Posted Jan. 9, 2013

An additional informational meeting regarding the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy has been scheduled.

The public meeting will be held in Monticello at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office on the Jones County Fairgrounds. The address is 800 N. Maple St.

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is a science and technology-based approach to assess and reduce nutrients delivered to Iowa waterways and the Gulf of Mexico. The strategy outlines voluntary efforts to reduce nutrients in surface water from both point sources, such as wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities, and nonpoint sources, including farm fields and urban areas, in a scientific, reasonable and cost effective manner.

 

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) worked with Iowa State University over a two-year period to develop the strategy. The resulting strategy is the first time such a comprehensive and integrated approach addressing both point and nonpoint sources of nutrients has been completed.

 

The Iowa strategy has been developed in response to the 2008 Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan that calls for the 12 states along the Mississippi River to develop strategies to reduce nutrient loading to the Gulf of Mexico. The Iowa strategy follows the recommended framework provided by EPA in 2011 and is only the second state to complete a statewide nutrient reduction strategy.

 

The full report, additional information and place for comments can be found at www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu. The comment period closes on Jan. 18.

 

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa DNR and Iowa State University have previously hosted two public meetings and held a webinar to educate Iowans about the strategy and answer questions. The webinar has been archived and can be viewed at www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu.