Iowa — Federal regulators say the Iowa Department of Natural Resources should add half a dozen river segments to the state’s 2024 list of impaired waterways.
The EPA says nitrate levels in sections of the Cedar, Des Moines, Iowa, Raccoon, and South Skunk rivers exceeded safe drinking water standards. States are required to submit a list of impaired waters to the EPA for review every two years. It’s the first step in developing a plan to cut pollution. Michael Schmidt is the staff attorney for the Iowa Environmental Council.
Iowa has nearly 600 impaired water segments with the EPA’s additions. Schmidt says the EPA’s decision to add more impaired waters is unusual.
The agency is accepting public comments on the segments through December 13th. The DNR says it’s reviewing the EPA’s response and declined further comment.
