EPA approves Iowa’s 2012 list of impaired water bodies

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the final list of Iowa State’s 2012 list of impaired water bodies that require total maximum daily load calculations.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) submitted its list of impaired water bodies to the EPA as required by the Clean Water Act.

EPA reviews and takes decision regarding the list and issues its final decision.

Under the Clean Water Act, a water body is put on the impaired waters list when the contamination levels in the river, stream or lake exceed the permissible limits and hinders their beneficial uses.

The beneficial use of water bodies includes human recreational activities, water supply and healthy living conditions for aquatic life.

If approved by the EPA, certain impaired water bodies can be removed from the list after a pollution reduction plan is followed or the water bodies meet the required standards of beneficial uses.

IDNR’s 2012 impaired waters list recommends the removal of 73 water bodies from the list and adding 78 new water bodies to it.
With the new EPA approved list, the total number of impaired waters on the Iowa State’s list is 479.

US Environmental Protection Agency regional administrator Karl Brooks said the agency appreciates Iowa’s efforts to continuously monitor and evaluate its waters and allow IDNR to prioritise its development of pollution reduction plans.

"This process is an important first step toward improved water quality. The Iowa impaired waters list documents IDNR’s priorities for restoration activities," Brooks added.

"We look forward to working with IDNR and the citizens of Iowa to restore Iowa’s lakes, rivers and streams."

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Image: A water body is put on the impaired waters list, when the contamination levels in the river, stream or lake exceed the permissible limits. Photo: Courtesy of MONGO.