DES MOINES – At the Nov. 20 meeting, the Environmental Protection Commission will be asked to approve proposals that would increase training for drinking water plant operators, allow disadvantaged communities some leeway on wastewater treatment and provide a grant for air quality improvement in Muscatine.
Commissioners will be asked to approve a contract for hands-on training for water treatment plant operators. Training will teach operators skills to optimize the quality of drinking water coming from streams and rivers. Meeting the goals for water clarity reduces the likelihood of a waterborne disease outbreak. The training provides unique opportunities for in-plant training, for DNR staff to mentor plant operators one-on-one and for operators to learn leadership and presentation skills.
The EPC will also vote on a final rule that would allow communities that qualify as disadvantaged some additional time to meet state and federal wastewater treatment requirements. The proposal will affect large and small cities, unincorporated communities, mobile home courts and rural water agencies responsible for treating their wastewater.
In other action, a sub-grant that would provide reduced diesel emissions in Muscatine is up for approval. The grant would pay for air filters on six city buses, and catalysts and crankcase ventilation systems for five city maintenance vehicles. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides the funding through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act.
The EPC will meet at 10 a.m. at the DNR Air Quality Building, 7900 Hickman Road, Windsor Heights. Public participation is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. A presentation from the State Hygienic Laboratory on sampling and monitoring procedures is scheduled for 11 a.m.
The complete agenda follows:
- Approval of Agenda
- Approval of Minutes
- Director’s Remarks
- Contract with Process Applications, Inc. for Performance-Based Training
- Final Rule – Amendments to Chapter 64 to include Disadvantaged Community Legislation
- 2012 Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program – Recommendations
- Monthly Reports
- General Discussion
o Topics for Jan. 16, 2013, Joint NRC/EPC meeting
o Topics for Jan. 16, 2013, Joint NRC/EPC meeting
- Items for Next Month’s Meeting
o Dec. 18 – Windsor Heights
o Jan. 15 – Windsor Heights
o Jan. 16 – Joint NRC/EPC Meeting – Wallace Building
Find more information on the EPC agenda items at www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/BoardsCommissions.aspx.
The members of the commission are David Petty, Eldora, Chair; John Glenn, Centerville, Vice-Chair; Mary Boote, Des Moines, Secretary; Dee Bruemmer, Davenport; Nancy Couser, Nevada; Cindy Greiman, Garner; Brent Rastetter, Ames; and Max Smith, Knoxville. The director of the DNR is Chuck Gipp.
