WAVERLY – Iowans interested in the results of a DNR study to improve water quality in Avenue of the Saints Lake in Bremer County can attend a meeting Aug. 9. Citizens are encouraged to bring their questions and ideas to improve the lake to the meeting for discussion.
Avenue of the Saints Lake is on the state’s list of impaired waters for high levels of algae, low water clarity, and high levels of pH. The current study, or DNR water quality improvement plan, shows how these problems are caused by too much phosphorus in the lake. These problems may impact 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 the DNR’s Watershed Improvement Program will be on hand to answer questions.
The Aug. 9 meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Waverly Room at the Waverly Public Library, 1500 W Bremer Ave. in Waverly. Those not able to attend the public meeting can receive more information at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/WaterQuality/WatershedImprovement/WatershedResearchData/WaterImprovementPlans/PublicMeetingsPlans.aspx and submit comments on the plan by Aug. 28 via:
E-mail: jeff.berckes@dnr.iowa.gov
Mail: Jeff Berckes, care of 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.