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Small Franklin county town’s 70 septic tanks empty into Iowa waterway

Google street view of Alexander, Iowa
Google street view of Alexander, Iowa

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has designated the small Franklin county town of Alexander a “disadvantaged unsewered community” that is unlawfully pumping sewage into an Iowa waterway.

Alexander is an unincorporated town of about 175 people in Franklin county. The Iowa DNR says approximately 70 septic tanks there are connected to a tile line which conveys untreated or partially untreated effluent to a state waterway.

As a result of an investigation, by March 23, 2018, Alexander must submit an alternatives report to DNR. The alternatives report shall detail the alternative pollution control measures that Alexander will investigate. Alternative pollution control measures may include, but are not limited to, upgrades of existing infrastructure, construction of a new facility, relocation of the discharge points, regionalization, or outfall consolidation. The alternatives report shall also contain an examination of all other appropriate measures that may achieve compliance with water quality standards without creating SWESI. Other appropriate measures may include, but are not limited to, mixing zone studies, consideration of seasonal limitations or site-specific data, alteration of current facility operations, intermittent discharges, source reduction, effluent recycling or reuse, or renegotiation of treatment agreements. The alternatives report shall describe which measures will be evaluated for feasibility and affordability after the report is submitted.

The alternatives report shall also include a plan for pursuing funding options, including grants and low interest loans. By September 23, 2020, Alexander shall submit an Alternatives Implementation Compliance Plan (AICP) to DNR.

Failure to adhere to the order could result in state penalties against Alexander, including fines of up to $5,000 per day.

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