EPA News Release (Region 7): Decision Issued on Iowa’s Water Quality Standards

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7 901 N. Fifth St., Kansas City, KS 66101   Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations   Decision Issued on Iowa’s Water Quality Standards   Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, (913) 551-7557, lancaster.kris@epa.gov Environmental News   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   (Kansas City, Kan., Jan. 6, 2012) - EPA has approved the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) designated use changes for 430 water bodies and disapproved proposed changes for 89 water bodies. Designated uses describe the achievable recreational activities and aquatic life uses for Iowa’s waters.   “Healthy watersheds provide Iowa communities with safe drinking water, recreational opportunities, environmental benefits and clean water for habitat for fish and wildlife,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. “EPA will continue working with the state to protect Iowa’s lakes, rivers and streams."   IDNR submitted these new and revised Iowa surface water quality standards to EPA for review and approval, as required by the Clean Water Act (CWA). The state based its recommendations on site-specific field data gathered by IDNR in and near streams, lakes and rivers. This submission updates the use designations to determine the highest attainable use for the individual waters.   Designated recreational uses protect for activities such as swimming, fishing and canoeing; and for human consumption of aquatic life. Aquatic life uses provide for the protection and maintenance of a healthy environment for fish and other animals.   The CWA assigns EPA the duty to oversee state-agency actions to protect water quality. In partnership with IDNR, EPA works with the public, community leaders, local and state agencies to meet the growing needs and demands of our water resources.   EPA’s Jan. 5, 2012, decision letter provides a more detailed description of EPA’s review and the basis for this action. The decision letter is available at www.epa.gov/region7/newsevents/legal.   # # #   More information about activities in EPA Region 7   Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion7     Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.     View all Region 7 News Releases     You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355