Iowa DNR presents findings on Yellow River Water Quality Improvement Plan at series of public meetings

by Bob Beach

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosted three public meetings in the local area September 26 and 27 to present findings from a study of bacteria levels in tributaries to the Yellow River. Bill Graham, P.E., the DNR Project Manager, said that the study, the Yellow River Water Quality Improvement Plan, was conducted to identify sources of bacteria and suggest methods to reduce bacteria levels in the Yellow River Basin.
Graham said that the pathogen indicator used in the study was E. coli bacteria, with levels measured at 13 monitoring sites from 2004 to 2008 and at seven sites in 2009. Sources of the bacteria were identified in two different categories - sources that require rainfall to produce run-off (such as applied manure) and continuous sources (such as failed septic systems and discharge from wastewater treatment facilities).
Graham said that bacteria levels could be significantly reduced by limiting livestock access to waterways, controlling run-off from field-applied manure, fixing broken septic systems in the area and creating a vegetation buffer along the banks of the streams in the basin. He added that the plan was developed as a guide for local resource agencies, partners, stakeholders and residents to improve water quality in the river system.

More information about the plan can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/environment/waterquality/watershedimprovement/watershedr.... Comments on the plan may be submitted until October 8 via e-mail to jeff.berckes@dnr.iowa.gov, or by mail to Jeff Berckes, care of Iowa DNR, Wallace State Office Building, 502 East Ninth Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.
After gathering comments, the DNR will forward the plan to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval.