WINDSOR HEIGHTS –Plans to enable farmers and consultants to submit manure management plan updates electronically will lead off the April 18 meeting of the Environmental Protection Commission.
The meeting begins at 10 a.m. at DNR’s Air Quality Bureau, 7900 Hickman Road in Windsor Heights. The meeting is open to the public and public comment will follow the monthly reports and a presentation on improving the manure management plan submittal process. People may also submit written comments to the commission by mail or email to Jerah Sheets, Jerah.Sheets@dnr.iowa.gov, before the meeting.
In other business, commissioners will be asked to approve a Solid Wastes Alternatives Program contract to characterize solid wastes going into landfills. Understanding changes in waste composition will enable DNR and local decision makers to better meet waste reduction and recycling goals, reducing reliance on landfills and conserving natural resources.
From outreach to providing recycling containers, commissioners will hear success stories from cities and solid waste agencies participating in Iowa’s Environmental Management System program. Striving for continuous improvement, they’ve developed blueprints to help others divert hazardous materials from landfills, increase recycling, decrease electricity consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A presentation from the Iowa Waste Exchange is also on the agenda. The exchange helps people, companies, schools and non-profits obtain used and unwanted materials, diverting thousands of tons of waste from Iowa landfills.
The complete agenda follows:
· Approval of Agenda
· Approval of Minutes
· Monthly Reports
· Manure Management Plans Process Improvement Event Presentation
· Public Participation
· Director’s Remarks
· Contract – SCS Engineers – 2017 Iowa Statewide Waste Characterization Study
· Solid Waste Environmental Management Systems Program 2017 Applicant Designation
· Solid Waste Environmental Management Systems Program – Success Stories
· Contract – University of Northern Iowa, Iowa Waste Reduction Center – Iowa Waste Exchange Program technical assistance, database management and training
· Iowa Waste Exchange Program Presentation
· Region XII of Governments – Grant Awardee for delivery of the Iowa Waste Exchange Program
· Contract– Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship – Badger Creek Watershed Project
· General Discussion
· Items for Next Month’s Meeting
o Monday, May 22 – EPC Education Tour – Clayton County
o Tuesday, May 23 – EPC Business Meeting – Clayton County
o Tuesday, June 20 – EPC Business Meeting – Windsor Heights
Find agenda details at www.iowadnr.gov/epc.
Commissioners include Mary Boote, Des Moines, chair; Chad Ingels, Randalia, vice chair; Cindy Greiman, Garner, secretary; Nancy Couser, Nevada; Bob Sinclair, Sigourney; Gene Ver Steeg, Inwood; LaQuanda Hoskins, Bettendorf; Ralph Lents, Menlo; and Joe Riding, Altoona. Chuck Gipp is the director of the DNR.