Blog For Tag "water quality"

posted by Michael Schmidt on Friday, October 23, 2020 The Iowa DNR recently approved the nutrient management plan for a 2,700 cattle feedlot in NE Iowa. As neighbors and Iowans consider the impacts of this operation on fragile karst topography, IEC Staff Attorney Michael Schmidt addresses questions, concerns, and suggestions for the future.

posted on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 IEC submitted comments expressing concern that the combination of the new EPA rule and proposed DNR changes would reduce protections for Iowa's waters, allowing a thousand cuts that would further harm Iowa's few remaining wetlands and resulting in poorer water quality.

posted by Alicia Vasto on Friday, September 11, 2020 As summer draws to a close, we're looking back at Weekly Water Watch 2020. Even with weeks full of unbelievable news, Iowa's waters still saw toxic algae blooms, E. coli contamination, drought, and high beach visitation across the state this year.

posted by Angelisa Belden on Friday, August 21, 2020 I spent a significant amount of money for a weekend getaway at an Iowa lake. Imagine my disappointment to find the water covered in green algae on day 2. Was it safe to swim? Who knows? Will I go back? That remains to be seen - and that's a danger for the local economy.

posted on Friday, July 31, 2020 Both the DNR and Polk County Conservation Board have reported a tremendous increase in park attendance, including increased beach and water recreation use since COVID-19 hit Iowa. However, before you throw on your swimsuit and goggles, know the risks of swimming prior to hitting the beach.

posted by Ingrid Gronstal Anderson on Friday, July 24, 2020 Invasive species are not only harmful to Iowa's water and environment by upsetting the natural balance of an ecosystem, they are costly to remove. Iowa water recreation is being impacted, as is our infrastructure.

posted by Alicia Vasto on Thursday, July 2, 2020 Iowa celebrates the 100th anniversary of the state parks system this year. Iowa has 72 state parks that span the breadth of our state's geological and biological diversity, but Backbone State Park is special because it was Iowa's first state park. IEC explores it's history and another more recent and troubling legacy.

posted by Angelisa Belden on Friday, June 26, 2020 Iowa's 2020 Legislative Session will go down in history as one filled with promise, but ultimately fraught with uncertainty, change, and strangely enough, status quo. There were also wins. IEC shares news on progress, losses, and bills on hold until next year.

posted by Jennifer Terry on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 A friend asked the other day “Have you ever thought about what it would happen if IEC went away? What wouldn't be protected if there were no IEC?” On Giving Tuesday Now, Executive Director Jennifer Terry reflects on this idea.

posted by Alicia Vasto on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Iowa's regulators and utilities are taking steps to protect Iowans during the pandemic by implementing emergency policies.