Many times, environmental improvement comes as a result of an enforcement action. Enforcement must take place when people choose to circumvent the law or do not understand the full impact of their actions on our environment. The DNR is charged with ensuring compliance with State of Iowa environmental laws and rules. The compliance portion of the DNR improves our environment through educating citizens and promoting awareness of the environmental impacts of our actions and awareness of applicable law.4
With administrative orders, responsible parties have 30 days to appeal the order. A consent order is issued in settlement of an administrative order or as an alternative to issuing an administrative order. A consent order indicates that the DNR has voluntarily entered into a legally enforceable agreement with the other party. In certain situations, the DNR may choose to include Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs) in a consent order.
The DNR uses the Enforcement Management System (EMS) to outline the process by which the various regulatory programs in the Environmental Services Division (ESD) of the Iowa DNR pursue compliance with chapters 455B, 455D, 459, 459A, and 459B of the Iowa Code and the rules promulgated there under. The general objective of the EMS is to protect the public health and environment of the State of Iowa through enforcement of the environmental regulatory requirements in a timely, consistent and fair manner.
The Fish Kill Cost Recovery Guidance document assists in the investigation and assessment of fish kills by each division to ensure coordination between the divisions. The guidance also provides information regarding the right to enter a property. This guidance will also ensure the costs for fish restitutions, salaries, meals, lodging and miscellaneous expenses are collected uniformly between the divisions.
Search Documents
DNR Document Search (direct link)
To view the enforcement orders, on the DNR Document Search page, select "Administrative Orders" from the program dropdown.
- Program: Administrative Orders
- Facility Name: Party Issued
- Project Number: Order Number