Iowa’s Troubled Waters: A Decade of Delay and What It Means for Clean Water
For years, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been compiling a list of impaired waters – rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands that don’t meet state water quality standards. This list, mandated by the federal Clean Water Act (specifically Section 303(d)), is supposed to trigger the creation of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) – plans to restore these waterways. But a growing concern is that the process is stalled, leaving some of Iowa’s most vulnerable waters at risk.
The 303(d) List: A Promise Unfulfilled
The 303(d) list isn’t just a catalog of pollution; it’s a commitment to action. Once a water body is listed, the DNR is obligated to develop a TMDL, outlining steps to reduce pollution and bring the water back into compliance. However, many water segments have remained on the list for extended periods – some since 2004, 2006, and 2008 – without a corresponding TMDL being prepared.
This delay is particularly alarming for waters designated as “Outstanding Iowa Waters” under the state’s antidegradation policy. These waters, including Bloody Run Creek, Clear Creek, Deer Creek, Dousman Creek, French Creek, North Bear Creek, Pine Creek, Trout Run, Trout River, and Waterloo Creek, are afforded extra protection due to their exceptional quality. Yet, they’ve languished on the 303(d) list for over a decade.
Low Priority, Last in Line
Adding to the concern, the DNR has assigned these Outstanding Iowa Waters a low priority for TMDL development, categorizing them as Tier III and Tier IV. This effectively places them at the bottom of the priority list, raising fears that they may never receive the attention they deserve. Critics argue this prioritization is a violation of the spirit, if not the letter, of the Clean Water Act, which requires priority ranking to consider “the severity of the pollution and the uses to be made of such waters.”
Did you know? The Clean Water Act’s Section 303(d) requires states to submit impaired waters lists to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) every two years.
The Nitrate and Nitrite Problem: A Growing Threat
Recent attention has focused on nitrate and nitrite pollution in several major Iowa rivers – the Cedar River, Des Moines River, Iowa River, Raccoon River, and South Skunk River. The EPA has notified the DNR that these rivers, used as sources of drinking water, must be added to the 303(d) list due to these pollutants. These pollutants are toxic to humans and largely originate from agricultural runoff, specifically manure and commercial fertilizer.
The cycle of pollution begins when plants don’t absorb all applied fertilizer, and manure. Rain and snowmelt then carry the excess nitrate and nitrite into rivers, streams, and lakes. The EPA is currently seeking public comment on adding these rivers to the 2024 303(d) list.
Beyond Listing: The Importance of Implementation
Simply listing waters as impaired and creating TMDLs isn’t enough. The real impact comes from implementing those TMDLs – taking concrete steps to reduce pollution and restore water quality. Without implementation, the 303(d) list and TMDLs become largely symbolic.
Pro Tip: You can support adding the Cedar River, Des Moines River, Iowa River, Raccoon River, and South Skunk River to Iowa’s 2024 303(d) list by emailing [email protected].
What Does This Mean for the Future?
The current situation suggests the DNR may be focusing on meeting the minimum requirements to avoid EPA intervention, rather than proactively addressing Iowa’s water quality challenges. This raises concerns about the long-term health of Iowa’s waterways and the potential impact on public health and the environment.
The EPA’s recent actions regarding nitrate and nitrite pollution demonstrate a willingness to hold the DNR accountable. This increased scrutiny could lead to more aggressive enforcement of the Clean Water Act and a greater emphasis on TMDL implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the 303(d) list? It’s a list of water bodies that don’t meet state water quality standards, required by the Clean Water Act.
- What is a TMDL? A Total Maximum Daily Load is a plan to reduce pollution and restore impaired waters.
- Why are some waters on the 303(d) list for so long? Delays in TMDL development and implementation are the primary reasons.
- What can I do to help? Support adding polluted rivers to the 303(d) list and advocate for increased funding for water quality monitoring and restoration.
Learn more about Iowa’s impaired waters and water quality standards on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.
What are your thoughts on Iowa’s water quality challenges? Share your comments below and let’s continue the conversation.
