The DNR is seeking input from people who apply pesticides to Iowa waters at an informal stakeholder meeting Sept. 9 in Des Moines.
The meeting will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the fourth floor conference rooms of the Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines.
The DNR has initiated rulemaking to renew the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater permit known as General Permit Number 7 (GP7). Due to a federal court decision, anyone who sprays or applies pesticides to road ditches, stream banks, lakes or other areas where pesticide residues can end up in a waterbody have needed to meet the requirements of GP7 since March 30, 2011.
As part of the renewal, the DNR is proposing to remove Notice of Intent requirements to simplify the permit and reduce regulatory burdens. The DNR will present the latest information about proposed changes and seek input from attendees on the permit at the stakeholder meeting.
You can view the proposed general permit at:www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/RegulatoryWater/NPDESWastewaterPermitting/NPDESGeneralPermits/GP7Pesticides.aspx
People may also file written comments or questions on the proposed rulemaking on or before midnight on Sept. 11, 2015. Comments will also be taken during the stakeholder meeting. Written comments or questions regarding the proposed rulemaking should be directed to Wendy Hieb, 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 wendy.hieb@dnr.iowa.gov.