DAVENPORT – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in Scott County’s Lake of the Hills can attend a meeting Thursday, May 5. Citizens are encouraged to bring their questions and ideas to improve the lake to the meeting for discussion.
Lake of the Hills is on the state’s list of impaired waters for high levels of algae and low water clarity. The current study, or DNR water quality improvement plan, shows how these problems are caused by too much phosphorus in the lake. The problems impact recreation on the lake and aquatic life.
The plan explores the amounts and sources of phosphorus entering the lake, and offers potential solutions to reduce those levels and work toward fixing the problem. The document is designed as a guide for local resource agencies, partners, stakeholders and residents to improve the lake. Staff from DNR’s Watershed Improvement Program will be on hand to answer questions.
The May 5 meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Blue Grass Public Safety Building, 606 W. Mayne St. in Blue Grass. Find more information at www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/WaterQuality/WatershedImprovement/WatershedResearchData/WaterImprovementPlans/PublicMeetingsPlans.aspx. Submit comments on the plan by May 23 via e-mail to jeff.berckes@dnr.iowa.gov or mail to Jeff Berckes, Iowa DNR, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, Iowa 50319.
After gathering Iowans’ comments, the DNR will forward the final plan, also called by its technical name of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval.