DNR to hold public hearings for triennial water quality standards review

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold two public hearings in September for a review of water quality standards, as required every three years by federal regulations.

Per the hearing agenda, DNR plans to discuss water quality standards as they relate to antidegradation, human health criteria, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, lake nutrients and rights reserved for tribal nations.

The agenda also notes a “cleanup” of the Surface Water Classification document. Per the state water quality standards, this section outlines how certain water segments are classified either as general use, or designated use waters which encompass everything from segments used for recreation, those that serve as drinking water, are home to cold-water aquatic life or are regularly fished for human consumption.

DNR has not noted areas intended to be changed in the standards. More on the topics listed on the agenda can be found online or in the state water quality standards.

Antidegradation refers to the federal laws that are in place to protect and maintain water quality from unnecessary pollution. These are regulated through things like permits and the designation of outstanding waters in the state.

PFAS, which are sometimes called “forever chemicals,” are man-made chemicals used in nonstick coatings, firefighting foam, clothing, carpets, waterproofing materials and more. The chemicals are so prevalent that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports “many PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world” as well as in water bodies, fish, air and soil.

DNR said the existing research on PFAS “suggests” exposure to the chemicals may be linked to developmental defects in infants and to certain types of cancer. The department has a PFAS action plan and has tested public water supplies across the state for the chemicals.

According to reporting from Iowa Public Radio, Des Moines Water Works and several other utilities in Iowa will receive millions of dollars from the settlement of a case against 3M for PFAS pollution. Similar cases and settlements across the state have popped up in the last several years as water utilities face mounting costs at removing PFAS from drinking water.

At the public hearings, which will be held virtually, DNR staff will take questions and public comments.

The meetings will be held:

— Thursday, Sept. 18, at 9:30 a.m.

— Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 2:30 p.m.

Links for both meetings can be found online.

Those who cannot attend either session can view the recordings of the sessions and submit written comments to the department, on the proposed topics, after the first session and through Oct. 20. Public comments can be submitted via email to wqs@dnr.iowa.gov.

This story first appeared in the Iowa Capital Dispatch.