bill ehm, administrator environmental services division

Bill Ehm, AdministratorEnvironmental Services Division

Iowa’s Top Issue:Water Quality

Raccoon River Watershed2.3 million acres

Across 17 counties

River is ~ 186 mi. long

73% of watershed is agricultural

What are the problems?

• Sediment and Nutrients

• Loss of habitat for fish and other aquatic species

• Downstream impacts on the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico

How do we determine what pollutants are in the river?

Water Sampling and Monitoring

Where do pollutants come from?

• Two main categories of pollution sources– Point sources– Nonpoint sources

• Most of our current water quality problems come from nonpoint sources which are not regulated

“The Cuyahoga will live in infamy as the only river that was ever declared a fire hazard."

Infamous Distinction…

- Congressman Louis Stokes

The Cuyahoga River – Ohio

Limited regulatory authority over non-point sources.

Mississippi River At Pikes Peak State Park

Gulf Hypoxia – our actions affect more than Iowa

Wisconsin Illinois

Strategies to improve water quality• Nutrient Strategy

North Fork Maquoketa River, NE Iowa

• Slow the water down

• Partnerships

Strategies to improve water quality• Nutrient Strategy

• Slow the water down

• Partnerships

Strategies to improve water quality• Nutrient Strategy

• Slow the water down

• Partnerships

Air Quality

Stationary Air Monitor Illegal dumping and burning

Questions?

Contact: William.Ehm@dnr.iowa.gov