Environmental Field Offices

The Iowa DNR Field Services and Compliance Bureau includes six field offices located throughout Iowa. They serve as a point of contact for questions about activities and problems related to environmental protection throughout the state. The focus of field office staff is helping citizens, business and industry achieve compliance with Iowa’s environmental programs. Our goal is to coach for compliance rather than collect penalties.

Field Office Services

Field office staff conduct routine inspections at facilities permitted by the department and provide technical assistance to help people meet permit requirements. Staff investigate complaints from the public, and respond to spills of hazardous substances from a variety of sources.

The DNR relies on interested and concerned individuals to report conditions that might be a threat to the public or environment. Environmental complaint investigations are a part of each field inspector’s job and staff respond to many complaints each year.

When to Call Your Field Office

Report a Spill

If in doubt, report it!

Quick reporting of hazardous spills is critical in providing the best emergency response. Call the Iowa DNR and local law enforcement right away.

Call our 24-hour line at 515-725-8694

Additional Spill Guidance

If you see the following, call your field office as soon as possible:

• Fish kill – Report as soon as possible including numbers, sizes and species involved
• Chemical spills - Note location, date and time and party responsible, if known
• Strange color or odor in stream or river - Report as soon as possible with a description. Note if aquatic life or fish seem stressed or are dead
• Improper disposal of hazardous substances - Note if drums, cans or plastic buckets, etc. are present
• Open dumping
• Open burning

Tips for Filing a Complaint

Note: You can remain anonymous for all complaints:

• Report it as soon as you see it - if you wait too long, staff may not be able to verify the complaint
• Take photos or video
• Keep a log with dates and times
• Be specific about the location
• Identify the party responsible if possible - Company name, license plate number, etc.

Emergency Response/EPCRA

The bureau is also responsible for Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) reporting and data management, disaster planning and response coordination, and training and exercise planning and coordination.