bill ehm, administrator environmental services division
TRANSCRIPT
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
