DES MOINES – Commissioners will be asked to approve three contracts and a final rule proposal on animal feeding operations at the Oct. 18 Environmental Protection Commission meeting in Des Moines.
Commissioners will meet at 10 a.m. in Room 116 of the State Capitol Building, 1007 E. Grand Avenue in Des Moines. The entrance is on the northwest side of the capitol. The meeting is open to the public. Public comment will follow the monthly reports. Or, people may submit written comments to the commission by mail or email to Jerah Sheets, Jerah.Sheets@dnr.iowa.gov before the meeting.
Some of the proposed changes for animal feeding operation rules stem from recent legislation such as incorporating federal permit requirements for open feedlots and allowing fish production facilities to operate as a confinement. Others allow marketing solids from open feedlots as bulk dry animal nutrients, clarify other rule requirements, and repeal unnecessary and outdated rules.
Towards the end of the meeting, Cerro Gordo County has a demand for a hearing regarding a permit appeal.
Highlights of the agenda follow:
- Monthly Reports
- Public Participation
- Director’s Remarks
- Final Rule – Chapter 65 – Amendments for Animal Feeding Operations
- Contract with IDALS for Lake Geode Watershed Project (Phase 2)
- Contract for Filter & Sampler Data Collection & Transmittal – Emmetsburg
- Contract with Department of Public Health for Risk Calculator Maintenance
- 2017 EPC Dates
- Demand for Hearing - Cerro Gordo County
- General Discussion
The next two Environmental Protection Commission meetings are scheduled for Nov. 15 in Wright County, preceded by an educational tour on Nov. 14, and Dec. 20 in 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.