05/24/2007
It's official: Iowa will pump $100 million into boosting its renewable fuel research and production.
(Full Story)
Number of impaired waterways jumps
05/10/2007
A total of 135 new bodies of water have joined the state's 2006 impaired waterways list, released Tuesday by officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
(Full Story)
Iowa's list of polluted waters grows
05/04/2007
Iowa's impaired waters list spiked on Tuesday with the addition of more than 135 new water bodies.
(Full Story)
State To Create Pollution Tracking System
04/30/2007
The state will create a system to track pollution as part of a new law that addresses global warming.
(Full Story)
Rains Overwhelm Wastewater Systems Across Iowa
04/30/2007
Another band of heavy rainfall across the state Tuesday and Wednesday has resulted in wastewater bypasses.
(Full Story)
Survey Investigates how Iowans use rivers
04/27/2007
If you use Iowa's streams, whether fishing along a river or splashing around the creek in your backyard, the Iowa DNR is looking for your help.
(Full Story)
MidAmerican pledges to jolt Iowa's wind power production
04/20/2007
MidAmerican Energy announced plans Thursday to nearly double its capacity to produce electricity in Iowa with wind turbine power.
(Full Story)
Iowa River Land on Endangered List
04/20/2007
The Iowa River has earned the dubious distinciton of being on the country's most endangered rivers on 2007.
(Full Story)
Study Suggests Ethanol May Cause More Smog, Deaths
04/20/2007
Switching from gasoline to ethanol -- touted as a green alternative at the pump -- may create dirtier air, causing slightly more smog-related deaths, a new study says.
(Full Story)
Plastic grocery bags' convenience trumps environmental factor
04/20/2007
Shoppers like their plastic grocery bags and still continue to choose them overwhelmingly over more environmentally friendly paper bags.
(Full Story)
Iowa House rejects renewable energy requirement for coal-fired power plants
04/20/2007
Environmentalists had hoped that if a new coal-fired power plant like the one proposed near Waterloo had to be built in Iowa it would at least be required to get some of its energy from renewable sources.
(Full Story)
Iowa Ethanol Project Gets $80 Million Grant
02/28/2007
Broin Cos. will receive up to $80 million to build a biorefinery that would make fuel from corn cobs as well as corn kernels in Emmetsburg.
(Full Story)
Eco-Friendly Iowans Thrive Off The Grid
02/02/2007
Living off the grid conjures up images of a guy hunched over a wood stove in a dim, cold cabin in the middle of nowhere.
(Full Story)
CFU Baghouse Under Construction
02/02/2007
Stretching more than 300 feet into the sky, a crane lifts steel into place five stories above the ground.
(Full Story)
Cool Congregations: Saving Energy A Moral Issue
01/19/2007
When priests, pastors and religious leaders utter the word stewardship from the pulpit, parishioners often think "money." They might expect a sermon on tithing or a plea for donations.
(Full Story)
Green Building Sets A Model
12/21/2006
Listen closely and you can hear silence in Stacey Hurlin's Jefferson County home.
The blast of the heater is not heard as often or as intense as in a conventional home.
(Full Story)
New Hampton Energy Plant Will Use Coal Gasification Technology
12/21/2006
A proposed ethanol plant east of New Hampton has announced plans to use coal gasification technology in place of natural gas --- a first in the energy industry.
(Full Story)
Meeting: Public's Help Needed To Improve Raccoon And Des Moines Rivers
11/29/2006
From Algona to Guthrie Center, from Sac City to Des Moines - the DNR is seeking your suggestions, comments and questions on improving water quality in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.
(Full Story)
EPC Approves 13 Contracts To Help Improve Iowa's Water Quality
11/29/2006
At its November meeting, the Environmental Protection Commission approved 13 contracts totaling almost $2.6 million for projects to address water quality problems across the state.
(Full Story)
Power Plant Opposers Present Their Side To Waterloo Neighborhood Coalition
11/29/2006
They've heard the city's role in the project. They've heard the company promotion. Monday was the time for the opposition to have its say.
(Full Story)
Manure Spill Hits Creek Near Eddyville
10/26/2006
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is continuing to investigate a manure leak that occurred this week in the Eddyville area of southern Iowa.
(Full Story)
Site Chosen For $155 million 'Earthpark'
10/12/2006
Central Iowa has been chosen as the site for a massive indoor rain forest and environmental learning center that organizers hope will be as successful as its predecessor in the United Kingdom.
(Full Story)
As Ethanol Production Increases, Biomass Research Goes On
10/12/2006
Gas pumps across the state tout ethanol as the fuel choice that means "cleaner air for Iowa."
(Full Story)
State Looks Into E. Okoboji Pollution
09/28/2006
The Iowa attorney general's office has been asked to investigate a developer's repeated pollution problems at the Bridges Bay Resort project along East Okoboji Lake.
(Full Story)
U.S. EPA Revises National Air Quality Standards
09/28/2006
On September 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced revisions to its National Ambient Air Quality Standards. These standards address fine and coarse particulate pollution, also known as particulate matter (PM). Currently, 141 counties across the nation fail to meet the new standards.
(Full Story)
Mammoth, $200 Million Wind Farm Proposed In Iowa
09/14/2006
Northern Iowa could have one of the nation's largest wind farms by 2008. Iowa Winds LLC wants to build a 200- to 300-megawatt farm covering about 40,000 acres in Franklin County.
(Full Story)
Citizen's Group Says DNR Data Shows Ammonia Emissions Too High
09/14/2006
A citizen advocacy group says new environmental data shows that factory farms are releasing levels of ammonia above recommended safe health standards.
(Full Story)
Attention: Iowa Vehicle Dismantlers and Scrap Metal Recyclers
08/31/2006
During its 2006 session, the Iowa Legislature passed HF 2362, the Mercury-Free Recycling Act, to encourage vehicle dismantlers and scrap recycling facilities to remove automotive mercury convenience light switches before the vehicle is crushed or shredded.
(Full Story)
Funds for Targeted Watersheds Grant Program Announced
08/31/2006
Governor Tom Vilsack and DNR Director Jeff Vonk announced today that eligible watersheds in Iowa may qualify for federal funds under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Targeted Watersheds Grant Program.
(Full Story)
DNR Unveils New Online Resource to Evaluate Soil and Groundwater
08/18/2006
Web-based “Risk Calculator” will help gauge exposure risk to pollutants.
(Full Story)
New Wetland Designation Could Affect Manure Application, Livestock Location
08/18/2006
Livestock and poultry producers, along with new or expanding confinement animal producers should check for publicly-owned wetland areas before they apply or stockpile manure, or begin construction on a planned confinement structure.
(Full Story)
Iowa Joins Other Midwestern States in Developing Electronic Waste Regional
08/04/2006
After nearly 10 months of dialog and meetings, the Midwest Regional
Electronic Waste Policy Initiative has issued its policy statement.
(Full Story)
Soy Technology Improves Health/Work Conditions and Increases Productivity
08/04/2006
NETSB program at the IWRC is working with Iowa machine shops in testing a soy-based metalworking fluid found to improve health/work conditions and increase shop productivity.
(Full Story)
New Geologic Maps Available from DNR Geological Survey
08/04/2006
The DNR Geological Survey is introducing new geologic maps for several parts of the state that can help assess water quality and facility sites.
(Full Story)
Public Input Needed On Plans To Improve Two Iowa Lakes
07/24/2006
The DNR is seeking the public’s help to improve water quality at Five Island Lake in Palo Alto County and Lake Cornelia in Wright County.
(Full Story)
Public Asked For Ideas To Improve Three Northeast Iowa Rivers
07/24/2006
Public comment period extended on water quality improvement plans.
(Full Story)
Fish Kill in Benton County Linked to Open Feedlot
07/24/2006
The DNR has traced a Benton County fish kill in a small tributary of Prairie Creek to an open feedlot owned by Charles Wauters of rural Keystone.
(Full Story)
Local Company Touts Stormwater Drainage Aid
07/07/2006
Its consistency resembles a prehistoric Rice Krispies treat, yet it could be a solution for businesses and governments alike trying to address stormwater runoff issues.
(Full Story)
Animal Producers Need Pollution Plans and Storm Water Permits
06/23/2006
While most livestock and poultry producers know that they need a storm water permit for construction activities, they are often missing a key component of the permit.
(Full Story)
More DNR Livestock Authority Approved
06/22/2006
A regulatory change permits the blocking of proposed operations that could hurt the environment.
(Full Story)
Workgroup to Craft Exemptions for Engines Over 400hp
06/09/2006
DNR, the Iowa Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association, John Deere, and the Iowa Air Emissions Assistance Program will soon begin work.
(Full Story)
CWSRF Reaches $500 Million Milestone for Water Quality
05/25/2006
In April, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) achieved a
major milestone.
(Full Story)
Environmental News
05/25/2006
EPA has announced its amended decision on Iowa’s 2004 Section 303(d) List of impaired waters.
(Full Story)
UNI Shows Off Virtual Training Tool for Painting to U.S. Lawmakers
04/05/2006
The University of Northern Iowa's Waste Reduction Center showed off new technology for training military spray paint technicians on Capitol Hill Tuesday.
(Full Story)
S.E. Polk Hopes School Can Protect Environment
04/05/2006
Tom Hadden wants Southeast Polk's new high school to showcase the newest techniques in cutting runoff pollution.
(Full Story)
EPC Approves 18 Contracts to Help Improve Iowa's Water Quality
03/27/2006
Projects will help reduce nonpoint source pollution.
(Full Story)
Table Scraps to Keep Dubuque Pretty
03/27/2006
An experimental program will turn last night's leftovers into compost.
(Full Story)
Public Asked to Attend Meetings on Improving the Big Sioux River
03/09/2006
Public comment period extended on water quality improvement plan.
(Full Story)
Ethanol Industry Confronts Air Rules
03/09/2006
The ethanol industry argues that the government needs to ease air-pollution rules so bigger plants can be built to meet the soaring demand for the fuel additive.
(Full Story)
DNR-Funded Conversation Practices Reduce Water Pollution in 2005
03/09/2006
Conservation practices on agricultural and urban land are making a difference in the amount of pollutants reaching Iowa’s waters.
(Full Story)
WDM plans controlled burns
02/23/2006
Fires will help control weeds, regenerate native prairie grass.
(Full Story)
No clear solutions to state's tainted water
02/23/2006
Many Iowa rivers are seriously polluted — dying before their time — and environmental rules that would force a massive new cleanup effort promise to affect Iowans' pocketbooks, river outings and fishing trips.
(Full Story)
3 Iowa farms get pollution amnesty deals
02/10/2006
Three livestock producers in Iowa are among the first in the nation to get deals with the government that will protect them from liability for air pollution.
(Full Story)
DNR requires small businesses' consent before on-line MSEIQ submission
02/10/2006
Designation forms MUST be returned with appropriate information before the Iowa Air Emissions Assistance Program (IAEAP) can assist a small business with their on-line Minor Source Emissions Inventory Questionnaire (MSEIQ).
(Full Story)
Recycling property tax deadline approaches
01/10/2006
Recycling centers and manufacturers of recycled products may be missing out on an opportunity to take advantage of a property tax exemption.
(Full Story)
EPA approves Iowa's water quality standards
01/10/2006
EPA has approved the revised Iowa water quality standards adopted by the state December 15, 2004.
(Full Story)
Groups find common stream on Iowa water quality
12/29/2005
Farm and environment advocates say water quality needs results-based idea, not fighting.
(Full Story)
Wastewater Discharge Found in Third Carroll County Creek
12/29/2005
The DNR is responding to a report of wastewater in a third Carroll County creek.
(Full Story)
Spring Lake residents asked for input on water quality improvement plan
12/15/2005
lans for improving water quality at Spring Lake in Greene County will be presented at a public meeting Dec. 20.
(Full Story)
State regulators delay farm construction rules
12/15/2005
State environmental regulators have delayed their move to use a broader array of environmental factors to limit where livestock operations are built, opting to take public comments first.
(Full Story)
Environmental questions on plant to be addressed.
12/01/2005
LS Power's proposal to build a $1 billion, 600 megawatt power plant in northeast Waterloo raises questions for mayor.
(Full Story)
Proposed Okoboji expansion fed by pollution
12/01/2005
The proposed South Okoboji Lake could be foul or fine. The devil is in the design.
(Full Story)
Iowa Farm Bureau rejects mandated use of ethanol
12/01/2005
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation has rejected a proposed policy mandating that every gallon of gasoline sold in Iowa contain ethanol.
(Full Story)
NE Iowa: A battleground in water quality war
11/14/2005
A bitter dispute surrounding the city of Postville and the wastewater that is running into a nearby creek has local residents and officials pointing fingers and feuding over how harmful the discharged water is to the environment.
(Full Story)
Free training seminars on quality air construction permit applications
11/14/2005
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is offering free training seminars to help consultants and businesses who routinely apply for permits better understand how to fill out quality air construction permit applications.
(Full Story)
Iowa residents return home to find rubble
11/14/2005
Gov. Tom Vilsack issued disaster declarations for two central Iowa counties.
(Full Story)
Fewer Iowa food stores accept empty cans
11/14/2005
The state has approved nearly 150 redemption centers, but some customers say they are not as convenient.
(Full Story)
Shared landfill requests bond sale in Butler, Hardin, Wright counties
11/02/2005
The landfill Butler County shares with Hardin and Wright counties is proposing refinancing bonds to save on interest and to pay for a $300,000 landfill expansion.
(Full Story)
Spills contained because of quick reporting, safety issues important during
10/19/2005
Quick responses helped minimize the impacts of a diesel fuel spill Tuesday (October 11) near Storm Lake and a manure spill Wednesday (October 12) near Stratford.
(Full Story)
Nutrient management important to protect water quality, control costs
10/19/2005
Carefully managing fertilizer application for next year's crop can control costs and also help protect water quality in Iowa.
(Full Story)
Untreated sewage released at Garnavillo
10/03/2005
An estimated 30,000 gallons of untreated sewage over a 20-hour period was released into South Cedar Creek after pumps in the Garnavillo wastewater treatment plant shut down.
(Full Story)
EPA removes the Red Oak Landfill from Superfund List
10/03/2005
The EPA has deleted the Red Oak Landfill Superfund Site from the National Priorities List.
(Full Story)
Clear Lake still tainted four years after alert
09/22/2005
Clear Lake, a premier Iowa resort area, is still battling some of the worst beach bacteria problems in the state, four years after a study suggested ways to fix the problem.
(Full Story)
Public asked for input on new water quality standards
09/22/2005
The DNR is looking for Iowan's input as it works towards strengthening the state's water quality standards.
(Full Story)
EPA awards more than $198,000 for environmental education grants
09/22/2005
EPA Region 7 has awarded 15 environmental education grants to develop new environmental education projects or improve existing ones. EPA reviewed 65 proposals from the four Region 7 states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
(Full Story)
Volunteers to Construct Sculpture at Clay County Fair
09/07/2005
Car parts, ladders and other trash removed from a northwest Iowa river return to the area this month - as art supplies. During both weekends of the Clay County Fair (Sept. 10 - 18) in Spencer, fairgoers will help turn salvaged metal into artwork.
(Full Story)
Upper Iowa River Cleanup Coming in September
09/07/2005
Volunteers soon will swarm the Upper Iowa River on a mission to keep it clean during the fourth annual Upper Iowa River Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 24.
(Full Story)
City planning to hold daylong junk collection
08/18/2005
City Council members approved Sept. 17 as the date residents can haul old equipment, appliances, tires and junk to the Waste Water Treatment Plant on Easton Avenue in Waterloo.
(Full Story)
Counties receive $790,000 to help curb lead poisoning
08/17/2005
Iowa counties will share $790,000 in state money, most of which comes from federal grants, to test children for exposure to lead based paint, inspect homes and run awareness programs.
(Full Story)
EPC to address standards for open feedlots and water quality in August
08/12/2005
Two items that were postponed at the July meeting will be proposed by the DNR at the Aug. 15 meeting of the Environmental Protection Commission to be held in Fairfield.
(Full Story)
Boil orders in effect for Denver, New Hampton
08/10/2005
DNR has issued a drinking water warning for residents of the Denver Hills subdivision northeast of Denver and are reminding residents of Winter Mobile Home Park near New Hampton that a boil order remains in effect there.
(Full Story)
Dry days bring crop concerns, burning bans
07/29/2005
Farmers and fire officials in eastern and southeastern Iowa are desperately hoping for rain. Temperatures at 90 and above, combined with a lack of rain in June and July, mean crops have been unable to pick up enough moisture to develop properly.
(Full Story)
Clive puts cap on recycling
07/29/2005
City to provide covers for bins.
(Full Story)
Health alert issued for Big Creek Lake due to high blue-green algae toxins
07/15/2005
A health alert urging people to avoid contact with the water has been jointly issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) for Big Creek Lake because of a toxin associated with blue-green algae.
(Full Story)
City of Anamosa fails to timely report wastewater bypass
07/15/2005
The city of Anamosa will receive a notice of violation from the DNR for failing to report a wastewater bypass within 12 hours.
(Full Story)
Groups sue EPA over level of water pollution
07/01/2005
Several environmental groups sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, contending the agency is allowing pollution in Iowa streams that threatens to kill aquatic plants and insects, and sicken livestock.
(Full Story)
DNR introduces new watershed improvement sections
07/01/2005
Two new DNR sections will bring together water quality knowledge and expertise to improve Iowas water quality from a watershed approach.
(Full Story)
DNR swap grant recipient wins national award
07/01/2005
With the goal of reducing the amount of solid waste generated and landfilled in Iowa, the DNR's Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) has helped many Iowa public and private groups, individuals and local governments by providing financial assistance through a competitive process.
(Full Story)
EPA: Unexploded fireworks contaminated water in Hills
06/17/2005
An official from the Environmental Protection Agency told a gathering of Hills residents Wednesday evening that unexploded fireworks caused a contamination of local groundwater and that the EPA will pay for the installation of water filters in affected homes.
(Full Story)
Water quality improvement meetings scheduled for Maquoketa, Volga Rivers
06/17/2005
The DNR is asking for the help of eastern Iowans in improving the water quality of the Maquoketa and Volga rivers.
(Full Story)
Water quality standards on EPC agenda for June
06/17/2005
Revising the states water quality standards will be a discussion item on the June 20 agenda for the Environmental Protection Commission meeting.
(Full Story)
Storms lead to wastewater bypasses
05/20/2005
Heavy rainfall over the past week has led to a number of wastewater bypasses throughout the state.
(Full Story)
Free hazardous waste awareness workshop
05/16/2005
The Compliance Assistance Workshop to prepare businesses for a RCRA Hazardous Waste Inspection will take place on May 19, 2005 from 10 am to 3 pm at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The workshop is free and lunch will be provided. The IWRC and DNR will be presenting the pollution prevention aspects of the workshop while EPA will cover information on compliance and inspection.
(Full Story)
North Fork Maquoketa River Water Quality Meeting Scheduled
05/13/2005
The DNR will hold a meeting to discuss potential causes of biological impairments in the North Fork Maquoketa River May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at New Vienna City Hall.
(Full Story)
New technology for topographic maps on EPC April agenda
04/15/2005
The DNR will ask commissioners at the April 18 meeting of the Environmental Protection Commission to approve a contract that will use aerial radar to map topographic contours at close to survey quality.
(Full Story)
Camp Dodge recognized for environmental excellence
04/15/2005
The Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa has recently taken initiatives above and beyond that of most National Guard bases in practicing pollution prevention and waste reduction at their facility.
(Full Story)
DNR to unveil garbage sculpture before Earth Day
04/05/2005
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will welcome a heap of garbage into its Des Moines offices on April 18.
(Full Story)
DNR reverses indoor emission policy
01/28/2005
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is withdrawing the "Permit it or Exempt it" procedure that had been implemented in June 2004 with a deadline date of February 28, 2005.
(Full Story)
Project Aware Volunteers to Scour the Little Sioux River
01/27/2005
The third annual Project AWARE (A Watershed Awareness River Expedition) will tackle the Little Sioux River -- canoeing and removing trash from Saturday, June 18 to Saturday, June 25.
(Full Story)
New DNR air quality process cuts time, helps economic planning
01/06/2005
A new process will help Iowa's largest manufacturers obtain air permits in record time and make planning for major expansions more precise.
(Full Story)
DNR accepting applications for nonpoint funding
01/05/2005
The DNR is accepting applications for funding of nonpoint source projects aimed at improving Iowa's water quality. Applications must address nonpoint source pollution problems that are adversely affecting Iowa's water quality.
(Full Story)
EPA celebrates safe drinking water act's 30th anniversary
12/17/2004
EPA Region 7 will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act on December 16, and salutes the Iowans who work hard everyday to ensure that their water is safe to drink.
(Full Story)
Revised special waste authorization process for landfills
12/09/2004
Landfill officials can now process special waste more quickly through an improved DNR issuance process.
(Full Story)
EPA approves Iowa's water quality standards
12/06/2004
EPA has approved the revised Iowa water quality standards adopted by the state June 16, 2004. The approved revisions now can be implemented under the Clean Water Act.
(Full Story)
MOPP: New look, same great performance
11/09/2004
The IWRC has recently received its new MOPP-renovated Winnebago, ready to get to the road with its eye-catching new appearance.
(Full Story)
Back to school
11/09/2004
Think you're doing everything you can to obtain maximum transfer efficiency? Think again. The University of Northern Iowa's Spray Technique Analysis & Research (STAR) program proves that transfer efficiency isn't as much about the gun as it is the person holding it...
(Full Story)
Last of the big tire cleanups
11/04/2004
The Environmental Protection Commission will be asked to approve a contract to clean up the last big waste tire site in Iowa at their Nov. 15 meeting.
(Full Story)
DNR improves wastewater permitting process
10/28/2004
The DNR will reduce processing time to issue wastewater permits from more than a year to approximately 15 days, after completely revamping its process in September.
(Full Story)
New collection and recycling permits
10/15/2004
The Environmental Protection Commission recently adopted new permit rules for Cathode Ray Tube Device Recycling under Iowa Administrative Code to insure that the discarded CRTs are recycled in a manner that is safe for human health and the environment.
(Full Story)
EPA chief brings $250,000 to Iowa to help control school bus exhaust
10/05/2004
EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt presented a $250,000 grant this morning to Iowa's Bus Emission Education Project (BEEP).
(Full Story)
Apply Now for the 2004 Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards
09/30/2004
Iowa businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to apply for the 2004 Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards.
(Full Story)
Recognizing leadership and innovation in natural resources
09/09/2004
Iowa businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to apply for the 200 Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards. This premier environmental awards program, sponsored by Governor Vilsack and the State of Iowa, recognizes leadership and innovation in the protection of Iowa's water, land and air.
(Full Story)
EPA Environmental Excellence Awards go to 13 Regional Organizations
09/08/2004
Recipients of 13 Pollution Prevention Environmental Excellence awards will be honored Tuesday, Sept.14, 2004, by EPA Region 7.
(Full Story)
Changes made to manure management plan rules
09/02/2004
The Iowa phosphorus index and several rules are creating changes for producers who submit manure management plans (MMPs) to the DNR.
(Full Story)
EPA awards more than $185,000 for Environmental Education Grants
08/31/2004
EPA Region 7 has awarded 15 environmental education grants to develop new environmental education projects or improve existing ones, including three projects from Iowa.
(Full Story)
Free Brownfields conference helps put abandoned lands to new use
08/15/2004
The Brownfields 2004 conference, with free registration in St. Louis September 20-22, is geared toward business and industry, developers, real estate professionals, public officials, neighborhood associations and the agriculture community. It will look at ways to clean up and reuse environmentally contaminated properties.
(Full Story)
Golf courses provided with valuable environmental assistance
08/13/2004
Although golf courses are usually not thought of as a major pollution producing industry, there are several environmental issues they need to keep in mind. Following environmental regulations can help avoid penalties and fines, while keeping a good public image.
(Full Story)
EPA proposes to remove the Mid-America Tanning Company from Superfund list
08/05/2004
EPA announced today that it is proposing to delete the Mid-America Tanning Company Superfund site from the National Priorities List.
(Full Story)
Iowa watershed project to get $1 million grant for nitrate reduction
08/01/2004
An Iowa project to reduce nitrate pollution will receive a $1 million grant from EPA, one of 14 awarded under the national 2004 Targeted Watershed Grants program announced today by EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt at a ceremony in Des Moines.
(Full Story)
Brownfield redevelopment seminar set for August
07/23/2004
A free seminar on brownfield redevelopment issues will be offered August 3 in Cedar Rapids. The seminar is directed toward community governments, developers and others interested in turning brownfield sites from obstacles into opportunities.
(Full Story)
Iowa meeting tougher particulate pollution standards
07/08/2004
The entire state of Iowa is meeting tougher federal air standards for particulate pollution. Twenty-two states have at least one or more areas not meeting the standards for the microscopic sized soots, which cause 15,000 premature deaths every year across the nation.
(Full Story)
DNR urges proper handling of secondary containment water
06/28/2004
Recent heavy rains are causing stormwater to accumulate within secondary containment structures at cooperatives and agricultural chemical facilities across the state. The DNR is encouraging owners of these facilities to handle the high water levels appropriately.
(Full Story)
DNR makes air emissions policy change
06/14/2004
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recently announced a policy change regarding emissions sources exhausted indoors.
(Full Story)
DNR continues process improvement efforts
06/11/2004
The DNR conducted an intensive review, the week of June 1-4, of its landfill permitting process to increase efficiency and reduce down time. The DNR hopes to decrease the time it takes to process a landfill permit by nearly 85 percent.
(Full Story)
IWRC announcing new EnviroWire
06/11/2004
The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) is announcing a the creation of a new environmental publication titled EnvriroWire.
(Full Story)
Grants boost conservation education in Iowa
06/08/2004
More than $400,000 in grants has been issued by the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Conservation Education Board for 15 Iowa conservation education projects.
(Full Story)
US EPA OECA launches newsletter for compliance assistance providers
05/28/2004
Past Iowa News | Sign Up for Newsletter
Biodiesel 101
04/02/2009
The Iowa DNR Trails Program is hosting a workshop on how to make your own diesel fuel from used restaurant fryer oil from 9 a.m. to noon, April 7, at the Trails Building at Big Creek State Park, just north of Polk City. The workshop is open to everyone.
(Full Story)
Rescue Iowa's Prairies and Celebrate Earth Day
04/02/2009
Iowa volunteers are invited to rescue prairies throughout the state to celebrate Earth Day 39. This is the 10th annual Prairie Rescue Event.
(Full Story)
Iowa State University Gets $600K in Grants to Improve Gulf of Mexico
04/02/2009
Iowa State University has been awarded three grants totaling $600,000 through EPA's national Targeted Watersheds Grant Program to reduce pollutants in Iowa watersheds that contribute to the oxygen-depleted zone in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
(Full Story)
Five Iowa Communities to Receive 'Smart Growth' Assistance to Recover
03/20/2009
The cities of Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Iowa City and New Hartford, Iowa, will receive a total of $200,000 in technical assistance for their continuing efforts to recover and redevelop from 2008's weather-related natural disasters, federal and state officials announced today.
(Full Story)
Annual River Cleanup Route and Dates Announced
03/20/2009
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for adventuresome volunteers to take part in the seventh annual Project AWARE (A Watershed Awareness River Expedition) river cleanup event.
(Full Story)
Deadline for DNR grants to help local water quality efforts is April 1
03/20/2009
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship - Division of Soil Conservation (IDALS-DSC) are reminding water quality groups across the state of the April 1 deadline for grant applications.
(Full Story)
DNR-funded conservation practices reduce water pollution in 2008
02/26/2009
About 19,000 tons of soil are staying put on the land and out of Iowa streams and lakes, thanks to conservation practices installed in fiscal year 2008, according to numbers released today by the DNR.
(Full Story)
DNR biodiesel project fuels financial and sustainable benefits for Iowa
02/26/2009
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Trails Program initiated a Biodiesel Production Pilot Project at Big Creek State Park after receiving an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Blue Skyways grant.
(Full Story)
Iowa City, Iowa, Receives National Award for Excellence
02/26/2009
Iowa City, Iowa, has been nationally recognized for a series of community planning strategies that support and encourage older adults to remain active through the exercise of walking.
(Full Story)
University of Iowa Receives $899,401 Research Grant
02/26/2009
EPA's National Center for Environmental Research has awarded a $899,401 grant to the University of Iowa for a research project that will develop techniques to identify the most harmful fractions and sources of air particulate matter in major U.S. cities, including Chicago.
(Full Story)
Oil Filter Recycling Legislation
02/12/2009
Now in Effect
(Full Story)
Fayette County looks at landfill options
02/12/2009
Time--and space--are quickly becoming a premium at the Fayette County Landfill.
(Full Story)
Groups Alerted to Change in Application Requirements
02/12/2009
for Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) Grants
(Full Story)
DNR Moves Forward on Stream Assessments
02/12/2009
Meets with Cities & Industries Statewide.
(Full Story)
Iowans create water quality successes in 2008
01/23/2009
The efforts of Iowans in 2008 to improve Iowa's lakes, rivers and streams have resulted in success stories across the state, and more efforts are underway for 2009.
(Full Story)
Small Business Assistance Program
01/23/2009
The Iowa Air Emissions Assistance Program (IAEAP) is a program through the University of Northern Iowa's Iowa Waste Reduction Center.
(Full Story)
$477,000 Grant to Mason City, Iowa, for Water Infrastructure
01/09/2009
EPA has awarded $477,000 to Mason City, Iowa, for improvements to the city's existing sanitary sewer collection system.
(Full Story)
One Week Left to Apply for Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Award
01/09/2009
Applications are due Jan. 31, 2009.
(Full Story)
Final Report on Greenhouse Gas Cutbacks Submitted to Governor
01/09/2009
The Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council came to consensus on two greenhouse gas reduction scenarios and 56 policy options in their 469-page final report to the Governor and General Assembly released today during a news conference at the Iowa State Capitol.
(Full Story)
DNR, IDALS Offering Grants to Help Local Efforts to Improve Water Quality
01/09/2009
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) are encouraging groups across the state to apply for grant funding to help improve Iowa's water quality.
(Full Story)
Iowa's Scott and Muscatine Counties in Violation of Air Standards
01/09/2009
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officially notified the state of Iowa today that portions of Scott and Muscatine counties do not meet the Agency's daily standards for fine particle pollution.
(Full Story)
Power Fund is up for renewal
12/11/2008
The Iowa Power Fund, created in 2007, has granted almost $29 million to Iowa companies and schools for energy-related projects and also was called on to give $7.5 million for flood and tornado relief.
(Full Story)
Iowa schools rank high in polluted-air study
12/11/2008
School officials are calling on government officials to test the air near several Iowa schools after a national study revealed the state's students may be exposed to some of the most toxic air found in schoolyards nationally.
(Full Story)
Livestock Producers Who House Anaimals May Need to Apply for Permit
12/11/2008
Animal producers, primarily beef and dairy producers, may need to act soon if they raise large numbers of the same kind of animals in both indoor and outdoor housing.
(Full Story)
Safety Stresses During Shotgun Deer Seasons
12/11/2008
As Iowa's largest group hunting season approaches hunters are encouraged to brush up on their safety and to bring a new hunter along to share the hunt and help keep the great Iowa tradition alive.
(Full Story)
Wetlands and Stream Project Grants Available
12/11/2008
Grants are available through the Five Star Restoration Program, which brings together citizen groups, corporations, youth organizations, landowners and government agencies to undertake projects that restore streams and wetlands.
(Full Story)
U.S. EPA Regions 5 and 7 Web Site "Goes Live"
12/11/2008
for Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Regulation Seminar
(Full Story)
Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards
11/21/2008
2008 Application Information
(Full Story)
Iowa Stakeholders Asked to Share Comments for Construction & Demolition
11/14/2008
Iowans interested in providing feedback regarding proposed revisions to disposal requirements for construction and demolition (C&D) waste can submit written comments...
(Full Story)
Iowa companies: Submit project proposals for economic solutions
11/14/2008
Iowa companies can submit project proposals for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' 2009 Pollution Prevention Intern Program...
(Full Story)
Environmental Justice Small Grants Workshop Scheduled
11/14/2008
EPA Region 7 will hold a one-day Environmental Justice (EJ) Small Grants Workshop to help organizations apply for EPA grants.
(Full Story)
Rockwell Collins of Coralville, Iowa, Receives Top Honor
11/14/2008
A global aerospace and defense manufacturer's operations in Coralville, Iowa, has received the top honor at EPA Region 7's 2008 Performance Track Member Conference.
(Full Story)
Rebuild Iowa Office Helps Organize Disaster Recovery Conference
11/12/2008
Several State Agencies Host Event to Assist with Recovery Efforts
(Full Story)
Iowa Agencies Receive Gulf Guardian Award
10/27/2008
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Farm Service Agency and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Receives Gulf Guardian Award
(Full Story)
DNR Wants Your Ideas for Water Trails and Low-head Dam Safety
10/27/2008
An 18-month planning process is underway for water trails and low-head dam safety in Iowa. A series of listening sessions are scheduled around the state in coming months.
(Full Story)
Rule Strengthens Lead Emissions Standard, Increases Monitoring
10/27/2008
EPA significantly reduced the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for lead with the signing of the final rule Oct. 15.
(Full Story)
DNR Report Details Exeedances of EPA Health Limits
10/27/2008
Iowa sites have exceeded a national air quality health limit 22 times so far this year, according to reports made to the DNR.
(Full Story)
Information Meetings Scheduled to Discuss Proposed Rule Changes
10/13/2008
A series of informational meetings to highlight proposed rule changes regarding public lands will be held in October in Des Moines, Dubuque and Spirit Lake.
(Full Story)
A Bounty of Opportunities for Fall Volunteers
10/13/2008
This fall, the Keepers of the Land Volunteer Program, in the Iowa DNR offers volunteers bountiful opportunities to protect and conserve Iowa's great outdoors.
(Full Story)
Fine Particle Pollution Causes Poor Air Quality in Eastern Iowa
10/13/2008
Fine particulate pollution was measured at levels above EPA health standards at four sites in Eastern Iowa.
(Full Story)
New Service Opportunity to Rebuild Iowa Green
09/25/2008
Iowa Green Corps, in conjunction with AmeriCorps and the DNR, is looking for six people who want to lead Iowa's rebuilding green efforts for the next twelve months.
(Full Story)
EPA Encourages Students to Enter Environmental Youth Award
09/25/2008
Entries are now being sought for the 2008 President's Environmental Youth Awards.
(Full Story)
Business Recovery Center
09/25/2008
Many businesses not in the flood zone are feeling an impact by the flood, even though they didn't take on water.
(Full Story)
Six Operation ReLeaf Events Planned in Iowa for Fall 2008
09/25/2008
Iowans looking for a cost-effective, yet eye-pleasing way to reduce home heating and cooling costs are encouraged to participate in Operation ReLeaf.
(Full Story)
EPA Taking Public Comment on Fine Particle Recommendations
09/12/2008
EPA is opening a 30-day public comment period on its recommendations for areas to be designated as out of compliance with the Agency's 24-hour fine particle air quality standards.
(Full Story)
Iowa Redemption Center Improvement Grant Funding Now Available
09/12/2008
The DNR will now be accepting applications from independent redemption centers seeking funds from the Independent Redemption Center Grants Program.
(Full Story)
EPA Region 7 Hosts Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee Meeting
09/12/2008
EPA Region 7 hosted the second meeting of the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee, September 8-10, in Kansas City, Mo.
(Full Story)
EPA to Distribute "Mercury: An Educator's Toolkit" to Schools in Ia, Ks, Mo
09/12/2008
With goals of teaching young people about the dangers of elemental mercury and reducing the potential for mercury spills, EPA Region 7 will soon distribute more than 7,400 hard copies of an educational toolkit.
(Full Story)
EPA and K-State Host Sustainable Redevelopment Workshop
09/02/2008
The U.S. EPA, Region 7, and Kansas State University will host a Sustainable Redevelopment Workshop September 9-11 at the Kansas State University Student Union in Manhattan, Kan.
(Full Story)
Oil Filter Recycling Legislation Requirements Revised
09/02/2008
Iowa law now requires any retailer selling oil filters to accept used oil filters from customers or post notice of locations for consumer disposal.
(Full Story)
Iowa Scrap Tires Used to Make School Playgrounds Safer
08/28/2008
Students and staff at several Iowa schools will begin the new academic year with a safer playground.
(Full Story)
EPA Awards $182,000 in Environmental Education Grants
08/28/2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 7 office has awarded nine grants totaling $182,000 to develop new environmental education projects.
(Full Story)
EPA Region 7 Completes Water Testing Preparedness Exercise
08/28/2008
Labs that test drinking water throughout the four states of EPA's Region 7 should be better suited to respond to natural disasters...
(Full Story)
2007 Iowa Drinking Water Report Available
08/28/2008
More than 2.5 million Iowans served by public water supplies received safe drinking water in 2007.
(Full Story)
Iowa Counties Identified as Possible Pollution Nonattainment Area
08/28/2008
EPA has sent a letter to Gov. Chet Culver proposing Scott and Muscatine counties in Iowa as potential nonattainment areas for exceeding the short-term fine-particle pollution standard.
(Full Story)
Bus Funds Reduce Iowa Children's Exposure to Diesel Exhaust
08/28/2008
EPA Region 7 and the Blue Skyways Collaborative will work with the Iowa Bus Emission Education Program (BEEP) to reduce Iowa children's exposure to diesel exhaust.
(Full Story)
Indoor air quality proves to be significant problem
08/18/2008
There's been a lot of attention focused lately on the role indoor air pollution plays in our ability to live a healthy lifestyle.
(Full Story)
EPC Adds Voting Requirements To Agenda
08/18/2008
The Environmental Protection Commission has added an agenda item to their Aug. 19 meeting in Urbandale.
(Full Story)
Plugged and Broken Lines Result in Bypass of Sewage Into Iowa River
08/18/2008
Two pipes that carry wastewater under the Iowa River to the treatment plant were discovered to be either plugged or partially plugged on Thursday.
(Full Story)
Environmental Protection Commission to Meet August 19
08/01/2008
The Environmental Protection Commission will discuss proposed changes to wastewater rules at its monthly meeting Aug. 19.
(Full Story)
EPA Partners with Water Utilities to Save Energy
08/01/2008
EPA hosted a first-ever Innovative Energy Management Workshop on July 22 in Kansas City, Mo.
(Full Story)
Soil, water conservation took a beating in floods
08/01/2008
Iowa's terraces and other soil and water conservation structures suffered $40 million in damage from heavy rain and flooding this year.
(Full Story)
Expert: Iowa's crop loss less severe than assessed
08/01/2008
Iowa's crop losses from floods are far less than first estimated.
(Full Story)
EPA Approves Iowa's List of Impaired Waters
07/18/2008
EPA has approved Iowa's 2006 list of impaired waters.
(Full Story)
DNR & FSA Program Expansion Will Better Protect Public Drinking Water Wells
07/18/2008
More public wells in Iowa are eligible for a federal program that helps protect public drinking water sources.
(Full Story)
Volunteers Needed to Enhance Iowan's Summer Recreation
07/18/2008
With summer in full swing, Keepers of the Land, the volunteer program with the Iowa DNR, offers many statewide volunteer events.
(Full Story)
EPA Encourages Farmers in Iowa Flood Areas to Report Orphan Containers
07/18/2008
Recent flooding may have scattered tanks, drums, cylinders and barrels onto private properties and farmland throughout flooded areas in Iowa.
(Full Story)
Air Sampling and Monitoring Show No Health Risk in Iowa Communities
07/18/2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's air sampling for asbestos and air monitoring for particulates in...
(Full Story)
Beware of Scams
07/07/2008
EPA Is Not Currently Performing Indoor Air Sampling in Response to Iowa Floods
(Full Story)
Septic Haulers May Need Alternate Sites for Discharging
06/20/2008
With floodwaters overwhelming or shutting down numerous wastewater treatment plants...
(Full Story)
Region 7 Providing Hazardous Material Expertise for Iowa Floods
06/20/2008
EPA Region 7 has been tasked by FEMA to provide expertise in potential hazardous materials...
(Full Story)
EPA Recognizes Two Ethanol Facilities in Iowa & Kansas
06/20/2008
that Demonstrate Exceptional Energy Savings
(Full Story)
DNR Asks Farms to Dispose of Sand and Soil Away from Streams
06/20/2008
As floodwaters have swept through the state, they've left many landowners wondering what to do with silt...
(Full Story)
Tornado takes heavy toll on Parkersburg businesses
06/06/2008
Matt Wildeboer was among 60 Parkersburg residents on a canoe trip in Mason City when he heard the news.
(Full Story)
Small Business Contracting Conference in Bettendorf Draws Experts
06/06/2008
Congressman, SBA Deputy Administrator Headline Event
(Full Story)
Seven projects get grants to improve water quality
06/06/2008
State environmental officials say seven projects are expected to be awarded about $5.4 million in grants...
(Full Story)
Event at Union Grove Lake Highlights Partnership Working on Water Quality
05/23/2008
Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Richard Leopold and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will be at Union Grove Lake in Tama County...
(Full Story)
Significant Changes Proposed for Lead Emissions & Monitoring
05/23/2008
EPA proposed a significant reduction in the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for lead emissions May 1
(Full Story)
Small-business loans awarded to six companies
05/23/2008
Six Iowa businesses with women, minority and disabled owners received targeted small-business loans...
(Full Story)
EPA Conducts Mercury Safety Outreach to Contractors
05/09/2008
EPA Region 7 has developed fact sheets to inform plumbing, heating and cooling contractors who repair or replace mercury-containing gas regulators, pressure gauges, heat generators and thermostats about the health risks and liability issues associated with a mercury release.
(Full Story)
Lean Training Concepts Are Not Just For Manufacturers
05/08/2008
Lean training concepts have been successfully implemented in many organizations, including insurance, manufacturing, banking, transportation, financial services, health care, government and education.
(Full Story)
EPA E-Scrap Event Nets Nearly 10 Tons of Used Electronics
05/08/2008
Nearly 10 tons of used electronic equipment will be responsibly recycled instead of going to landfills.
(Full Story)
Natural Resources and EPC to Meet May 12 and 13
05/08/2008
The Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Commission will have a joint meeting May 12 in West Des Moines.
(Full Story)
Significant Changes Proposed for Lead Emissions, Monitoring
05/08/2008
EPA proposed a significant reduction in the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for lead emissions.
(Full Story)
EPA Region 7 Responders Participate in Ethanol Training
04/25/2008
A group of emergency response coordinators from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will take part in several ethanol emergency response training sessions.
(Full Story)
U of I Students Find Greener Solutions and Win Environmental Awards
04/25/2008
EPA presented annual People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Awards to six university teams including University of Iowa students.
(Full Story)
State Power Fund board backs UNI, Osage energy initiatives
04/25/2008
The Iowa Power Fund Board gave preliminary backing Wednesday to two area alternative energy projects.
(Full Story)
Coal-plant emissions threaten public health
04/25/2008
On Sunday, the Iowa Medical Society, which represents more than 4,600 physicians in Iowa, passed a resolution...
(Full Story)
Special Funds Target Diesel Emission Reductions
04/11/2008
Organizations that are working to improve air quality can apply for grants which will help reduce diesel emissions in their areas.
(Full Story)
DNR Offers Springtime Opportunities for Volunteers
04/11/2008
Spring has officially arrived and the Keepers of the Land, the volunteer program with the DNR, offers many statewide volunteer events and opportunities to welcome the season.
(Full Story)
Region 7 Areas Selected to Receive Nearly $5 Million to Revitalize Blighted
04/11/2008
Nearly $5 million in Brownfields grant money was announced today by EPA to assess or clean up properties in more than 16 communities and one state in Region 7.
(Full Story)
Celebrate Earth Day at UNI!
04/11/2008
Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22 -- celebrations will be in full swing on the UNI campus
(Full Story)
Test Soils Before Spring Fertilizer and Manure Applications
03/28/2008
Crop and confinement animal producers who use manure as fertilizer
should schedule soil sampling this spring before applying commercial or manure
fertilizer.
(Full Story)
New Free Download Available at IWRC Website!
03/28/2008
A guide for building, construction and environmental professionals.
(Full Story)
Companies work together to convert waste into hydrogen fuel
03/28/2008
Companies in Iowa and Connecticut are working together on a power system run by internal combustion engines burning hydrogen gas made from all types of waste products.
(Full Story)
EPA Strengthens Smog Standards to Better Protect Human Health & Environment
03/17/2008
EPA today met its requirements of the Clean Air Act by signing the most stringent 8-hour standard ever for ozone.
(Full Story)
Tighter Ozone Standards Strengthen Iowa Air Quality Programs
03/17/2008
The new standards for ground-level ozone announced today in Washington will strengthen air quality programs in Iowa.
(Full Story)
Expanding bottle bill good for environment
03/17/2008
Just a few weeks after a revised bottle bill proposal was declared dead in the Legislature, a remodeled version is gaining some traction.
(Full Story)
EPA Approves Latest Iowa Water Quality Standards
02/14/2008
(Kansas City, Kan.,) - EPA has approved new and revised Iowa water quality standards, designating more than 14,000 additional miles of Iowa waters for recreational and aquatic life uses.
(Full Story)
DNR to Hold Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Workshops
02/14/2008
(Iowa City, IA) - IOWATER, Iowa's statewide volunteer water quality monitoring program, will host workshops throughout the state this summer.
(Full Story)
ENERGY STAR Label Goes to 22 Buildings in EPA Region 7
02/14/2008
(Kansas City, Kan.,) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded its prestigious ENERGY STAR label for 2007 to 22 buildings in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
(Full Story)
Legislation Addresses Water Pollution in Iowa
02/14/2008
(Des Moines, IA.) - A bipartisan group of state lawmakers unveiled legislation Monday aimed at identifying problems and preventing pollution in Iowa's largest lakes, rivers and creeks.
(Full Story)
DNR to Hold Annual Water Monitoring Conference
02/04/2008
Water quality professionals and volunteers can discover what Iowans are doing to improve Iowas water resources at the DNRs eighth annual Water Monitoring Conference.
(Full Story)
IWRC Offers Free Downloadable Grain Software
02/04/2008
As of March 31, 2008, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will be implementing a new rule (567 IAC 22.10) to regulate grain storage operations.
(Full Story)
Pappajohn Launches 3rd Annual Iowa Business Plan Competition
02/04/2008
John Pappajohn, Iowa's premier venture capitalist, has announced the launch of the third annual John Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition.
(Full Story)
Iowa, Florida Join California's Challenge of EPA Ruling
02/04/2008
Iowa and Florida have joined the legal battle over whether states should have the right to set tougher vehicle emission standards than those set by the federal government, officials said Friday.
(Full Story)
Final Rule for Manuare Application to Soybeans
02/04/2008
The final rule that would limit manure application on fields going into soybean production will be up for approval at the Feb. 5 Environmental Protection Commission meeting.
(Full Story)
DNR, IDALS Offering Grants for Improving Water Quality
01/18/2008
The Iowa DNR and Iowa IDALS are encouraging groups across the state to apply for grant funding to help improve Iowa's water quality.
(Full Story)
Culver Outlines Spending Blueprint for Coming Year
01/18/2008
Iowans should get the same type of health care as elected officials, Gov. Chet Culver said this morning.
(Full Story)
70 Counties Decide to Evaluate Animal Confinement Sites
01/18/2008
Almost three fourths of Iowa counties have decided to use the master matrix to evaluate the proposed locations of animal confinement operations.
(Full Story)
EPC to meet Jan. 15 and 16
01/07/2008
The Environmental Protection Commission will meet Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. in Urbandale.
(Full Story)
Grain Elevator PTE Calculation Tool Available for Use
01/04/2008
A tool to facilitate the calculation of potential to emit (PTE) of regulated air pollutants from country grain elevators, grain terminal elevators, and country grain terminal elevators is now available...
(Full Story)
Grain Elevator Workshops and Documents
01/04/2008
The Iowa DNR, Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI), UNI and the Iowa Department of Economic Development are co-sponsoring a series of workshops for grain elevators.
(Full Story)
EPA Proposes Better Approach to Reporting Hazardous Substances
01/04/2008
EPA has proposed a rule change to provide an administrative reporting exemption for air releases of hazardous substances -- primarily ammonia and hydrogen sulfide -- from animal waste at farms.
(Full Story)
EPA Accepting Grant Proposals to Support Communities
01/04/2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, is announcing EPA's national grant competition through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program.
(Full Story)
'Green' paint comes in all colors
12/14/2007
Green isn't just a paint color.
(Full Story)
January Sign Up For Counties to Evaluate Animal Confinement Sites
12/14/2007
For counties that are interested in evaluating proposed locations of confinement facilities that need a construction permit, the sign-up ends Jan. 31, 2008.
(Full Story)
Iowa energy independence plan unveiled
12/14/2007
Iowas new energy-independence plan calls for California-style emissions standards for new cars sold in Iowa, massive cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, new renewable-energy and energy-efficiency requirements for utilities, a bigger push for renewable fuels and a congratulatory labeling system for energy-efficient buildings.
(Full Story)
Permitting Workshops for Grain Handling Facilities
11/30/2007
Workshops to assist grain handling facilities in complying with new air regulations and ensuring continued protection of human health near grain elevators will be held around the state beginning Wednesday, November 14 in Spencer.
(Full Story)
Voluntary Incentive Program Introduced to Reduce Livestock Odors
11/30/2007
A comprehensive plan to reduce livestock odors received unanimous, bi-partisan approval Wednesday from the interim Livestock Odor Study Committee of the Iowa Legislature.
(Full Story)
Fire pollution not expected to be significant
11/02/2007
While crews checked for environmental trouble at the scene of the burned Barton Solvents plant in northeast Des Moines this morning, a key state staffer said it is unlikely the incident caused significant pollution problems.
(Full Story)
Permitting Workshops for Grain Handling Facilities
11/02/2007
Workshops to assist grain handling facilities in complying with new air regulations and ensuring continued protection of human health near grain elevators will be held around the state beginning Wednesday, November 14 in Spencer.
(Full Story)
School Buses Running Cleaner With Completion of EPA Grant Activities
10/19/2007
The Bus Emission Education Program (BEEP) reported the installation of an additional 213 diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) on school buses in 33 school districts in its September 2007 report to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
(Full Story)
C.F. adopts resolution to reduce greenhouse emissions
10/19/2007
The City Council adopted a resolution Monday to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
(Full Story)
Crop and Animal Producers - Test Soils Now
10/04/2007
Crop and confinement animal producers should take soil samples this fall before land applying manure, according to the DNR.
(Full Story)
Cities and Industries to Learn About Wastewater Treatment Plant Changes
10/04/2007
City officials and industry managers are invited to attend any of six meetings to discuss how changing water quality standards could affect compliance with permit limits at their wastewater treatment facilities.
(Full Story)
EPA Awards More Than $540,000 to Reduce Lead Poisoning
09/07/2007
EPA Region 7 has awarded six grants in Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska in areas with high incidences of children with elevated blood-lead levels.
(Full Story)
New Rules Proposed to Control Air Quality at Grain Elevators
09/07/2007
New rules that would assist grain elevators in complying with air regulations and ensure continued protection of human health near grain elevators will be open for public comment at three informational meetings/public hearings to be held this fall.
(Full Story)
Livestock Producers - Stop Manure Runoff From Reaching Water Near You
08/28/2007
Livestock producers can prevent or reduce damage from manure discharges despite heavy rainfalls that may have stressed manure storage facilities.
(Full Story)
EPA Awards $94,000 in Environmental Education Grants
08/28/2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 7 office has awarded seven grants totaling $94,000 to develop new environmental education projects.
(Full Story)
Expert warns of ethanol pollution
08/09/2007
Decisions on growing corn and other feedstocks for the fuel additive are critical, environmental leaders hear.
(Full Story)
Storms Overwhelm Iowa Wastewater Systems
07/19/2007
Following heavy storms across eastern and northern Iowa Monday evening, communities are reporting wastewater bypasses to the DNR on Tuesday.
(Full Story)
Numbers Grow, So Does Trash on Project AWARE
06/27/2007
It's amazing what you can find, canoeing down the lazy river.
Patio furniture
A basketball rim...and basketball
Pots, pans, china
(Full Story)
A catalog of insults to forests
06/27/2007
Every year, the catalog industry sends out more than 20 billion catalogs. That's over 60 catalogs per man, woman and child in the United States. In essence, this mean that the catalog industry moves more than 6 billion tons of trees from the forest to the landfill - with a brief appearance as junk mail in the middle.
(Full Story)
DNR Launches New Online Water Information Tool
06/27/2007
The DNR launched a new interactive online tool today to help Iowans learn more about the state's surface water resources.
(Full Story)
Military paint shop school tucked away in Cedar Falls
06/27/2007
STAR4D stands for Spray Technique Analysis and Research for Defense and is part of the University of Northern Iowa's Waste Reduction Center. The program caters almost exclusively to military personnel, using state-of-the-art equipment to improve their spray painting techniques.
(Full Story)
Ethanol producers work hard to be green
06/14/2007
Many Iowans have embraced the development and expansion of the biofuels industry because of its role in helping America achieve energy independence while providing substantial economic benefits to the people of America's heartland.
(Full Story)
Cut waste, high bills by conserving water
06/14/2007
Like many resources today that are plentiful and easy to obtain, we seldom think about how much water we use daily.
(Full Story)
Governor signs bills fostering renewable energy
05/24/2007
It's official: Iowa will pump $100 million into boosting its renewable fuel research and production.
(Full Story)
Number of impaired waterways jumps
05/10/2007
A total of 135 new bodies of water have joined the state's 2006 impaired waterways list, released Tuesday by officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
(Full Story)
Iowa's list of polluted waters grows
05/04/2007
Iowa's impaired waters list spiked on Tuesday with the addition of more than 135 new water bodies.
(Full Story)
State To Create Pollution Tracking System
04/30/2007
The state will create a system to track pollution as part of a new law that addresses global warming.
(Full Story)
Rains Overwhelm Wastewater Systems Across Iowa
04/30/2007
Another band of heavy rainfall across the state Tuesday and Wednesday has resulted in wastewater bypasses.
(Full Story)
Survey Investigates how Iowans use rivers
04/27/2007
If you use Iowa's streams, whether fishing along a river or splashing around the creek in your backyard, the Iowa DNR is looking for your help.
(Full Story)
MidAmerican pledges to jolt Iowa's wind power production
04/20/2007
MidAmerican Energy announced plans Thursday to nearly double its capacity to produce electricity in Iowa with wind turbine power.
(Full Story)
Iowa River Land on Endangered List
04/20/2007
The Iowa River has earned the dubious distinciton of being on the country's most endangered rivers on 2007.
(Full Story)
Study Suggests Ethanol May Cause More Smog, Deaths
04/20/2007
Switching from gasoline to ethanol -- touted as a green alternative at the pump -- may create dirtier air, causing slightly more smog-related deaths, a new study says.
(Full Story)
Plastic grocery bags' convenience trumps environmental factor
04/20/2007
Shoppers like their plastic grocery bags and still continue to choose them overwhelmingly over more environmentally friendly paper bags.
(Full Story)
Iowa House rejects renewable energy requirement for coal-fired power plants
04/20/2007
Environmentalists had hoped that if a new coal-fired power plant like the one proposed near Waterloo had to be built in Iowa it would at least be required to get some of its energy from renewable sources.
(Full Story)
Iowa Ethanol Project Gets $80 Million Grant
02/28/2007
Broin Cos. will receive up to $80 million to build a biorefinery that would make fuel from corn cobs as well as corn kernels in Emmetsburg.
(Full Story)
Eco-Friendly Iowans Thrive Off The Grid
02/02/2007
Living off the grid conjures up images of a guy hunched over a wood stove in a dim, cold cabin in the middle of nowhere.
(Full Story)
CFU Baghouse Under Construction
02/02/2007
Stretching more than 300 feet into the sky, a crane lifts steel into place five stories above the ground.
(Full Story)
Cool Congregations: Saving Energy A Moral Issue
01/19/2007
When priests, pastors and religious leaders utter the word stewardship from the pulpit, parishioners often think "money." They might expect a sermon on tithing or a plea for donations.
(Full Story)
Green Building Sets A Model
12/21/2006
Listen closely and you can hear silence in Stacey Hurlin's Jefferson County home.
The blast of the heater is not heard as often or as intense as in a conventional home.
(Full Story)
New Hampton Energy Plant Will Use Coal Gasification Technology
12/21/2006
A proposed ethanol plant east of New Hampton has announced plans to use coal gasification technology in place of natural gas --- a first in the energy industry.
(Full Story)
Meeting: Public's Help Needed To Improve Raccoon And Des Moines Rivers
11/29/2006
From Algona to Guthrie Center, from Sac City to Des Moines - the DNR is seeking your suggestions, comments and questions on improving water quality in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.
(Full Story)
EPC Approves 13 Contracts To Help Improve Iowa's Water Quality
11/29/2006
At its November meeting, the Environmental Protection Commission approved 13 contracts totaling almost $2.6 million for projects to address water quality problems across the state.
(Full Story)
Power Plant Opposers Present Their Side To Waterloo Neighborhood Coalition
11/29/2006
They've heard the city's role in the project. They've heard the company promotion. Monday was the time for the opposition to have its say.
(Full Story)
Manure Spill Hits Creek Near Eddyville
10/26/2006
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is continuing to investigate a manure leak that occurred this week in the Eddyville area of southern Iowa.
(Full Story)
Site Chosen For $155 million 'Earthpark'
10/12/2006
Central Iowa has been chosen as the site for a massive indoor rain forest and environmental learning center that organizers hope will be as successful as its predecessor in the United Kingdom.
(Full Story)
As Ethanol Production Increases, Biomass Research Goes On
10/12/2006
Gas pumps across the state tout ethanol as the fuel choice that means "cleaner air for Iowa."
(Full Story)
State Looks Into E. Okoboji Pollution
09/28/2006
The Iowa attorney general's office has been asked to investigate a developer's repeated pollution problems at the Bridges Bay Resort project along East Okoboji Lake.
(Full Story)
U.S. EPA Revises National Air Quality Standards
09/28/2006
On September 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced revisions to its National Ambient Air Quality Standards. These standards address fine and coarse particulate pollution, also known as particulate matter (PM). Currently, 141 counties across the nation fail to meet the new standards.
(Full Story)
Mammoth, $200 Million Wind Farm Proposed In Iowa
09/14/2006
Northern Iowa could have one of the nation's largest wind farms by 2008. Iowa Winds LLC wants to build a 200- to 300-megawatt farm covering about 40,000 acres in Franklin County.
(Full Story)
Citizen's Group Says DNR Data Shows Ammonia Emissions Too High
09/14/2006
A citizen advocacy group says new environmental data shows that factory farms are releasing levels of ammonia above recommended safe health standards.
(Full Story)
Attention: Iowa Vehicle Dismantlers and Scrap Metal Recyclers
08/31/2006
During its 2006 session, the Iowa Legislature passed HF 2362, the Mercury-Free Recycling Act, to encourage vehicle dismantlers and scrap recycling facilities to remove automotive mercury convenience light switches before the vehicle is crushed or shredded.
(Full Story)
Funds for Targeted Watersheds Grant Program Announced
08/31/2006
Governor Tom Vilsack and DNR Director Jeff Vonk announced today that eligible watersheds in Iowa may qualify for federal funds under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Targeted Watersheds Grant Program.
(Full Story)
DNR Unveils New Online Resource to Evaluate Soil and Groundwater
08/18/2006
Web-based “Risk Calculator” will help gauge exposure risk to pollutants.
(Full Story)
New Wetland Designation Could Affect Manure Application, Livestock Location
08/18/2006
Livestock and poultry producers, along with new or expanding confinement animal producers should check for publicly-owned wetland areas before they apply or stockpile manure, or begin construction on a planned confinement structure.
(Full Story)
Iowa Joins Other Midwestern States in Developing Electronic Waste Regional
08/04/2006
After nearly 10 months of dialog and meetings, the Midwest Regional
Electronic Waste Policy Initiative has issued its policy statement.
(Full Story)
Soy Technology Improves Health/Work Conditions and Increases Productivity
08/04/2006
NETSB program at the IWRC is working with Iowa machine shops in testing a soy-based metalworking fluid found to improve health/work conditions and increase shop productivity.
(Full Story)
New Geologic Maps Available from DNR Geological Survey
08/04/2006
The DNR Geological Survey is introducing new geologic maps for several parts of the state that can help assess water quality and facility sites.
(Full Story)
Public Input Needed On Plans To Improve Two Iowa Lakes
07/24/2006
The DNR is seeking the public’s help to improve water quality at Five Island Lake in Palo Alto County and Lake Cornelia in Wright County.
(Full Story)
Public Asked For Ideas To Improve Three Northeast Iowa Rivers
07/24/2006
Public comment period extended on water quality improvement plans.
(Full Story)
Fish Kill in Benton County Linked to Open Feedlot
07/24/2006
The DNR has traced a Benton County fish kill in a small tributary of Prairie Creek to an open feedlot owned by Charles Wauters of rural Keystone.
(Full Story)
Local Company Touts Stormwater Drainage Aid
07/07/2006
Its consistency resembles a prehistoric Rice Krispies treat, yet it could be a solution for businesses and governments alike trying to address stormwater runoff issues.
(Full Story)
Animal Producers Need Pollution Plans and Storm Water Permits
06/23/2006
While most livestock and poultry producers know that they need a storm water permit for construction activities, they are often missing a key component of the permit.
(Full Story)
More DNR Livestock Authority Approved
06/22/2006
A regulatory change permits the blocking of proposed operations that could hurt the environment.
(Full Story)
Workgroup to Craft Exemptions for Engines Over 400hp
06/09/2006
DNR, the Iowa Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association, John Deere, and the Iowa Air Emissions Assistance Program will soon begin work.
(Full Story)
CWSRF Reaches $500 Million Milestone for Water Quality
05/25/2006
In April, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) achieved a
major milestone.
(Full Story)
Environmental News
05/25/2006
EPA has announced its amended decision on Iowa’s 2004 Section 303(d) List of impaired waters.
(Full Story)
UNI Shows Off Virtual Training Tool for Painting to U.S. Lawmakers
04/05/2006
The University of Northern Iowa's Waste Reduction Center showed off new technology for training military spray paint technicians on Capitol Hill Tuesday.
(Full Story)
S.E. Polk Hopes School Can Protect Environment
04/05/2006
Tom Hadden wants Southeast Polk's new high school to showcase the newest techniques in cutting runoff pollution.
(Full Story)
EPC Approves 18 Contracts to Help Improve Iowa's Water Quality
03/27/2006
Projects will help reduce nonpoint source pollution.
(Full Story)
Table Scraps to Keep Dubuque Pretty
03/27/2006
An experimental program will turn last night's leftovers into compost.
(Full Story)
Public Asked to Attend Meetings on Improving the Big Sioux River
03/09/2006
Public comment period extended on water quality improvement plan.
(Full Story)
Ethanol Industry Confronts Air Rules
03/09/2006
The ethanol industry argues that the government needs to ease air-pollution rules so bigger plants can be built to meet the soaring demand for the fuel additive.
(Full Story)
DNR-Funded Conversation Practices Reduce Water Pollution in 2005
03/09/2006
Conservation practices on agricultural and urban land are making a difference in the amount of pollutants reaching Iowa’s waters.
(Full Story)
WDM plans controlled burns
02/23/2006
Fires will help control weeds, regenerate native prairie grass.
(Full Story)
No clear solutions to state's tainted water
02/23/2006
Many Iowa rivers are seriously polluted — dying before their time — and environmental rules that would force a massive new cleanup effort promise to affect Iowans' pocketbooks, river outings and fishing trips.
(Full Story)
3 Iowa farms get pollution amnesty deals
02/10/2006
Three livestock producers in Iowa are among the first in the nation to get deals with the government that will protect them from liability for air pollution.
(Full Story)
DNR requires small businesses' consent before on-line MSEIQ submission
02/10/2006
Designation forms MUST be returned with appropriate information before the Iowa Air Emissions Assistance Program (IAEAP) can assist a small business with their on-line Minor Source Emissions Inventory Questionnaire (MSEIQ).
(Full Story)
Recycling property tax deadline approaches
01/10/2006
Recycling centers and manufacturers of recycled products may be missing out on an opportunity to take advantage of a property tax exemption.
(Full Story)
EPA approves Iowa's water quality standards
01/10/2006
EPA has approved the revised Iowa water quality standards adopted by the state December 15, 2004.
(Full Story)
Groups find common stream on Iowa water quality
12/29/2005
Farm and environment advocates say water quality needs results-based idea, not fighting.
(Full Story)
Wastewater Discharge Found in Third Carroll County Creek
12/29/2005
The DNR is responding to a report of wastewater in a third Carroll County creek.
(Full Story)
Spring Lake residents asked for input on water quality improvement plan
12/15/2005
lans for improving water quality at Spring Lake in Greene County will be presented at a public meeting Dec. 20.
(Full Story)
State regulators delay farm construction rules
12/15/2005
State environmental regulators have delayed their move to use a broader array of environmental factors to limit where livestock operations are built, opting to take public comments first.
(Full Story)
Environmental questions on plant to be addressed.
12/01/2005
LS Power's proposal to build a $1 billion, 600 megawatt power plant in northeast Waterloo raises questions for mayor.
(Full Story)
Proposed Okoboji expansion fed by pollution
12/01/2005
The proposed South Okoboji Lake could be foul or fine. The devil is in the design.
(Full Story)
Iowa Farm Bureau rejects mandated use of ethanol
12/01/2005
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation has rejected a proposed policy mandating that every gallon of gasoline sold in Iowa contain ethanol.
(Full Story)
NE Iowa: A battleground in water quality war
11/14/2005
A bitter dispute surrounding the city of Postville and the wastewater that is running into a nearby creek has local residents and officials pointing fingers and feuding over how harmful the discharged water is to the environment.
(Full Story)
Free training seminars on quality air construction permit applications
11/14/2005
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is offering free training seminars to help consultants and businesses who routinely apply for permits better understand how to fill out quality air construction permit applications.
(Full Story)
Iowa residents return home to find rubble
11/14/2005
Gov. Tom Vilsack issued disaster declarations for two central Iowa counties.
(Full Story)
Fewer Iowa food stores accept empty cans
11/14/2005
The state has approved nearly 150 redemption centers, but some customers say they are not as convenient.
(Full Story)
Shared landfill requests bond sale in Butler, Hardin, Wright counties
11/02/2005
The landfill Butler County shares with Hardin and Wright counties is proposing refinancing bonds to save on interest and to pay for a $300,000 landfill expansion.
(Full Story)
Spills contained because of quick reporting, safety issues important during
10/19/2005
Quick responses helped minimize the impacts of a diesel fuel spill Tuesday (October 11) near Storm Lake and a manure spill Wednesday (October 12) near Stratford.
(Full Story)
Nutrient management important to protect water quality, control costs
10/19/2005
Carefully managing fertilizer application for next year's crop can control costs and also help protect water quality in Iowa.
(Full Story)
Untreated sewage released at Garnavillo
10/03/2005
An estimated 30,000 gallons of untreated sewage over a 20-hour period was released into South Cedar Creek after pumps in the Garnavillo wastewater treatment plant shut down.
(Full Story)
EPA removes the Red Oak Landfill from Superfund List
10/03/2005
The EPA has deleted the Red Oak Landfill Superfund Site from the National Priorities List.
(Full Story)
Clear Lake still tainted four years after alert
09/22/2005
Clear Lake, a premier Iowa resort area, is still battling some of the worst beach bacteria problems in the state, four years after a study suggested ways to fix the problem.
(Full Story)
Public asked for input on new water quality standards
09/22/2005
The DNR is looking for Iowan's input as it works towards strengthening the state's water quality standards.
(Full Story)
EPA awards more than $198,000 for environmental education grants
09/22/2005
EPA Region 7 has awarded 15 environmental education grants to develop new environmental education projects or improve existing ones. EPA reviewed 65 proposals from the four Region 7 states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
(Full Story)
Volunteers to Construct Sculpture at Clay County Fair
09/07/2005
Car parts, ladders and other trash removed from a northwest Iowa river return to the area this month - as art supplies. During both weekends of the Clay County Fair (Sept. 10 - 18) in Spencer, fairgoers will help turn salvaged metal into artwork.
(Full Story)
Upper Iowa River Cleanup Coming in September
09/07/2005
Volunteers soon will swarm the Upper Iowa River on a mission to keep it clean during the fourth annual Upper Iowa River Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 24.
(Full Story)
City planning to hold daylong junk collection
08/18/2005
City Council members approved Sept. 17 as the date residents can haul old equipment, appliances, tires and junk to the Waste Water Treatment Plant on Easton Avenue in Waterloo.
(Full Story)
Counties receive $790,000 to help curb lead poisoning
08/17/2005
Iowa counties will share $790,000 in state money, most of which comes from federal grants, to test children for exposure to lead based paint, inspect homes and run awareness programs.
(Full Story)
EPC to address standards for open feedlots and water quality in August
08/12/2005
Two items that were postponed at the July meeting will be proposed by the DNR at the Aug. 15 meeting of the Environmental Protection Commission to be held in Fairfield.
(Full Story)
Boil orders in effect for Denver, New Hampton
08/10/2005
DNR has issued a drinking water warning for residents of the Denver Hills subdivision northeast of Denver and are reminding residents of Winter Mobile Home Park near New Hampton that a boil order remains in effect there.
(Full Story)
Dry days bring crop concerns, burning bans
07/29/2005
Farmers and fire officials in eastern and southeastern Iowa are desperately hoping for rain. Temperatures at 90 and above, combined with a lack of rain in June and July, mean crops have been unable to pick up enough moisture to develop properly.
(Full Story)
Clive puts cap on recycling
07/29/2005
City to provide covers for bins.
(Full Story)
Health alert issued for Big Creek Lake due to high blue-green algae toxins
07/15/2005
A health alert urging people to avoid contact with the water has been jointly issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) for Big Creek Lake because of a toxin associated with blue-green algae.
(Full Story)
City of Anamosa fails to timely report wastewater bypass
07/15/2005
The city of Anamosa will receive a notice of violation from the DNR for failing to report a wastewater bypass within 12 hours.
(Full Story)
Groups sue EPA over level of water pollution
07/01/2005
Several environmental groups sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, contending the agency is allowing pollution in Iowa streams that threatens to kill aquatic plants and insects, and sicken livestock.
(Full Story)
DNR introduces new watershed improvement sections
07/01/2005
Two new DNR sections will bring together water quality knowledge and expertise to improve Iowas water quality from a watershed approach.
(Full Story)
DNR swap grant recipient wins national award
07/01/2005
With the goal of reducing the amount of solid waste generated and landfilled in Iowa, the DNR's Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) has helped many Iowa public and private groups, individuals and local governments by providing financial assistance through a competitive process.
(Full Story)
EPA: Unexploded fireworks contaminated water in Hills
06/17/2005
An official from the Environmental Protection Agency told a gathering of Hills residents Wednesday evening that unexploded fireworks caused a contamination of local groundwater and that the EPA will pay for the installation of water filters in affected homes.
(Full Story)
Water quality improvement meetings scheduled for Maquoketa, Volga Rivers
06/17/2005
The DNR is asking for the help of eastern Iowans in improving the water quality of the Maquoketa and Volga rivers.
(Full Story)
Water quality standards on EPC agenda for June
06/17/2005
Revising the states water quality standards will be a discussion item on the June 20 agenda for the Environmental Protection Commission meeting.
(Full Story)
Storms lead to wastewater bypasses
05/20/2005
Heavy rainfall over the past week has led to a number of wastewater bypasses throughout the state.
(Full Story)
Free hazardous waste awareness workshop
05/16/2005
The Compliance Assistance Workshop to prepare businesses for a RCRA Hazardous Waste Inspection will take place on May 19, 2005 from 10 am to 3 pm at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The workshop is free and lunch will be provided. The IWRC and DNR will be presenting the pollution prevention aspects of the workshop while EPA will cover information on compliance and inspection.
(Full Story)
North Fork Maquoketa River Water Quality Meeting Scheduled
05/13/2005
The DNR will hold a meeting to discuss potential causes of biological impairments in the North Fork Maquoketa River May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at New Vienna City Hall.
(Full Story)
New technology for topographic maps on EPC April agenda
04/15/2005
The DNR will ask commissioners at the April 18 meeting of the Environmental Protection Commission to approve a contract that will use aerial radar to map topographic contours at close to survey quality.
(Full Story)
Camp Dodge recognized for environmental excellence
04/15/2005
The Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa has recently taken initiatives above and beyond that of most National Guard bases in practicing pollution prevention and waste reduction at their facility.
(Full Story)
DNR to unveil garbage sculpture before Earth Day
04/05/2005
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will welcome a heap of garbage into its Des Moines offices on April 18.
(Full Story)
DNR reverses indoor emission policy
01/28/2005
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is withdrawing the "Permit it or Exempt it" procedure that had been implemented in June 2004 with a deadline date of February 28, 2005.
(Full Story)
Project Aware Volunteers to Scour the Little Sioux River
01/27/2005
The third annual Project AWARE (A Watershed Awareness River Expedition) will tackle the Little Sioux River -- canoeing and removing trash from Saturday, June 18 to Saturday, June 25.
(Full Story)
New DNR air quality process cuts time, helps economic planning
01/06/2005
A new process will help Iowa's largest manufacturers obtain air permits in record time and make planning for major expansions more precise.
(Full Story)
DNR accepting applications for nonpoint funding
01/05/2005
The DNR is accepting applications for funding of nonpoint source projects aimed at improving Iowa's water quality. Applications must address nonpoint source pollution problems that are adversely affecting Iowa's water quality.
(Full Story)
EPA celebrates safe drinking water act's 30th anniversary
12/17/2004
EPA Region 7 will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act on December 16, and salutes the Iowans who work hard everyday to ensure that their water is safe to drink.
(Full Story)
Revised special waste authorization process for landfills
12/09/2004
Landfill officials can now process special waste more quickly through an improved DNR issuance process.
(Full Story)
EPA approves Iowa's water quality standards
12/06/2004
EPA has approved the revised Iowa water quality standards adopted by the state June 16, 2004. The approved revisions now can be implemented under the Clean Water Act.
(Full Story)
MOPP: New look, same great performance
11/09/2004
The IWRC has recently received its new MOPP-renovated Winnebago, ready to get to the road with its eye-catching new appearance.
(Full Story)
Back to school
11/09/2004
Think you're doing everything you can to obtain maximum transfer efficiency? Think again. The University of Northern Iowa's Spray Technique Analysis & Research (STAR) program proves that transfer efficiency isn't as much about the gun as it is the person holding it...
(Full Story)
Last of the big tire cleanups
11/04/2004
The Environmental Protection Commission will be asked to approve a contract to clean up the last big waste tire site in Iowa at their Nov. 15 meeting.
(Full Story)
DNR improves wastewater permitting process
10/28/2004
The DNR will reduce processing time to issue wastewater permits from more than a year to approximately 15 days, after completely revamping its process in September.
(Full Story)
New collection and recycling permits
10/15/2004
The Environmental Protection Commission recently adopted new permit rules for Cathode Ray Tube Device Recycling under Iowa Administrative Code to insure that the discarded CRTs are recycled in a manner that is safe for human health and the environment.
(Full Story)
EPA chief brings $250,000 to Iowa to help control school bus exhaust
10/05/2004
EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt presented a $250,000 grant this morning to Iowa's Bus Emission Education Project (BEEP).
(Full Story)
Apply Now for the 2004 Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards
09/30/2004
Iowa businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to apply for the 2004 Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards.
(Full Story)
Recognizing leadership and innovation in natural resources
09/09/2004
Iowa businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to apply for the 200 Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards. This premier environmental awards program, sponsored by Governor Vilsack and the State of Iowa, recognizes leadership and innovation in the protection of Iowa's water, land and air.
(Full Story)
EPA Environmental Excellence Awards go to 13 Regional Organizations
09/08/2004
Recipients of 13 Pollution Prevention Environmental Excellence awards will be honored Tuesday, Sept.14, 2004, by EPA Region 7.
(Full Story)
Changes made to manure management plan rules
09/02/2004
The Iowa phosphorus index and several rules are creating changes for producers who submit manure management plans (MMPs) to the DNR.
(Full Story)
EPA awards more than $185,000 for Environmental Education Grants
08/31/2004
EPA Region 7 has awarded 15 environmental education grants to develop new environmental education projects or improve existing ones, including three projects from Iowa.
(Full Story)
Free Brownfields conference helps put abandoned lands to new use
08/15/2004
The Brownfields 2004 conference, with free registration in St. Louis September 20-22, is geared toward business and industry, developers, real estate professionals, public officials, neighborhood associations and the agriculture community. It will look at ways to clean up and reuse environmentally contaminated properties.
(Full Story)
Golf courses provided with valuable environmental assistance
08/13/2004
Although golf courses are usually not thought of as a major pollution producing industry, there are several environmental issues they need to keep in mind. Following environmental regulations can help avoid penalties and fines, while keeping a good public image.
(Full Story)
EPA proposes to remove the Mid-America Tanning Company from Superfund list
08/05/2004
EPA announced today that it is proposing to delete the Mid-America Tanning Company Superfund site from the National Priorities List.
(Full Story)
Iowa watershed project to get $1 million grant for nitrate reduction
08/01/2004
An Iowa project to reduce nitrate pollution will receive a $1 million grant from EPA, one of 14 awarded under the national 2004 Targeted Watershed Grants program announced today by EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt at a ceremony in Des Moines.
(Full Story)
Brownfield redevelopment seminar set for August
07/23/2004
A free seminar on brownfield redevelopment issues will be offered August 3 in Cedar Rapids. The seminar is directed toward community governments, developers and others interested in turning brownfield sites from obstacles into opportunities.
(Full Story)
Iowa meeting tougher particulate pollution standards
07/08/2004
The entire state of Iowa is meeting tougher federal air standards for particulate pollution. Twenty-two states have at least one or more areas not meeting the standards for the microscopic sized soots, which cause 15,000 premature deaths every year across the nation.
(Full Story)
DNR urges proper handling of secondary containment water
06/28/2004
Recent heavy rains are causing stormwater to accumulate within secondary containment structures at cooperatives and agricultural chemical facilities across the state. The DNR is encouraging owners of these facilities to handle the high water levels appropriately.
(Full Story)
DNR makes air emissions policy change
06/14/2004
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recently announced a policy change regarding emissions sources exhausted indoors.
(Full Story)
DNR continues process improvement efforts
06/11/2004
The DNR conducted an intensive review, the week of June 1-4, of its landfill permitting process to increase efficiency and reduce down time. The DNR hopes to decrease the time it takes to process a landfill permit by nearly 85 percent.
(Full Story)
IWRC announcing new EnviroWire
06/11/2004
The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) is announcing a the creation of a new environmental publication titled EnvriroWire.
(Full Story)
Grants boost conservation education in Iowa
06/08/2004
More than $400,000 in grants has been issued by the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Conservation Education Board for 15 Iowa conservation education projects.
(Full Story)
US EPA OECA launches newsletter for compliance assistance providers
05/28/2004
The US EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance (OECA) has begun publication of a semi-annual newsletter, COMPASS, which is billed as "EPA's newsletter for compliance assistance providers."
US EPA OECA launches newsletter for compliance assistance providers
(Full Story)
DNR recommends following EPA regulations for flood clean-up
05/27/2004
While tornadoes and flooding can cause the loss of property, correctly caring for asbestos during clean-up can help avoid a greater public health hazard, according to the DNR.
(Full Story)
OSWAP awards more than one million dollars in loans
05/20/2004
With the completion of a septic system update near Mason City last week, the DNR’s Onsite Wastewater Systems Assistance Program (OSWAP) surpassed one million dollars in septic system loans to rural Iowa homeowners.
(Full Story)
Registration extended for DNR wastewater treatment workshop
05/10/2004
The registration deadline for the DNR’s wastewater treatment training workshop has been extended to Monday, May 17.
(Full Story)
DNR provides technical assistance to federal farm bill applicants
05/06/2004
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced yesterday the availability of $23 million for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in the nation’s rural areas.
(Full Story)
Iowa Strategic Goals Program
04/28/2004
The Iowa Strategic Goals Program (ISGP) is a voluntary program that encourages companies to go beyond environmental compliance. ISGP member companies are offered incentives, resources and a means for removing regulatory and policy barriers as they work to achieve specific environmental goals.
(Full Story)
DNR announces wastewater treatment workshop
04/22/2004
The DNR will host a training workshop to overview the new wastewater treatment permit approval process Tuesday, May 25. Consulting engineers, project managers, and city and county officials are encouraged to attend.
(Full Story)
EPA says Iowa meets tougher ozone smog standards
04/20/2004
Iowa again is in an elite crowd. Just 18 states meet federal outdoor air standards for ground level ozone, the main ingredient found in smog, the EPA and state officials announced today.
(Full Story)
Manure applicators should stay away from water
04/08/2004
"Stay away from water," is the message that the DNR has for commercial and confinement site manure applicators.
(Full Story)
EPC to discuss water quality standards during special meeting
04/08/2004
The Environmental Protection Commission will discuss water quality issues during a special electronic public meeting Monday, April 12 at 9 a.m.
(Full Story)
Mandatory Risk Management Plan Renewal Assistance
03/25/2004
Facilities that filed Risk Management Plans (RMP) under the Clean Air Act section 112(r) in 1999 are required to update the plans by June 22, 2004.
(Full Story)
EPA selects consultants to help improve Des Moines environment
03/19/2004
EPA Region 7 has selected two Des Moines consultants to implement a community-based project that will help address the top environmental priorities in the city.
(Full Story)
Second DNR process improvement event a success
03/18/2004
The week of March 8-12, the DNR conducted an intensive weeklong review of its wastewater permitting process to increase efficiency and reduce down time. The DNR hopes to decrease the time it takes to process a wastewater permit by 84 percent.
(Full Story)
EPA awards financial assistance to seven organizations
03/17/2004
EPA Region 7 has awarded financial assistance to seven organizations in celebration of Earth Day 2004 in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
(Full Story)
West Branch middle school wins environmental award
03/15/2004
The West Branch, Iowa, Middle School Science Club has won EPA Region 7’s Presidential Environmental Youth Award for 2003 for its used oil filter disposal project.
(Full Story)
DNR Water Quality Bureau Undergoes Reorganization
03/04/2004
The Water Quality Bureau of the DNR recently underwent reorganization, which will allow the bureau to work more efficiently.
(Full Story)
Proposal to cut air pollution criticized as not strict enough
03/03/2004
Iowa lawmakers moved forward Tuesday with their own plan to limit air pollution from livestock operations.
(Full Story)
City to kick off environmental tests by spring
03/02/2004
An EPA grant will pay for the studies, which officials hope will trigger development.
(Full Story)
EPA Region 7 Environmental Research Grants Available
02/24/2004
EPA is seeking Environmental Justice research grant applications to support projects that examine issues related to a community’s exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks.
(Full Story)
DOT announces new hazardous material regulations
02/18/2004
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has recently announced new training, registration and security requirements for any facility that loads, unloads, transports or otherwise handles hazardous material.
(Full Story)
Governor’s environmental awards honor Iowa leaders
02/12/2004
Fifteen Iowa organizations and businesses received environmental excellence awards from Gov. Tom Vilsack at a ceremony February 16 in Des Moines.
(Full Story)
Impaired waters, volunteer monitors to be highlighted at annual conference
02/05/2004
The condition of Iowa’s water quality will again be the center of attention this month, as the DNR hosts the fourth annual Water Monitoring Conference February 18 and 19.
(Full Story)
University of Iowa launches sustainable design course
02/02/2004
Engineering and urban planning students returning this semester at the University of Iowa will have an opportunity to learn about pollution-saving practices through a new sustainable design course.
(Full Story)
DNR issues nation’s first air permit with mercury limits
01/15/2004
Iowa DNR recently issued the nation’s first air permit that controls mercury emissions.
(Full Story)
Deadline approaching for producers to submit late manure management plans
01/15/2004
Producers who are required by state law to have a manure management plan, but don’t yet have one, can avoid a $1,500 penalty by submitting the plan before March 1.
(Full Story)
Iowa faulted on mercury warnings
01/14/2004
Iowa is one of few states - and the only one in the Midwest - that don't routinely warn residents about health-threatening mercury in fish they catch in local lakes and rivers, the Sierra Club will report today.
(Full Story)
Dry Cleaners Provided with Valuable Environmental Assistance
01/08/2004
The IAEAP has partnered with the Iowa Department of Economic Development to create the Dry Cleaner Compliance Manual and is creating a Dry Cleaner Compliance Website.
(Full Story)
EPA emphasizing environmental benefits in enforcement
01/05/2004
The compliance assurance and enforcement results for fiscal year 2003 released by EPA show that environmental benefits increased an estimated 131 percent nationally over fiscal year 2002.
(Full Story)
EPA seeks consultant to help improve environment in Des Moines
01/05/2004
Seeking environmental improvements in Des Moines, EPA Region 7 is soliciting proposals from organizations to serve as an Agency consultant to identify specific ways to better local conditions.
(Full Story)
State renews effort to protect rural air quality
12/11/2003
The Environmental Protection Commission will be asked to decide whether to proceed with a recommendation by the DNR to establish health standards for hydrogen sulfide gas near large animal feeding operations.
(Full Story)
State renews effort to protect rural air quality
12/11/2003
The Environmental Protection Commission will be asked to decide whether to proceed with a recommendation by the DNR to establish health standards for hydrogen sulfide gas near large animal feeding operations.
(Full Story)
Commercial manure applicator program to change
12/11/2003
Commercial manure applicators can look forward to a reduction in certification fees and other changes when they attend statewide training on January 6, 2004.
(Full Story)
Water quality assessment begins on lower Big Sioux River
12/10/2003
A multi-state assessment of water quality is being undertaken in the lower Big Sioux River and its tributaries from Sioux Falls, S.D. to Sioux city, Iowa.
(Full Story)
Vilsack hears ideas on water quality
11/25/2003
Dozen of Iowans on Monday gave Gov. Tom Vilsack the raft of water cleanup
ideas he requested, but the governor declined to immediately endorse any
of them.
(Full Story)
EPA announces amended decision on Iowa’s impaired waters list
11/20/2003
EPA has announced its amended decision on Iowa’s 2002 Section 303(d) List (impaired waters), based on public comments. Under Section 303(d) of the 1972 Clean Water Act, states, territories, and authorized tribes are required to develop lists of impaired waters every two years.
(Full Story)
State renews effort to protect rural air quality
11/17/2003
State officials are renewing an effort to establish health standards for hydrogen sulfide gas in the air at rural homes and other separated locations to protect Iowans living near large concentrated animal feeding operations.
(Full Story)
Tests find perchlorate in more wells in Hills
11/13/2003
Federal environmental officials have found a toxic chemical in 126 more home drinking-water wells in Hills, a small town just south of Iowa City.
(Full Story)
Maquoketa River Water Quality Team Receives IOWATER Recognition
11/13/2003
The IOWATER Watershed Group of the Year award was presented to the Maquoketa River Water Quality Team (MRWQT), a group dedicated to improving the water quality of Lake Delhi, a 400-acre impoundment of the Maquoketa River in Delaware County.
(Full Story)
Daily air quality information available year-round
10/31/2003
October marks the first month that daily air pollution levels are available year round not only in Iowa, but nationally, with 141 cities including Des Moines providing pollution forecasts as part of an enhanced pollution prevention effort.
(Full Story)
Applications sought for federal watershed funds
10/27/2003
Governor Tom Vilsack and DNR Director Jeff Vonk announced today that eligible watersheds in Iowa may qualify for federal funds under the second round of EPA’s Watershed Initiative and that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will administer the program.
(Full Story)
DNR enforcement actions
10/24/2003
The DNR has taken the following enforcement actions. Responsible parties have 30 days to appeal the charges or 60 days to pay the penalty.
(Full Story)
EPA places mine sites on the NPL
10/24/2003
The EPA has placed the Madison County Mines Site and the Newton County Mine Trailings Site on the National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is a list of the nation's hazardous waste sites with the highest priority for cleanup.
(Full Story)
State-wide "snapshot" will highlight World Water Monitoring Day for IOWATER
10/22/2003
To mark World Water Monitoring Day on Saturday, Oct. 18, the DNR's IOWATER program will conduct a statewide snapshot water monitoring event.
(Full Story)
EPA awards more than $170,000 for environmental education grants
10/22/2003
EPA Region 7 has awarded 17 environmental education grants to develop new environmental education projects, or improve existing ones, in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
(Full Story)
EPA Recognizes Rockwell Collins
10/10/2003
EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford will recognize Rockwell Collins Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for its two new facilities that have joined the National Environmental Performance Track Program.
(Full Story)
DNR enforcement actions
10/09/2003
The DNR has announced enforcement actions. Responsible parties have 30 days to appeal the charges or 60 days to pay the penalty.
(Full Story)
DNR enforcement actions
10/03/2003
The DNR has taken enforcement actions. Responsible parties have 30 days to appeal the charges or 60 days to pay the penalty.
(Full Story)
EPA Region 7 to hold small grants workshop
10/03/2003
The two-day grants workshop provides information to help organizations apply for EPA small grants.
(Full Story)
Public meetings to discuss amendments to water quality standards
09/26/2003
Iowans are invited to six public meetings addressing DNR-proposed changes to Iowa rules protecting water quality.
(Full Story)
Seneca Environmental Services Receives Clinton USTfields Contract
09/25/2003
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Commission approved a two year, $100,000 contract with Seneca Environmental Services to provide the technical services to achieve the objectives of the Iowa USTfields Project - City of Clinton.
(Full Story)
EPA announces six pollution prevention award winners for 2003
09/19/2003
Six winners from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska will be awarded Pollution Prevention Environmental Excellence awards by EPA Region 7 at a ceremony, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003 at 1p.m.
(Full Story)
Iowa company owner sentenced for illegal waste discharge
09/19/2003
Norman Kent Walen, owner of Barrett Plating Inc., Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced on Sept. 12, to spend 30 days in a federal correctional facility, serve eight months of home confinement and serve 12 months of probation for violating the Clean Water Act.
(Full Story)
Cement plant agrees to spend $33 million
09/09/2003
A Mason City cement plant has agreed to install $33 million worth of pollution-control equipment to settle a 3-year-old state lawsuit.
(Full Story)
Applications Sought for Governor’s Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards
09/03/2003
Iowa businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to apply for the 2003 Governor’s Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards. This premier environmental awards program, sponsored by Governor Vilsack and the State of Iowa, recognizes leadership and innovation in the protection of Iowa’s water, land and air.
(Full Story)
Iowa pollution prevention program receives two national honors
09/03/2003
The Iowa Pollution Prevention Intern Program, coordinated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, has been tapped by two national organizations to receive top honors for leadership and innovation protecting the environment.
(Full Story)
EPA RECOGNIZES LINEVILLE, IOWA WASTEWATER
08/22/2003
Lineville, Iowa, will receive a regional excellence award Tuesday, August 26, for its wastewater treatment plant.
(Full Story)
Panel studies pollution rules
08/19/2003
The fight over limiting air pollution from livestock confinements sizzled on Monday as a state senator and others pleaded with environmental regulators to ignore farm-group opposition and set strict limits.
(Full Story)
EPC consideration of air quality petitions delayed
08/18/2003
Both parties with petitions for rulemaking on air quality around confinement feeding operations have asked for a 30-day extension, meaning commissioners will not be considering those petitions at the August 18 meeting of the Environmental Protection Commission.
(Full Story)
DNR enforcement actions
08/12/2003
The DNR has taken the following enforcement actions. Responsible parties have 30 days to appeal the charges or 60 days to pay the penalty.
(Full Story)
Region 7 gets slice of new brownfields grants
08/12/2003
EPA has made available $73.1 million in funds from the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act for a variety of grants.
(Full Story)
DNR Enforcement Actions
07/30/2003
The IDNR has taken the following enforcement actions. Responsible parties have 30 days to appeal the charges or 60 days to pay the penalty.
(Full Story)
State weighs loans in fight against water pollution
07/30/2003
The state is looking to offer new loans to farmers, environmentalists and others willing to help ease water pollution.
(Full Story)
New permit to affect Iowa grain elevators
07/28/2003
The IDNR has issued a requirement for Iowa grain elevators to complete a Grain Elevator Amnesty Registration Form.
(Full Story)
DNR looks at new emissions law
07/28/2003
DNR looks at new emissions laws for livestock confinements
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, caught between the demands of environmentalists and factory farmers, is considering new limits on emissions from livestock confinements
(Full Story)
Iowa schools make huge cuts in bus emissions
07/21/2003
Iowa’s fleet of nearly 5,000 school buses is emitting 27 percent less harmful soot thanks to an ongoing voluntary cleanup effort that began in 2001, state officials announced today.
(Full Story)
Confinement concrete standards and air quality on EPC agenda
07/16/2003
Commissioners will be asked to decide on a rule proposal to update concrete standards for confinement feeding operations at the July 21 meeting of the Environmental Protection Commission.
(Full Story)
Two UNI programs receive $1 million grants
07/09/2003
Two University of Northern Iowa programs were earmarked for $1 million each as part of the 2004 Senate Defense Appropriations bill Tuesday, along with more than $80 million in defense spending for other Iowa programs.
(Full Story)
EPA cleanup begins in Marengo
06/30/2003
Federal environmental officials have begun removing toxic soil beneath a business in Marengo.
(Full Story)
Des Moines cracks down on dumping
06/25/2003
Illegal dumping complaints in Des Moines are likely to double this year because Des Moines' new police chief has made the misdemeanor environmental crime a higher priority.
(Full Story)
Rules considered to expand water quality loan program
06/17/2003
A proposal to greatly expand an existing program to improve Iowa’s water quality was considered at the June Environmental Protection Commission meeting.
(Full Story)
Kerry touts security through energy independence
06/17/2003
Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry unveiled his energy plan in Cedar Rapids, IA and said that he is "running for President to declare America energy independent."
(Full Story)
Cleanup crew finds inspiration
06/17/2003
On June 2, a group of 35 tough Iowans slid uneasily into canoes with empty garbage bags and full determination for a week of cleaning a little corner of the world - the Maquoketa River in eastern Iowa.
(Full Story)
Storm Lake bacteria levels elevated
06/09/2003
Elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria were found at five out of nine areas that the DNR tested around Storm Lake recently.
(Full Story)
DNR offers free sustainable building design workshops
06/03/2003
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will conduct workshops on sustainable building design in schools June 12 and 13 in Cedar Falls and in Maharishi Vedic City.
(Full Story)
Recycling law opposed by environmentalists
06/03/2003
Eight leading national, state and local recycling
and environmental organizations today opposed legislation awaiting
Iowa Governor Vilsack's signature to amend the current Iowa law
banning the disposal of yard trimmings so that grass and leaves
can be landfilled at the Des Moines landfill instead of being
composted.
(Full Story)
Dallas County in the dumps
06/03/2003
Signs of Dallas County's growth extend beyond the rows of new homes and apartment buildings. Check the rural ditches, where county officials complain that bald tires, junk appliances and other illegally dumped trash have become an unsightly byproduct of urbanization.
(Full Story)
CRP general sign up deadline extended
05/27/2003
The USDA extended the deadline for the Conservation Reserve Program’s (CRP) general sign up from May 30 to June 13. The extension was announced by Agriculture Secretary Ann M.Veneman on Tuesday, May 20.
(Full Story)
Pump failure at Audobon results in bypass into Blue Grass Creek
05/27/2003
The city of Audobon was working to repair a pumping station in its sewer system that was releasing only partially treated wastewater into Blue Grass Creek.
(Full Story)
HHM and solid waste education project begins
05/27/2003
The Iowa DNR’s Energy and Waste Management Bureau has recently partnered with the Iowa Farm A Syst Program to develop a farmstead self-assessment system and outreach program that will help rural residents manage hazardous materials and solid waste.
(Full Story)
EPA grants awarded to Iowa projects
05/21/2003
The Clear Lake Water Quality Project in Cerro Gordo and Hancock Counties will receive $350,000 through a federal grant program.
The monies were included in an award Iowa recently received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's regional office in Kansas City.
(Full Story)
Title V fees for air quality permits on EPC agenda
05/20/2003
An increase in per ton fees charged for Title V air quality permits will be sent to commissioners for approval at the May 19 Environmental Protection Commission meeting in Waterloo.
(Full Story)
DNR to sponsor schools e-waste collection events
05/20/2003
The DNR will kick off a large-scale electronics waste collection project for Iowa schools May 20 with an event in Marshalltown.
(Full Story)
State panel will rethink limits on toxic gases
05/20/2003
The revision is the result of lawmakers' rejection of rules related to livestock lots and other businesses. State environmental commissioners informally agreed to pursue limits on two toxic gases from livestock confinements and other sources - again.
(Full Story)
Trees pay on CRP land
05/14/2003
Eligible landowners have until May 30 to enroll property in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The CRP will pay landowners an annual land rental rate of around $100 per acre for establishing trees or grasses on their property.
(Full Story)
Two watershed organizations in Midwest get EPA grants
05/14/2003
Two watershed organizations in Iowa and Missouri were selected as part of a new EPA Watershed Initiative that will award nearly $15 million in grants to 20 organizations from Maine to Hawaii.
(Full Story)
Collection event planned in North Iowa
05/12/2003
Computers, monitors and keyboards, stereos, VCRs, radios and other electronic equipment which present disposal hazards can be dropped off. Televisions will not be accepted.
(Full Story)
First annual river cleanup and water quality expedition planned
05/12/2003
The Department of Natural Resources KEEPERS OF THE LAND volunteer program and the IOWATER citizen water quality monitoring program are sponsoring a week-long river canoe trip to focus attention on watersheds and Iowa’s water quality.
(Full Story)
Cooperative effort aids cleanup efforts following train derailment
05/12/2003
Cleanup of the Tuesday, May 6th Union Pacific train derailment along US Highway 30 near Carroll has progressed smoothly, thanks to the cooperative efforts of several organizations, the DNR reported.
(Full Story)
Spills and releases must be reported to DNR
05/07/2003
Chemical spills and manure releases must be reported to the DNR. The release of manure and hazardous substances such as chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides must be reported to the DNR within six hours after the release occurs or is discovered.
(Full Story)
Governor's conference on public health
05/06/2003
Barn raising is part of the Iowa story. It was a time when Iowans pooled their efforts to raise a barn in a much shorter period than if it were done by a few.
(Full Story)
Iowa transporter sentenced for illegal dumping
05/06/2003
Sabine Transportation of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced to pay a $200,000 fine and serve 36 months probation by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana For violating the Clean Water Act by dumping wastes into the Mississippi River.
(Full Story)
DNR has authority to regulate any air pollution, director says
04/29/2003
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has the power to limit health-threatening air pollution from any source, the department director said, adding that lawmakers who question that should tell the department what restrictions are "permissible."
(Full Story)
Junk hauler gets paid to recycle
04/22/2003
It's a fact that
most Iowans don't think
about recycling as much as they could. And as so many people
neglect to recycle all that
they can, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? has made it their mission to turn their
business into the top
recycler in the state.
(Full Story)
Water standard tightens at eight beaches
04/22/2003
State water-quality inspectors will apply tougher standards this year to eight state park swimming areas that have repeatedly had high fecal-bacterial levels.
(Full Story)
Settlement secures significant air pollution reductions
04/10/2003
The Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency announced a landmark Clean Air Act settlement with grain industry giant Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), which will cover operations at 52 plants in 16 states, including Iowa, and cost the company an estimated $340 million.
(Full Story)
DNR enforcement actions
04/04/2003
The Iowa DNR has taken the following enforcement actions. Responsible
parties have 30 days to appeal the charges or 60 days to pay the penalty.
(Full Story)
EPA looking for pollution prevention award-winning programs
04/03/2003
EPA Region 7 is seeking applications for pollution prevention awards for environmental excellence from businesses in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
(Full Story)
Eastern Iowa manure spill, some ends up in stream
04/03/2003
A tractor hydraulic connection became stuck near this town in eastern Iowa, spilling up to an estimated 10,000 gallons of manure, officials said.
(Full Story)
EPA honors clean water partners for the 21st Century
04/02/2003
Recognizing the critical role that local governments play in protecting our nation's waters, EPA Administrator Christie Whitman and Assistant Administrator for Water G. Tracy Mehan III honored local water pollution control agencies from across the United States with the Clean Water Partners for the 21st Century Award.
(Full Story)
EPA offers local TRI workshops
04/02/2003
Toxics Release Inventory reporting workshops will be offered by the EPA Region 7 office during April and May 2003 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Overland Park, Kan., St. Louis, Mo., and Lincoln, Neb. Region 7 includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
(Full Story)
State approves environmental funding
04/02/2003
Lawmakers moved quickly this week to approve temporary funding for environmental programs that otherwise would have run out of money because of a dispute over gaming taxes with the state’s three racetracks.
(Full Story)
Ankeny faces sewage plant pollution again
03/27/2003
Last year, Ankeny city officials fired the sewage treatment plant supervisor, reorganized the department, conducted a criminal investigation, appealed a $10,000 environmental fine, and settled a potential lawsuit over a snafu, all prompted by the city pumping too much ammonia into the Four Mile Creek last spring and summer.
(Full Story)
Lawmakers, environmentalists praise wind plan
03/25/2003
State lawmakers and environmentalists praised plans by Iowa-based MidAmerican Energy Co. to build the largest land-based wind project in the world and freeze state electric rates through 2010.
(Full Story)
Cox Design visit by Whitman stresses small business support
03/25/2003
EPA Administrator Christie Whitman today visited Cox Design and Metal Fabrication in Des Moines, Iowa, as part of EPA's recognition of March as Small Business Month. Administrator Whitman also stressed the importance of the President's Clear Skies Initiative as a way to protect the environment and public health.
(Full Story)
Six Midwest agencies honored
03/25/2003
As part of the celebration of the Year of Clean Water, EPA’s Office of Water is recognizing extraordinary actions taken by local governments to safeguard our nation’s waters over and above the requirements of the Clean Water Act. This includes such actions as restoring lakes, protecting wetlands, and reducing sewer overflows.
(Full Story)
Livestock odor limits urged, not enacted
03/24/2003
More than a year after air-quality standards for ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and odor emitted by concentrated animal feeding operations were recommended, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources hasn't enacted rules governing the emissions.
(Full Story)
Iowa, Nebraska facilities join list of top environmental performers
03/11/2003
A company from Iowa and two from Nebraska are among the 37 new members of a national program designed to recognize and encourage top environmental performers, Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced.
(Full Story)
EPA Whitman to visit Des Moines
03/11/2003
EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman will be in the Des Moines, Iowa area on Wednesday to tour Cox Design and Metal Fabrication, a small business located in Altoona.
(Full Story)
Too much phosphorous threatens 17 lakes in Iowa
03/10/2003
Seventeen Iowa lakes will die even faster than dozens of other state waterways that are in biological trouble.
(Full Story)
EMS Workshop for Iowa Die Casters
03/06/2003
An Environmental Management System (EMS) Workshop for Iowa Die Casters will be held on March 25, 2003. Registration is due by March 15th.
(Full Story)
New EPA website addresses health
03/05/2003
As part of EPA's ongoing efforts to address the health effects of environmental hazards to older Americans, Administrator Christie Whitman unveiled a new EPA website on the issue and invited public participation in the development of a National Agenda on the Environment and the Aging.
(Full Story)
Scientists to log DNA of wastes near river
03/03/2003
Iowa scientists soon will take DNA fingerprints of animal and human wastes to figure out what is fouling the Upper Iowa River.
(Full Story)
Polluted waters: Vilsacks water goal
03/03/2003
Iowa has little chance of meeting Gov. Tom Vilsack's goal of having the state's rivers and lakes cleaned up by 2010, say scientists, environmental groups and state water-quality workers.
(Full Story)
Uphill for 'green' US farm program
02/20/2003
U.S. farmers will earn more and more money for land, water and wildlife stewardship in coming years despite Congress' decision to raid conservation funding to pay for disaster aid, according to analysts.
(Full Story)
Illegal sludge site to cost $3 million
02/05/2003
A series of bureaucratic oversights will cost Des Moines-area sewer users nearly $3 million to buy about 50 homes near a sludge-storage facility that was built illegally - despite warnings from state environmental officials.
(Full Story)
Recent IDNR actions
01/24/2003
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has taken the following enforcement actions. Responsible parties have 30 days to appeal the charges or 60 days to pay the penalty.
(Full Story)
Company pleads guilty to illegal Mississippi River dumping
01/21/2003
Sabine Transportation of Cedar Rapids Iowa, filed a plea agreement on Dec. 13 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana for violating the Clean Water Act by dumping wastes into the Mississippi River.
(Full Story)
Quest for Postville waste solution continues
01/14/2003
Two large industrial centers dominate the west edge of town, separated only by worn railroad tracks. On the one side, Iowa Turkey Products is the county's largest employer. On the other, Agriprocessors is one of the largest kosher meat processing facilities in the world. North of the plants, large pits are filled with wastewater -- symbols of the community's attempts to accommodate its two most important businesses.
(Full Story)
Attention Western Iowa
01/13/2003
The Iowa Air Emissions Assistance Program (IAEAP) at the Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) will begin Minor Source Emissions Inventory Questionnaire (MSEIQ) assistance for the Western part of Iowa in late winter.
(Full Story)
Environmental education grants are now available
01/10/2003
Environmental Education grants to develop new programs or to improve the quality of existing programs are now available to Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska communities through EPA Region 7 in Kansas City, Kansas.
(Full Story)
Clear Lake filters are successful
01/10/2003
Storm water filter boxes in the City Beach area are proving to be a worthwhile investment to reduce the amount of fecal coliform bacteria flowing into the lake, according to preliminary test results.
(Full Story)
Fine unpaid year after spill kills 1 million fish
01/06/2003
It's been a year since an anhydrous ammonia spill killed more than 1 million fish in north central Iowa and the company that's blamed for the accident still hasn't paid for the damage.
(Full Story)
New method for manufacturing plastics studied
01/03/2003
The BECON Iowa Energy Center, Iowa State University, is currently conducting a study to examine the feasibility of transforming farm crops and wastes into plastics or nylon. The study is part of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to make their programs more efficient, effective and user-friendly.
(Full Story)
Council Bluffs workers minimize impacts to Missouri River
12/19/2002
Thorough advanced planning helped reduce the amount of sewage that had to be released to the Missouri River during recent repair work done on the sewer system in Council Bluffs.
(Full Story)
City wants federal grant to check for pollution
12/17/2002
Sioux City is applying for a federal grant to determine if there is any environmental contamination on five sites being considered for redevelopment.
(Full Story)
Livestock pollution controls under fire
12/13/2002
The National Academy of Sciences on Thursday said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture fail to adequately test and limit dangerous emissions from livestock confinements and don't spend enough researching the pollution.
(Full Story)
Sewer-sludge facility is shut down
12/12/2002
A controversial $7 million sewer-sludge facility on Des Moines' southeast side has been closed until city officials resolve pending legal action, Public Works Director Bill Stowe said.
(Full Story)
Beaver Avenue Cleaners first in state to go "green"
12/12/2002
For the past few weeks, Beaver Avenue Cleaners (BAC) has been using a new cleaning system called GreenEarth that is environmentally safe.
(Full Story)
Waste authority to push businesses to recycle
11/18/2002
A plan to reduce landfill intake will target Des Moines-area businesses that currently fail to recycle, Metro Waste Authority officials said.
(Full Story)
DNR enforcement actions
11/14/2002
The DNR has taken enforcement actions against the following. Responsible parties have 30 days to appeal or 60 days to pay the penalty.
(Full Story)
Des Moines, state seek sewage resolution
11/12/2002
Des Moines' city manager said that a disagreement with state officials over an illegally constructed sewer-sludge facility on the city's south side could end up in court.
(Full Story)
Pollution clear as mud in some Iowa waterways
11/07/2002
Iowa environmental groups say the state is threatening Iowans' health and fouling lake swimming areas by failing to list many troubled waterways as seriously polluted.
(Full Story)
DNR wants Ankeny to pay $10,000 fine
11/06/2002
The city of Ankeny should be fined $10,000 for repeated pollution of Four Mile Creek over four months, officials from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources have recommended.
(Full Story)
Iowa opens attack on nitrates
11/05/2002
Iowa launched a 37-county attack on nitrate pollution in streams last week with a wetland on Darrell Hughes' acreage south of Woodward.
(Full Story)
Livestock company fined for discharge
10/31/2002
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has fined a southeast Iowa livestock company after an investigation into the discharge of wastewater last spring.
(Full Story)
Landfill windfall likely to finance Vision Iowa plan
10/25/2002
A major financial windfall from the Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission is the likely source for Waterloo to fund its portion of the local Vision Iowa project.
(Full Story)
Waste treatment plants exceeding EPA pollution permits
10/25/2002
Four of five wastewater treatment plants and chemical and industrial facilities in the United States pollute waterways beyond what their federal permits allow, according to government data compiled by an environmental group.
(Full Story)
DNR helps biofuels industry with compliance
10/24/2002
In an effort to assist ethanol and biodiesel producers when building new plants, the DNR has made environmental compliance with this growing industry a top priority. The DNR hosted a stakeholder meeting on Oct. 11 to begin the process.
(Full Story)
North Iowa landfill receives award
10/22/2002
The Landfill of North Iowa has been named as one of the winners of the 2002 Iowa Recycling Awards, given for excellence in recycling and reuse by the Iowa Recycling Association and its co-sponsors, including the DNR.
(Full Story)
DNR, Alliant Energy to begin coal tar cleanup in Marshalltown
10/10/2002
Alliant Energy, under supervision of the DNR, began cleanup Thursday of contaminated soil at the former Marshalltown Manufactured gas Plant in a project that will close out an era of the city’s history. The project will focus on the removal of about 18,000 tons of coal tar and coal tar contaminated soils plans to redevelop the site by expanding the nearby electrical substation.
(Full Story)
Pipeline company fined in air-pollution lawsuit
10/02/2002
Williams Pipe Line Co. was ordered to pay a $300,000 civil penalty to resolve a lawsuit alleging air-pollution problems at Williams' bulk-gasoline terminal in Waterloo.
(Full Story)
Federal grant to provide training for water operators
09/24/2002
A federal grant will be used to certify and train water operators for systems serving drinking water to hundreds of thousands of Iowans.
(Full Story)
Recent DNR enforcement actions
09/23/2002
The Iowa DNR has taken the following enforcement actions. Responsible parties have 30 days to appeal the charges or 60 days to pay the penalty.
(Full Story)
Hog farmers told to prove environmental efforts
09/17/2002
People planning large hog confinements should have to prove they are working to ease air and water pollution and community disruption before they get state permits, several state environmental commissioners said.
(Full Story)
EPA announces pollution prevention awards
09/09/2002
Winners from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska will be awarded Pollution Prevention Environmental Excellence awards by EPA Region 7 at a ceremony, Friday, Sept. 20, 2002, during this year's Region 7 Environmental and Safety Symposium.
(Full Story)
EPA region 7 state get $1.6 million
09/09/2002
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska grants totaling more than $1.6 million to share environmental data over the Internet.
(Full Story)
West Des Moines pollution site added to Superfund list
09/06/2002
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency added a West Des Moines site to the federal Superfund list because underground solvents threaten drinking-water wells.
(Full Story)
3M plant added to EPA program
08/29/2002
A Nevada, MO., facility is one of 23 added to a national program designed to recognize and encourage top environmental performers, Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced.
(Full Story)
Man admits to illegally dumping appliances
08/26/2002
The case of the mystery dumper has been solved after a man pleaded guilty recently to illegally dumping 20 old appliances he was paid to properly discard.
(Full Story)
USDA loans to keep water flowing for rural areas
08/26/2002
Several Iowa communities will be getting grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for rural water projects.
(Full Story)
Iowa utility wins renewable energy award
08/23/2002
Waverly Light and Power, the municipal utility for Waverly, Iowa, has been awarded the 2002 Paul Rappaport Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Award by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for the utility's wind energy program.
(Full Story)
Recent DNR enforcement actions
08/20/2002
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has taken the following recent enforcement actions. Responsible parties have 30 days to appeal the charges or 60 days to pay the penalty.
(Full Story)
Waterway pollution caps dropped
08/20/2002
Iowa will shelve plans for special pollution limits in 111 waterways because state law limits the data water experts can use to classify them as "impaired." That means Iowans could face health threats, higher water-treatment costs and smaller stringers of fish.
(Full Story)
Regional administrator announces $160K in grants for Des Moines
08/13/2002
James Gulliford, EPA Administrator Region 7 presented the City of Des Moines with two grants totaling $160,000 for use with the Des Moines Agribusiness Park redevelopment plan and the Des Moines Water Works.
(Full Story)
Iowa schools awarded environmental education grants
08/07/2002
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 7, has awarded 7 environmental education grants totaling $63,415 to:
Harlan Community School, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa State University of Science, Kirkwood Community College, Southern Iowa Forage, West Des Moines Community School, Western Iowa Technical Community College.
(Full Story)
Governor Whitman visited EPA Region 7
07/31/2002
Governor Whitman made a special visit to the Region for several events. In the early afternoon she took a brief tour and provided remarks at the KCP&L Hawthorn plant in Kansas City, Missouri.
(Full Story)
Des Moines one of nine communitites nationwide to receive money
07/25/2002
U. S. EPA Deputy Administrator Linda Fisher announced $405,000 in grants to nine communities around the country under the "Smart Growth: Saving Open Space, Revitalizing Brownfields" program. Each community will receive $45,000 to incorporate smart growth approaches into the redevelopment of properties where reuse is complicated by real or perceived contamination.
(Full Story)
Iowa plans to cut emissions
07/25/2002
Three percent of Iowa's school buses emit large amounts of pollutants considered harmful to the quality of air in the state, a study released Wednesday shows.
(Full Story)
Coal tar cleanup begins in Grinnell
07/24/2002
Alliant Energy work crews arrived this week to begin cleanup of 900 cubic yards of coal tar and coal tar-contaminated soil from a former manufactured gas plant.
(Full Story)
State accepting applications for Governor's Environmental Excellence Award
07/24/2002
In recognition of Iowan's whose leadership and innovation have lead the way in the protection and enhancement of our natural resources, the DNR will now be accepting applications for the most prestigious environmental honors in Iowa.
(Full Story)
Sludge facility called illegal
07/24/2002
A $7 million sludge-storage facility in Des Moines violates state law because it was built too close to homes, state and city officials said
(Full Story)
Panel tackles air quality
07/23/2002
The Environmental Protection Commission unanimously approved a proposal Monday to begin a rule-making process on standards for air quality surrounding livestock confinement operations, something the state has never attempted before.
(Full Story)
State officials suspend inquiry into fish kill
07/18/2002
State officials suspended their investigation this weekend into a large fish kill in northwest Iowa, saying they will resume their inquiry at a later date.
(Full Story)
Higher fines propsed for polluters
07/10/2002
Key state lawmakers Tuesday questioned whether the Iowa Department of Natural Resources wants to go too far to punish polluters who kill fish and other wildlife.
(Full Story)
Heartland will benefit from clear skies initiative
07/03/2002
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released new information demonstrating the dramatic clean air benefits of President Bush's Clear Skies initiative.
(Full Story)
EPA announces funds to clean up underground storage tanks
07/01/2002
EPA Deputy Administrator Linda Fisher today announced 40 pilots totaling $3.8 million in grants to 26 states and three tribes to clean up properties contaminated from leaking underground storage tanks.
(Full Story)
DNR says air unhealthy in two counties
06/26/2002
For the first time in two years, air quality in Scott and Clinton counties hit unhealthy levels this week for people who are sensitive to smog.
(Full Story)
Environmental and Safety Assistance Workshops in Dubuque, Des Moines
06/24/2002
A workshop targeted towards small manufacturing and automotive service industries.
(Full Story)
Recent DNR enforcement actions
06/20/2002
The DNR has taken the following enforcement actions. Responsible parties have 30 days to appeal the charges or 60 days to pay the penalty.
(Full Story)
Des Moines officials to discuss lead levels in soil
06/20/2002
A meeting to discuss the planned excavation of lead-laden dirt left from a former battery factory near Kiwanis Riverview Nature Island is set.
(Full Story)
EPA announces additional Brownsfields funding
06/18/2002
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman has announced additional funding for three Brownfields pilots in Iowa. The funds will be used to conduct environmental assessments at identified sites.
(Full Story)
Second thoughts on opening beaches with high bacteria levels
06/18/2002
An Iowa triathlete says his near-death experience proves Iowa is wrong to leave beaches open even when the water violates federal swimming standards.
(Full Story)
Road ahead for Iowa to be greener, cleaner
06/12/2002
Iowa will be "greener and cleaner" as a result of provisions in the new farm bill that will increase government conservation spending by 80 percent, said Sen. Tom Harkin.
(Full Story)
Storage plan sends nuclear waste through Iowa
06/11/2002
A federal plan to ship spent nuclear waste to Nevada's Yucca Mountain would mean Iowa would rank sixth in the nation for the waste on its highways if the shipments come by truck, an environmental group says.
(Full Story)
Ethanol pollution checks sought
06/06/2002
The Environmental Protection Agency is pushing ethanol companies to test their plants for emissions of smog-producing chemicals and to modify their plants if necessary to stop the pollution.
(Full Story)
County may form its own cleanup team
06/03/2002
Lee County officials may form their own hazardous-materials response team. The closest team is in Burlington, about 20 minutes from Fort Madison.
(Full Story)
EPA signs with warehouse owner to conduct cleanup
06/03/2002
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7 (EPA) signed an order on consent that requires the owner of the Anderson Excavating Company to conduct a thorough investigation and cleanup of sites in Omaha and Council Bluffs.
(Full Story)
Floyd County air, water quality proposal advances
05/29/2002
The Floyd County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved on the second reading a proposed Floyd County Rural Health Protection Ordinance.
(Full Story)
Iowa pollution prevention survey provides valuable results
05/28/2002
To better understand how to improve pollution prevention services to regulated businesses, the Waste Management Assistance Bureau (WMAB) went to the source and commissioned a survey of 300 Iowa companies.
(Full Story)
Study shows Iowa has concerns for e-waste
05/23/2002
A recently compiled study commissioned by the DNR confirms what the agency had suspected all along- Iowans, as other Americans, are discarding computers at a substantial rate.
(Full Story)
Iowa DNR takes action against violating businesses
05/23/2002
Recently, the Iowa DNR has taken the following enforcement actions. Responsible parties have 30 days to appeal charges or 60 days to pay the penalty.
(Full Story)
Residents speak out about hog confinements
05/22/2002
One speaker defended Robert Kennedy Jr.'s views on corporate farmers while another sharply criticized university research on animal confinements at a meeting in New Hampton this week.
(Full Story)
Hancock County plans wind farm
05/20/2002
Wind turbines will soon tower above the Hancock County landscape, churning out green energy.
(Full Story)
Nitrate levels surge in Des Moines
05/20/2002
Potentially health-threatening nitrates hit a record level in the Raccoon River in Des Moines this week, the ninth record set since 1991.
(Full Story)
DNR officials deal with chemical spills
05/07/2002
About 50 gallons of a broadleaf weed killer were spilled in Madison County Monday afternoon, and environmental officials initially feared it could reach Cedar Lake, which is used by Winterset for drinking water.
(Full Story)
Iowa one of 17 states allocated money through Brownsfields grants
05/06/2002
EPA Administrator Christie Whitman today announced $21.5 million in Brownfields grants to clean up and revitalize blighted communities in 17 states.
(Full Story)
Chips of wood clean up nitrates in water
05/01/2002
Federal researchers in Ames say they have found a simple way to stop most nitrates from washing off farm fields.
(Full Story)
Iowa co-op to pay $150,000 in penalties
04/24/2002
A farm cooperative will pay a $150,000 penalty to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for the company's role in causing a fertilizer spill that killed an estimated 1 million fish in the Floyd River in January, state officials said.
(Full Story)
Farmer's penalties rarely stick
04/22/2002
In exchange for millions of dollars in federal subsidies, Iowa farmers promise to protect the soil and water.
(Full Story)
State's polluted beaches to stay open this year
04/17/2002
State beaches will remain open this year, regardless of how much fecal bacteria is in the water, Iowa Department of Natural Resources officials said Tuesday. Some water-quality experts oppose the idea.
(Full Story)
Environmental and Safety Workshops in April and May
04/09/2002
Three confidential and non-regulatory workshops will be held in April and May to benefit small manufacturing and automotive service industries. The locations are Ames, Mason City, and Sioux City.
(Full Story)
Local governments fight large-scale corporate farms
04/09/2002
Across the nation's farm country, local governments are raising a stink about corporate agriculture — and in the process, stepping into a fight between large-scale farms and neighbors.
(Full Story)
Kennedy says Iowa overlooks damage done by large hog operations
04/08/2002
Iowa's environmental protection laws are among the weakest in the country, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. charged Friday at a gathering in Clear Lake of about 300 farmers, animal rights proponents and environmental groups.
(Full Story)
C.F. salvage yard will be turned into a park
04/05/2002
Land will be used to expand Island Park.
(Full Story)
Pollutants found in streams near cities
04/03/2002
A study of 28 stream sites around 10 of Iowa's biggest cities found herbicides, antibiotics or other pollutants in every one, researchers said Thursday.
(Full Story)
DNR ends weekly beach warnings
04/03/2002
State park workers won't post special warning signs at beaches this year, regardless of how high the reading is on that week's fecal bacteria test, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced.
(Full Story)
EPA chief visits D.M. to promote Bush plan
03/27/2002
The nation's top environmental regulator came to Des Moines Friday to promote a plan that would encourage aging coal-fired power plants to voluntarily reduce toxic emissions.
(Full Story)
DNR has plan to combat pollution, but no money
03/19/2002
Iowa Department of Natural Resources officials announced plans Monday to fight air pollution from livestock confinements but said they don't have the money to make the plan work.
(Full Story)
Antibiotics found in waterways
03/15/2002
A landmark national study of Iowa and 29 other states has shown that antibiotics routinely pass through treatment plants and into rivers, where they could breed"superbugs" resistant to common medicines.
(Full Story)
Franklin bans new confinements
03/08/2002
Franklin County on Monday became the second county in Iowa to ban
construction of livestock confinements for one year.
(Full Story)
Environmental and Safety Assistance Workshops in April and May
03/07/2002
These workshops are geared towards small manufacturing and automotive service industries. They are confidential and non-regulatory.
(Full Story)
Worker's death in explosion leads to OSHA fines for Iowa and Wisconsin firm
03/06/2002
A company's failure to ensure the safe handling of binary
explosives that resulted in the death of a worker at the J. P.
Madgett Power Generation Station in Alma, Wis., has led to
citations by OSHA. The proposed penalties total $227,850.
(Full Story)
Report looks at hog lot environmental issues
02/22/2002
A report released by researchers at Iowa State University suggests hog lots could threaten the health of nearby residents.
(Full Story)
Limits on hog-lot odors advised
02/15/2002
Iowa researchers warn that chemicals and other air pollutants from the facilities endanger neighbors.
(Full Story)
Dairy charged in pollution case
02/15/2002
Iowa authorities have filed criminal and civil charges against the operators of an eastern Iowa dairy, saying they knowingly polluted tributaries of the Iowa and Cedar rivers.
(Full Story)
Hog proposal near Pella runs into heavy resistance
02/15/2002
Marion County residents met Tuesday night to oppose a proposed hog confinement facility south of Pella
(Full Story)
Big crowd protests egg plant
02/08/2002
Tempers flared as nearly 1,000 people rallied Thursday
night against a proposed egg-laying operation near the Clear Lake tourist
area.
(Full Story)
Hog ponds endanger Iowa water, study says
02/01/2002
Hog-manure lagoons threaten Iowa's drinking-water supplies and rivers,
and new ones should be kept out of flood plains and areas with leaky
soil, researchers say in a new analysis.
That would cover much of central Iowa.
(Full Story)
Audubon hog-lot rules sought
01/23/2002
A group of farmers wants Audubon County to regulate hog confinements
by forcing them to meet strict health standards.
(Full Story)
Floyd River toll wipes out recovery
01/09/2002
Midwest Farmers Co-op faced its second round of
environmental fines Tuesday, this time for killing fish in the Floyd River
after a broken pipe released 2,000 gallons of liquid nitrogen Monday.
(Full Story)
Fertilizer spill in Sheldon kills thousands of
fish
01/08/2002
Liquid nitrogen flowed into the Floyd River from
a broken pipe at a farm co-op.
(Full Story)
Company to pay $147,000 in restitution costs
01/03/2002
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources
said Jan. 2 that the company allegedly responsible for a
December 2001 ammonia spill that killed nearly 1.3 million
fish near Algona will have to pay the state more than
$147,000 in restitution.
(Full Story)
Lake deposit could save millions
12/12/2001
Experiments using sediment taken from Saylorville Lake in northern Polk County could help to someday extend the lake's life and save taxpayers millions of dollars.
(Full Story)
Group says hog lots face suits
12/06/2001
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s brigade of water-pollution fighters told Iowa officials this week they can either clamp down on hog confinements or prepare for citizens to fight them using the power of federal environmental laws.
(Full Story)
Iowa company, CEO plead guilty to violating Clean Water Act
12/04/2001
Rockingham-Lunex Co., Pleasant Valley, Iowa, and its
President/CEO, William T. Schmidt, pleaded guilty on Oct. 25 to
violating the Clean Water Act (CWA).
(Full Story)
Officials question hog firm activity
11/27/2001
Hog producer Swine Graphics Enterprises got a state permit to build its fifth Clarke County confinement Wednesday even as state lawyers investigated allegations that the firm started construction without approval.
(Full Story)
Protest asks Staples to recycle
11/15/2001
Environmental activism came to the suburbs Tuesday as 14 college students protested the cutting of old trees with slogans and signs outside an Ankeny office-supply store.
(Full Story)
Iowa, environmental groups agree
11/15/2001
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources
has reached an agreement with environmental groups under
which it will prepare cleanup plans for 157 polluted water
bodies in the state (SAILORS Inc. v. Environmental
Protection Agency, D.C. Iowa, No. C98-134, 10/26/01
(Full Story)
Manure spills; town rallies against new lot
11/09/2001
A farmer who wants to build a 5,600-head hog confinement near Elk Horn was responsible for a manure spill at another hog facility this week as state officials investigated complaints at the site.
(Full Story)
Waste Reduction Workshop for Teachers
11/07/2001
If you
teach grades 7-12 and are interested in incorporating lessons on waste reduction
into your curriculum, Waste Reduction: Addressing the Overlooked 'R' is the
workshop for you. It is a two day workshop that can be used for one semester hour of graduate credit.
(Full Story)
W.D.M. toxic waste baffles EPA
11/06/2001
West Des Moines, Ia. - Scientists are baffled by a toxic waste site south of Valley Junction that has closed five West Des Moines city wells and has cost more than $100,000 to investigate.
(Full Story)
Span weighs lightly on land
11/06/2001
Steamboat Rock, Ia. - A one-of-a-kind bridge is being built on U.S. Highway 20 to minimize environmental disturbances to the Iowa River Greenbelt in north-central Iowa.
(Full Story)
Pact is reached on water cleanup
10/30/2001
Iowa's dirty waterways would get elaborate cleanup plans within a decade under a negotiated court agreement spurred by environmental groups' lawsuits.
(Full Story)
EPA reaches agreement with Iowa firm
10/24/2001
The Environmental Protection Agency has reached an agreement
with Factory Place L.C. to recover past and future costs
associated with the Economy Products superfund site in
Shenandoah, Iowa, the agency said in a notice to be
published Oct. 23.
(Full Story)
Merle Hay or Second might be widened
10/23/2001
County and federal officials would spend $800,000 to
study alternatives if protected wetlands disrupt plans for
an interchange at an extended Martin Luther King Jr.
Parkway and Interstate Highway 35/80 north of Des
Moines.
(Full Story)
Polk, D.M. set to OK cleanup of toxic
10/23/2001
A chain-link fence has kept a north-side neighborhood
from harm for four years. The impending removal of the
toxic dirt behind that fence could revive the danger.
(Full Story)
Waste Reduction Workshop for Teachers Offered
10/17/2001
Back by popular demand, a graduate credit workshop titled Waste Reduction:
Addressing the Overlooked "R" in Grades 7-12 will be offered in three locations
in the coming academic year.
(Full Story)
Iowa State examines building energy efficiency
10/15/2001
The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $350,000 grant to Iowa
State University to conduct research at its Ames campus on
improving energy performance in buildings.
(Full Story)
DNR adds super-efficient gas/electric car to fleet
10/09/2001
The DNR has added a Toyota Prius, a hybrid-electric vehicle that gets up to 52
miles per gallon, to its vehicle fleet.
(Full Story)
Leaf and garbage smoke radio ads to air
10/09/2001
Airwaves will carry educational messages this autumn to encourage Iowans to consider cleaner
waste disposal options as opposed to burning garbage and leaves, DNR officials announced today.
(Full Story)
10,000 fish killed by manure
10/09/2001
Hog manure runoff killed more than 10,000 fish last
weekend in Union County, the Department of Natural
Resources said Friday.
(Full Story)
Ag.Dept.report touts biodiesel as economic boon
10/02/2001
Increasing the
demand for soy-based products such as biodiesel
would be a significant economic boon to farmers,
according to a federal report.
(Full Story)
Waste Reduction Workshop for Teachers Offered
09/20/2001
Back by popular demand, a graduate credit workshop titled Waste Reduction:
Addressing the Overlooked "R" in Grades 7-12 will be offered in three locations
in the coming academic year. In Spring 2001, the workshops were also offered
and filled to capacity.
(Full Story)
Glue and sewage lead to fish kills
09/11/2001
A rash of Iowa fish kills in recent weeks showed that livestock farmers aren't the only ones to blame for such environmental mishaps.
(Full Story)
D.M. residents tour county yards
09/11/2001
About 20 Des Moines residents and their families will tour gardens and yards in Adams County in southwestern Iowa today to learn conservation techniques they can practice on their own lawns.
(Full Story)
Fuel additive MTBE said to be widespread
09/04/2001
A Purdue University researcher said this week that he found a gasoline additive suspected of causing cancer in states where it typically isn't sold.
(Full Story)
Clear Lake money will be sought
08/30/2001
The Legislature will be asked for money next year; residents are urged to help cut pollution at the lake.
(Full Story)
Iowa water quality targeted by federal-state partnership
08/28/2001
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the state of Iowa are launching a $40 million program to address water quality issues related to excess nitrogen.
(Full Story)
Bacteria warning lifted from state-park beaches
08/28/2001
As Labor Day weekend approaches, Iowa's state-park beaches are all open for the first time this summer.
(Full Story)
Significant decrease in biodiversity of freshwater mussels
08/27/2001
A study released by the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources indicates that the biodiversity of the
state's freshwater mussel population has decreased
significantly in the past 15 years.
(Full Story)
Cash pool to foster lake health
08/27/2001
The Iowa Great Lakes stand to become greater now that all 10 Dickinson County towns and the county itself have joined in a $1.5 million effort to protect them environmentally.
(Full Story)
Mussel loss signals deteriorating water quality
08/14/2001
Scientists say a "frightening" decline in the number of mussels in Iowa rivers is a sign that water quality deteriorated markedly from 1984 to 1998.
(Full Story)
Long haul: man channels his energy into cleaning up river
08/13/2001
On the Upper Mississippi-The freckle-faced man zips along in an aluminum boat past lush silver moss trees and a blue heron on the river bank until he spots something special: a rusty, mud-encrusted, who–knows-how-old freezer.
(Full Story)
Two beaches get warning signs
08/13/2001
More warnings: New warning signs will be posted at Nine Eagles in Decatur County and George Wyth State Park in Black Hawk County.
(Full Story)
Chemical spill closes I-80/380 near Iowa City
08/13/2001
The junction of Interstate Highways 80 and 380 near Iowa City remained closed this morning as crews cleaned up a toxic chemical spilled in a truck rollover.
(Full Story)
Smog alert is issued for two counties
08/08/2001
Smog reached unhealthy levels in Scott and Clinton counties Tuesday for the first time in a year, state air-pollution regulators said.
(Full Story)
Clear Lake weighs restoration options
08/06/2001
The people coming up with a plan to make Clear Lake live up to its name have fallen a month or so behind schedule.
(Full Story)
Bacteria linger at many state beaches
08/06/2001
Nearly two-thirds of Iowa's state park beaches have shown high levels of fecal bacteria this summer. State environmental regulators say they haven't found a way to stop it from happening.
(Full Story)
Polluted dirt to be hauled from battery factory site
08/03/2001
Excavation of tons of contaminated dirt from a former battery factory site near Kiwanis Riverview Nature Island could begin as early as next spring.
(Full Story)
Man's suit says D.M. airport, 79 others pollute with de-icer
08/02/2001
A Cleveland man has sued the Des Moines airport and 79 other airports nationwide, alleging they violate federal pollution standards by overusing the de-icing chemical glycol.
(Full Story)
Grassley wants waste-to-energy process in Iowa
07/31/2001
The Republican senator and hog farmer from New Hartford wants to take something Iowa has plenty of - waste from hogs and cattle - and turn it into something Iowa needs: energy.
(Full Story)
Air-quality complaint cites pipeline company
07/30/2001
An Oklahoma petroleum company has emitted excessive levels of gasoline fumes over the past three years at a plant near Waterloo, state environmental officials said.
(Full Story)
New office to oversee ammo plant cleanup
07/30/2001
After nearly 10 years of digging, hauling and treating contaminated soil and groundwater at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, the Omaha office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been removed from the project.
(Full Story)
Hog-manure spill kills 33,000 fish in north Iowa
07/25/2001
A clogged pipe in a confinement building causes the 5,000-gallon spill that fouls Simpson Creek near Lawler.
(Full Story)
Backbone State Park reopened to swimming
07/23/2001
The beach at Backbone State Park in Delaware County, closed since June 15 because of elevated bacteria levels, has been reopened to swimming.
(Full Story)
Auditor criticizes DNR for lack of tests
07/18/2001
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is ignoring laws that require
it to test water and hazardous-waste sites, the state auditor said Tuesday.
(Full Story)
Iowans demand pollution reduction
07/17/2001
Iowa's top environmental official said Monday he has been peppered with demands from Iowans wanting the state to adopt new ways to limit water pollution from livestock operations.
(Full Story)
U.S. agency fines turkey plant $100,000 for pollution levels
07/17/2001
Federal regulators have fined an eastern Iowa turkey processing plant $100,000 for overloading a city sewage facility and polluting a nearby creek.
(Full Story)
Hog farms get reprieve on plans for manure
07/16/2001
More than 1,000 Iowa livestock feeding operations have escaped closing, thanks to the postponement of a 1998 law requiring the state to approve their plans for managing manure.
(Full Story)
Monsanto executive applauds farmers as environmentalists
07/16/2001
Calling farmers "the single largest environmental group in America today," Monsanto chief technology officer Robert Fraley today praised U.S. farmers for their contributions to preserving and protecting the environment.
(Full Story)
Shippers of waste face toll for use of roads
07/13/2001
A fee for transporting nuclear waste across the state will pay for cleanup-crew training.
(Full Story)
Beach closings hurt parks high bacteria levels cause swimming bans
07/09/2001
Backbone State Park officials expected the week of the Fourth of July to be their busiest of the year. But some cabins stayed empty, canoes dry and parking spots open.
(Full Story)
Northeast Iowa rivers among the nation's most polluted
07/09/2001
A Hardin County farming family uses planting techniques that keep soil, chemicals and fertilizers from washing into the nearest streams or ending up in ground water.
(Full Story)
High arsenic levels contaminate Mason City water.
07/06/2001
Arsenic levels in the drinking water of an area south of the city are a cause for concern, a Cerro Gordo County health official said.
(Full Story)
Nuclear cargo hits Iowa
07/06/2001
The federal government secretly sent a convoy of three trucks hauling nuclear waste through southwest Iowa last week, state officials confirmed Tuesday.
(Full Story)
Quad Cities-area residents urged to improve air quality
07/02/2001
State environmental officials are cautioning Quad Cities-area residents to take steps to improve air quality because smog levels are nearing a level that would violate the federal Clean Air Act.
(Full Story)
Rangers close 4th lake beach
07/02/2001
Rangers closed the swimming beach at Bobwhite State Park near Allerton on Friday, the fourth beach at a state park to close this season because of high bacteria levels.
(Full Story)
C.R. official honored for eco-safety work
07/02/2001
Thanks to Robert Butler, 1,474 tons of sulfur dioxide aren't being belched into the air by a Dubuque power plant. People in Hospers don't drink contaminated water. Residents of Laurens no longer worry about tainted soil.
(Full Story)
Researchers at odds over dioxin study
06/27/2001
An international researcher Tuesday stood by his claim that the Ames power plant is a prime source of a cancer-causing pollutant found in Canada, despite new Iowa State University research that disputes his findings.
(Full Story)
Landfill shutdown rules approved
06/25/2001
Environmental regulators last week took steps to assure that Iowa landfills will be safe long after they close.
(Full Story)
Iowa lags in reducing trash flow
06/25/2001
Only three of 46 planning areas meet a 2000 goal for cutting waste bound for landfills.
(Full Story)
Feedlot plan moves forward
06/20/2001
Iowa environmental officials are moving forward with plans to control manure runoff at feedlots.
(Full Story)
Rebuild Cedar Falls receives national recognition
06/19/2001
Cedar Falls was recognized for its Conservation City initiative, a program to save money through energy efficiency improvements.
(Full Story)
Iowa food producer uses alternative fuel
06/19/2001
An Iowa food producer is combating the rising cost of fuel by using a food by-product as fuel.
(Full Story)
Magnetic cooling systems researched, could cut global warming
06/19/2001
Researchers at Iowa State University hope to perfect a new cooling system run by magnets that is better for the environment.
(Full Story)
Bacteria shut down 2 beaches
06/18/2001
High levels of fecal bacteria force rangers to close Backbone and Darling state park swimming areas.
(Full Story)
Iowans swim despite bacteria levels
06/11/2001
Warning signs at 11 state-park lakes didn't keep people out of the water this weekend.
(Full Story)
West Liberty, State Wrangle Over Sewage
06/08/2001
The city of West Liberty has been fined $119,000 for allegedly violating waste regulations.
(Full Story)
Clear Lake Silt Threatens Dredging
06/06/2001
Metals found in Clear Lake could impede dredging and increase the project's cost.
(Full Story)
Hills to get $250,000 from U.S.
06/06/2001
The Loess Hills region in western Iowa will get more than $250,000 under the federal Farmland Protection Program to preserve the hills from non-agricultural development.
(Full Story)
Clarity is Goal for Clear Lake
06/05/2001
Iowa State University scientists on Thursday suggested $16 million in projects that could triple the visibility of the water in Clear Lake.
(Full Story)
Anglers Warned About D.M. Lake
06/05/2001
Fish in Dean Lake may be unsafe to eat because of high fecal-bacteria levels, city officials say.
(Full Story)
Swimmers Cautioned on Using 4 Beaches
06/05/2001
State regulators are warning swimmers that four state-park beaches showed high bacteria counts earlier this week.
(Full Story)
Cleanup Weighed at Toxic Site
06/05/2001
Negotiators with Polk County, the city of Des Moines and Union Pacific Railroad have proposed excavating tons of contaminated dirt from the site of a former battery factory near Kiwanis Riverview Nature Island.
(Full Story)
Area that was the Pits Makes Great Strides
05/31/2001
The city of Waterloo’s efforts to revitalize the Mitchell Avenue sand pits have become a model for such projects statewide.
(Full Story)
Beaches Fail Test, but Stay Open
05/29/2001
The state posted warnings to swimmers Friday at five state-park beaches because tests found high fecal bacterial levels this week.
(Full Story)
Area Residents Object to Race at Gray's Lake
05/23/2001
Plans for a July 15 personal watercraft race on Gray's Lake have churned up a minor controversy and sparked calls to re-examine what Des Moines will allow in its newly improved park.
(Full Story)
Cedar, Wapsi Among America's Most Polluted Rivers, Study Finds
05/23/2001
A new federal study shows four eastern Iowa rivers have some of the highest levels of nitrate and phosphorus pollution in the country.
(Full Story)
EPA Steps Up Inspections: Feedlot Operators Face the Expense of Compliance
05/22/2001
If the Environmental Protection Agency comes knocking, state officials say, feedlot owners might as well have their checkbook handy because they will probably be fined.
(Full Story)
Costly Pollution Taints Rivers
05/22/2001
A 3-year federal study shows eastern Iowa waters face many problems.
(Full Story)
3 Iowa Great Lakes Suffer Environmentally
05/21/2001
The Little Spirit, Upper Gar and Lower Gar are on the federal government's list of lakes in serious environmental trouble.
(Full Story)
Nevada Fuels Up for Bush
05/17/2001
President Bush will visit an Iowa town today where the cost of fueling police cars has skyrocketed, where the mayor's home-heating bill almost doubled this winter and where farmers struggle to make a living.
(Full Story)
Utility Warns of Crisis for Iowa
05/16/2001
Three days of power disruptions have given Iowans a taste of what Alliant Energy Inc. says could be a dark future without eased regulations to speed construction of electric generating plants.
(Full Story)
Vermicomposting: A Viable Alternative for Organic Solid Waste
05/10/2001
D&D Ranch, a vermicomposting facility located in northern Johnson County, has launched an educational campaign to inform Iowans about the value of vermicomposting as a means of organic solid waste resource conservation.
(Full Story)
Dome Over Coal Fails to Satisfy Neighbors
05/08/2001
Covering a controversial pile of coal with a $1 million plastic dome was
supposed to make living - and breathing - easier in Williams.
(Full Story)
Cleanup Helps Dean Lake Area
05/07/2001
Businesses may soon build in an area on Des Moines' east side that is
notorious for illegal dumping and scummy water, city officials said.
(Full Story)
Carlisle Firm Recycles Tires to Protect Kids, Control Weeds
04/12/2001
Entrepreneur Howard Block has transformed a longtime tool-and-die
shop in Carlisle into a business that uses recycled tires to make safety
mats for playgrounds and rubber tiles to halt weed growth along
highways.
(Full Story)
Controlled Burning Planned for First Time In State Forests
04/09/2001
Forestry experts will set controlled fires in state forests across Iowa for
the first time to make the woodlands healthier.
(Full Story)
"Demo Day"
04/09/2001
A team made up of Midway Industrial Supply, HCI Composites (Worum), the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP), and Minnesota’s Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP) have been working together on plans for an exciting full-day event specifically designed for the FRP industry. Fiberglass fabricators in ND, SD, IA, MN, IL, WI, OH, IN, and MI are invited.
(Full Story)
New Tests of Waterways Planned
04/04/2001
Federal and state researchers plan to check Iowa waterways for
antibiotics and possibly other drugs after an initial check of 30 streams
raised questions about pollution.
(Full Story)
New Tests of Waterways Planned
04/04/2001
Federal and state researchers plan to check Iowa waterways for
antibiotics and possibly other drugs after an initial check of 30 streams
raised questions about pollution.
(Full Story)
State Finds High Nitrate Levels
03/30/2001
Nitrates in two of Iowa's major rivers have nearly tripled
since the 1940s, a state researcher said Thursday.
(Full Story)
Antibiotics Contaminate Iowa Waters
03/29/2001
Antibiotics fed to livestock and applied to crop fields in manure are
washing into streams, where scientists fear they are contributing to a rise
in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
(Full Story)
Poor Golf Course Maintenance Can Result in Major Penalties
03/23/2001
Golf courses are not generally thought of as a major pollution-causing industry. However, there are several areas within the maintenance department where mismanagement can lead to environmental problems, thus exposing the ownership to extensive legal liability for contamination and cleanup. These penalties and fines can also create a poor public image for the golf course.
(Full Story)
More Chlorine Helps Clean Dirty River Water
03/21/2001
Iowans detecting more chlorine in their water are not just dreaming of
swimming pools after a long, snowy winter.
(Full Story)
Environmental Regulations Confusing for Small Business Owners
03/20/2001
Small business owners have a lot of responsibilities to deal with on an everyday basis to keep the company up and running. From analyzing the cash flow to working on employee satisfaction, managing a small business can be extremely stressful. Often overlooked in this jumble of managerial duties is the importance of environmental compliance.
(Full Story)
Emission Study Expands in Eastern Iowa
03/14/2001
The DVT is beginning the next phase of a statewide air emission inventory this year covering 30 eastern Iowa counties. Scott County is completed as it was inventoried last year as the pilot project. Counties in central and western Iowa will be inventoried over the next two years.
(Full Story)
Group Wants Environmental Protection
03/07/2001
Students from across Iowa gathered at the Capitol
Tuesday to lobby for a pair of environmental proposals
to curb urban sprawl and clean Iowa waterways.
(Full Story)
Iowa's Lakes Among Filthiest in the World
03/07/2001
A first-of-its-kind study of Iowa's 132 lakes
shows they are among the most fertilizer-polluted waters
on Earth.
(Full Story)
IAEAP Conducting Emission Inventory Workshops in April
02/26/2001
The Iowa Air Emissions Assistance Program (IAEAP) at the Iowa Waste Reduction
Center (IWRC) will conduct three emission inventory workshops.
(Full Story)
Waste Reduction Growing Problem
02/21/2001
Think twice before you throw that barely used sheet of
paper in the trash.
(Full Story)
EPA Will Conduct Workshops on Toxic Release Inventory
02/15/2001
The EPA Region 7 will conduct four Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) Workshops during April 2001. These workshops, conducted annually, are intended to assist facilities in preparing annual reports on toxic releases and other waste management activities.
(Full Story)
DNR to Study E. Iowa Pollution
02/07/2001
The Department of Natural Resources will study air pollution in 30 Eastern
Iowa counties this year as the first part of a three-year study to learn
how many tons of pollutants enter Iowa's skies.
(Full Story)
Waverly Republican Pops Up With Plan to Alter Bottle Bill
02/07/2001
The Iowa bottle bill may get a new look if a proposal by
Rep. Bob Brunkhorst, R-Waverly, succeeds.
(Full Story)
Enforcement Alert! Agency Eyeing Illegal Stormwater Discharges
02/06/2001
EPA continues to educate industry about storm water compliance requirements. Beginning last year, however, EPA began focusing on violators who fail to apply for and obtain storm water discharge permits. In addition to other enforcement remedies, EPA may seek civil penalties for noncompliance of up to $27,500 per day for each day of violation.
(Full Story)
IWRC and ISBDC to Offer Workshop for Small Manufacturers
01/24/2001
The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) is partnering with the Iowa Small
Business Development Center (SBDC) office in Spencer, Iowa to offer an
environmental compliance workshop for small manufacturers in the state.
(Full Story)
Rare Plants Harmed In Peterson Prairie
01/24/2001
State biologists declined to let all-terrain vehicles onto a
northwest Iowa prairie near Peterson, fearing damage,
then let a rural water association lay pipe on the same
land.
(Full Story)
State Agency Seeks Ban On Open Burning
01/10/2001
The state's environment agency wants to ban open
burning of lawn waste and garbage in all Iowa towns to
protect residents from lung problems.
(Full Story)
Vilsack: Broaden Anti-Litter Law
01/05/2001
Gov. Tom Vilsack on Thursday endorsed an expansion
of Iowa's bottle bill, a proposal on which he hadn't
previously taken a stand.
(Full Story)
Way Sought to Extinguish Burning
12/20/2000
Iowa's top air-quality official said the state is looking for
an easier, and possibly quicker, way to stop backyard
burning statewide.
(Full Story)
Recycling Plan Loses $280,000 a Year at U of I
12/18/2000
The University of Iowa is losing nearly $300,000 a year on recycling.
The price tag is likely to grow if administrators respond
to student pressure to recycle pop cans, plastic bottles
and glass.
(Full Story)
IWRC Names New Waste Reduction Specialist
12/18/2000
Jeff Beneke will be joining the Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) on
Jan.8 as a Waste Reduction Specialist and will also be the new Technical
Administrator for the Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE).
(Full Story)
Thick Manure Endangers Water
11/29/2000
Phosphorus is polluting Iowa waterways, state
environmental regulators say, and livestock-confinement
operators may have to spread manure more thinly on
fields as a result.
(Full Story)
Company Converts Waste into Fuels and Chemicals
11/20/2000
By: Juli Probasco-Sowers
Corn cobs, cooking waste and grass
become energy on the west edge of Nevada.
(Full Story)
Waterloo to Clean Up Illegal Dumping Site
11/07/2000
A tip from the public last week led Waterloo officials to
discover an illegal makeshift dump in a wooded area on
the city's northeast side.
(Full Story)
Waste Reduction Teacher Training Workshops Offered
11/03/2000
Seventh through twelfth grade teachers have an opportunity to learn how
to use a variety of waste reduction resource materials in their classrooms
and earn one graduate credit hour at the same time.
(Full Story)
Iowa Superfund Site Becomes Wetlands Laboratory
10/20/2000
Community
leaders, partnering with EPA and the USFWS, have developed the site into a
natural area for study and research on wetlands and sedge meadows along the
Mississippi River. The students of local schools and colleges will use the
new on-site field laboratory to conduct research.
(Full Story)
Study Calls Iowa Air Lethal
10/18/2000
Power-plant pollution is deemed the culprit in many deaths, particularly
in the Quad Cities.
(Full Story)
D.M. floats nitrates to Ottumwa
10/18/2000
The Des Moines Water Works takes nitrates out of river water when the
compounds are at high levels so that household taps serve safe water.
(Full Story)
New Guide Released on Public Involvement in Environmental Permits
09/18/2000
EPA recently released a new guide on public involvement in
environmental permits. The guidance document, "Public Involvement
in Environmental Permits: A Reference Guide," is intended to
improve the quality of public involvement in permitting decisions
across all of EPA's air, water and waste permit programs.
(Full Story)
Presidential Candidates Play Environmental Politics
08/23/2000
Environmental issues resonated through the presidential campaigns of both Democrat Al Gore and Republican George W. Bush this weekend. Both of the major party candidates claimed environmental victories in their pasts - claims that were met with some skepticism by environmental groups.
(Full Story)
IWRC to Offer Foundry Compliance Workshops
08/01/2000
The Iowa Waste Reduction Center is offering three workshops in September focusing on environmental compliance for foundries in Iowa.
(Full Story)
Agencies Trash Waste Mandate
07/07/2000
The June 30 state deadline has passed, and it appears that only two of Iowa's 50 waste-management teams appear to have met the goal of cutting landfill waste by 50 percent.
(Full Story)
IWRC to Schedule Painting and Coating Process Training Program
07/06/2000
The Iowa Waste Reduction Center will schedule its Painting and Coating Process Training program. Training dates and topics will be posted on the IWRC calander.
(Full Story)
Water cleanup gets going
06/22/2000
Iowa, once criticized for largely ignoring pollution, has begun its most aggressive efforts in at least a decade to clean up polluted waterways.
(Full Story)
EPA Region 7 Announces $1.8 Million in Brownfields Grants
06/05/2000
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 announced $1,800,000 in grants to six communities in its four-state area to assess and cleanup the environmental conditions of brownfields abandoned, contaminated properties often found in economically-distressed areas.
(Full Story)
Sustainable Building Conference in May
05/05/2000
Building owners, architects and engineers from across the state will come together to learn about sustainable building design and operation May 17 in West Des Moines.
(Full Story)
Smog Found at Unhealthy Levels in Eastern Iowa
05/05/2000
Smoggy air reached unhealthy levels in several eastern Iowa counties over the weekend as measured by the state’s network of air pollution monitors.
(Full Story)
Environmental Excellence Awards Premier in Iowa
04/21/2000
Iowa’s state agencies have announced the first annual Governor’s Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards.
(Full Story)
Iowa Water Quality Information Available
04/17/2000
Although funding for a program to monitor water quality in Iowa's lakes and streams is still pending, some information is available on the Internet.
(Full Story)
Factual Trickle
04/17/2000
The first step in cleaning up Iowa's threatened waterways is to determine just how threatened they are.
(Full Story)
DNR Orders Changes After Fish Kill
04/17/2000
The town of Postville, as well as two main industries, may face fines of up to $10,000 for the discharge of inadequately treated wastewater.
(Full Story)
High Winds Stir Up Dust in Buffalo and Mason City
04/14/2000
Air monitors near industrial areas reported April 5 that dust levels in Buffalo and Mason City surpassed that standards set by the EPA as being unhealthy for sensitive groups.
(Full Story)
Unhealthy Air in Davenport
04/05/2000
Air quality in areas of Davenport last month was unhealthy according to federal health standards.
(Full Story)
MOPP Visit and Demonstration in Sioux City
04/05/2000
The MOPP will bring pollution prevention and waste management issues to Sioux City later this month.
(Full Story)
Deadline Nears for Scott County Businesses
03/06/2000
The registration deadline for Scott County businesses interested in attending free workshops on completing an air emissions inventory is March 8.
(Full Story)
Air Inventory Workshops Offered in Bettendorf
03/01/2000
Air inventory workshops will be held in Bettendorf during March.
(Full Story)
Scott County Is State's First Air Pollution Inventory
03/01/2000
Iowa's first air pollution inventory has begun in Scott County.
(Full Story)
Comprehensive Water Plan Will Address Several Needs
02/14/2000
Governor Vilsack's Clean Water Initiative is perhaps one of the most comprehensive attempts in the state's history.
(Full Story)
Association Offers Hazardous Materials Workers Certification
02/11/2000
The East Iowa Association of Hazardous Materials Managers has announced its 2000 schedule and is accepting member applications.
(Full Story)
Region 7 Environmental Meeting in CF
02/04/2000
The biannual meeting for the Region 7 Resource Enhancement and Protection Assembly (REAP) will be held in Cedar Falls Feb. 17.
(Full Story)
Cedar Falls Company Designs Award-Winning Wastewater System
02/04/2000
Iowa Laser Technology of Cedar Falls has developed an award-winning wastewater treatment system that can be tailored to meet the needs of individual businesses.
(Full Story)
Six Iowa Waste Tire Piles Approved for Cleanup
01/28/2000
Nearly 150,000 tires that have been layered in ravines and tree lines for over 20 years will be cleaned up after being approved by the DNR's Environmental Protection Commission.
(Full Story)
DNR, IWRC Develop Emissions Inventory Program
01/24/2000
The DNR signed a contract with the IWRC to develop an air emissions inventory program.
(Full Story)
DNR Releases Environmental Violations, Fines for 1999
01/24/2000
The DNR released its environmental violations and penalties information for 1999.
(Full Story)
Carpet Recycling Program Comes to Iowa
01/21/2000
The DNR has joined forces with several other groups to promote carpet recycling in Iowa and the rest of the Upper Midwest.
(Full Story)
© Copyright 2008 Iowa Waste Reduction Center
A Service of Business and Community Services at the
University of Northern Iowa
Suite 113, BCS Building
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0185
Phone: 319.273.8905
800 Number: 800.422.3109
Fax: 319.273.6582