DES MOINES—The DNR will hold a public hearing April 7 in Des Moines on renewing a general permit for mining and processing facilities that discharge wastewater.
The public hearing will begin at 11 a.m. in the fourth floor conference rooms of the Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. Ninth St. in Des Moines.
The DNR has initiated rulemaking to renew the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater permit known as General Permit Number 5 (GP5). The permit establishes effluent limits, monitoring requirements, and best management practices for wastewater discharges from mines and quarries.
The proposed permit is substantially similar to the permit issued July 20, 2011, but there are several minor revisions. The DNR will present the proposed changes and take comments orally or in writing at the public hearing.
More information can be found on the DNR’s website at: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water-Quality/NPDES-Wastewater-Permitting/NPDES-General-Permits/GP5-Mining-Processing
People may also file written comments on the proposed rulemaking on or before midnight on April 14, 2016. Comments will also be taken during the stakeholder meeting. Written comments or questions regarding the proposed rulemaking should be directed to Julie Faas, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, NPDES Section, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, Iowa 50309-0034; via fax at 515-725-8202; or via email at julie.faas@dnr.iowa.gov.