Post Revised Dec 18, 2012

Informational meetings regarding the recently released Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy are being held this week in Ames and Waterloo.

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.

 

“These meetings are an important opportunity for the public and key stakeholders to ask questions and learn more about this plan,” said Chuck Gipp, director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

 

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the 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 goal of reducing nutrients in Iowa’s waters is an effort that will require everyone working together, according to Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey.

 

“This is what makes this plan so exciting. It’s the first time we have had all the key stakeholders moving in the same direction toward the common goal of reducing nutrients, both here in Iowa and eventually the Gulf of Mexico,” said Northey.

 

The time and location of the meetings are listed below.  Comments on the strategy will not be accepted during the meeting, but all Iowans are invited to review the full strategy and provide comment at http://www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu/.

 

Ames 

Dec. 19, 10 a.m., South Ballroom, Memorial Union, Iowa State University, Ames

 

Waterloo 

Dec. 21, 10 a.m., Ramada Waterloo/Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, 205 W Fourth St., Waterloo

 

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.

 

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