The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced its upcoming Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) meeting, detailed recent enforcement actions, and opened public comment periods for significant air and water use permits.
The EPC will hold its monthly business meeting virtually on June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., covering topics such as grant funding proposals, Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund plans, and various contract decisions. The public can join via video conference or phone, and written comments are accepted up to 24 hours prior to the meeting.
Recent DNR enforcement actions include consent orders and administrative orders against several entities. D-N-D Swine, LLC in Adair and Union Counties faces a $6,000 administrative penalty and requirements for manure management plans and fees. CJ Bio America, Inc. in Webster County was ordered to install monitors, update stormwater plans, coordinate field tile installation, pay $73,819.10 in fish restitution, $9,100.56 in investigative costs, and a $7,500 administrative penalty through a Supplemental Environmental Project. Administrative orders were issued to Kathleen Dozark (Howard County) for illegal dumping and burning with a $4,500 penalty, Richard Molesworth (Wapello County) for similar violations with an $8,400 penalty, and ACP, LLC (Webster County) with a $6,000 administrative penalty.
The DNR Air Quality Bureau has a draft Title V Operating Permit for Zinpro Corporation in Garner, Hancock County, available for public review. This permit, required every five years for facilities with potential for large air pollutant emissions, ensures compliance with state and federal air quality standards. The public comment period for this permit ends on July 11.
The Water Quality Bureau is also reviewing a significant water use permit modification for Dutchland Dairy in Rolfe, Pocahontas County. The proposed change seeks to increase water withdrawal from 20 million to 60 million gallons per year from existing and proposed wells and a farm pond for dairy operations. The DNR recommends granting the permit, and public comments are invited until July 2.
These public review processes underscore the DNR's commitment to environmental protection and encourage community engagement in regulatory decisions.