DNR News Releases

WINDSOR HEIGHTS – Air quality fees and a revised plan for improving air quality in Muscatine lead a contract-heavy agenda for the May 17 meeting of the Environmental Protection Commission. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. at the DNR’s Air Quality Building, 7900 Hickman Road, Suite 1, in Windsor Heights. Public comments follow election of officers and the monthly reports. People may also submit written comments to the commission by mail or email to Jerah Sheets, Jerah.Sheets@dnr.iowa.gov before the meeting. DNR will ask the commission to approve a state implementation plan revision designed to reduce sulfur dioxide levels in the Muscatine area. The plan resulted from DNR’s work with three facilities: Grain Processing Corporation, Muscatine Power & Water and Monsanto Company. By switching from coal to natural gas and installing new control equipment, Grain Processing Corporation will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by more than 10,000 tons per year. All three companies must meet more stringent sulfur dioxide limits. The plan ensures Muscatine County will meet federal air quality health standards for sulfur dioxide before the Oct. 4, 2018, Clean Air Act deadline. Commissioners will also be asked to approve reducing Title V air emission fees in the Fee Schedule from $70 to $67.50 per ton beginning July 1. Title V operating permits are required for facilities that are major sources of air pollutants. The fees are based on tons of emissions. DNR is asking for a fee reduction to adjust for a projected 3.8 percent increase in emissions from the March estimate and a 4.5 percent decrease in the program’s costs. In other action, commissioners will review requests for grants in the derelict building program which helps defray costs of removing environmental hazards posed by abandoned buildings in small towns. A referral to the Attorney General for the city of Sioux City wastewater facility is scheduled for 1 p.m. to be followed by an educational tour of the Easter Lake watershed in Des Moines at 2 p.m. The tour is open to the public and will leave from the DNR Windsor Heights office as a driving tour. The business agenda follows: • Approval of Agenda • Election of Officers • Approval of Minutes • Monthly Reports • Public Participation • Director’s Remarks • Derelict Building Grant Program – Grant Recommendations • Contract – Gresham, Smith and Partners (GS&P) – Solid Waste Alternatives Program Advisory Council (EMS Council) Consultant • University of Northern Iowa, Iowa Waste Reduction Center – Iowa Waste Exchange Program technical assistance, database management and training • Contract – ISU GIS Facility – General GIS Services • Final Rule – Amendment to Wastewater Rules to include Discharges from Mining and Processing Facilities, including Chapter 64 • Final Rule - Chapter 64 - Wastewater Construction and Operation Permits for Pesticide Discharges • Contract with University of Iowa for the State Hygienic Laboratory for Ambient Stream Monitoring Services FY2017 • Contract with University of Iowa for the State Hygienic Laboratory for State Park Beach Monitoring Analytical Services 2016 • Contract with State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa for Safe Drinking Water Microcystins Analytical Support • State Implementation Plan Revision for Muscatine SO2 Nonattainment Area • Air Quality: Fee Schedule • Contract with University of Iowa on behalf of the State Hygienic Laboratory, for the contract titled, Environmental Monitoring & Laboratory Services • Petition for rulemaking • DNR State Fair Building and Grounds Update • EPC Meeting Date Change from Tuesday, Aug. 16 to Wednesday, Aug. 10 with 3 p.m. Tour of DNR State Fair Building and Grounds • Referrals to the Attorney General – City of Sioux City – Wastewater • General Discussion • Items for Next Month’s Meeting • June 20 – EPC Education Tour, Rathbun Lake • June 21 – EPC Business Meeting, Honey Creek State Park Resort • July 19 – EPC Business Meeting, Windsor Heights For agenda details, see: 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.