Friday, March 4, 2011

Water Quality Standards For Iowa Lakes Proposed

The Iowa DNR has proposed criteria for evaluating Iowa lakes used for swimming. The standards will apply to 127 lakes in Iowa that have a maintained beach, appear on the list of Significant Public Owned Lakes or have a mean depth of more than 3 meters (9.9 feet).

The proposed standards measure the transparency of the water and recommend maintaining water clarity of a little more than 3 feet (1 meter) in at least 75 % of the measurements. A standard of maintaining chlorophyll-a levels not to exceed 25 ug/L in 75 % of the measurements taken is also being proposed. Both standards are based on measurements taken during the summer recreational months between Memorial Day and Labor Day. These standards were initially proposed in January 2010 [click here for more information]

A series of public meetings to gather input from citizens regarding proposed criteria are scheduled throughout the state between March 23 and 31. Written suggestions or comments on the proposed amendments are being accepted through May 15, 2011.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website