Public Notice: State of Iowa

Summary

Public Comment Period Extended – EPA's Decision on Iowa’s 2024 List of Water Quality-Limited Segments Requiring a Total Maximum Daily Load

EPA is soliciting public comments on its action to add seven water quality-limited segments to Iowa’s 2024 list of water quality-limited segments still requiring a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) under Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 303(d).

EPA evaluated the state’s submission and determined that it was not fully consistent with the requirements of CWA Section 303(d) and EPA’s implementing regulations.

Iowa submitted its 2024 CWA Section 303(d) List to EPA on June 24, 2024. Section 303(d)(2) of the CWA requires each state to identify waters for which existing, required pollution controls are insufficient to meet state water quality standards. States are then required to develop a list of these water quality-limited segments; submit the list to EPA for approval or disapproval; and develop TMDLs for approved water quality-limited segments [40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 130.7].

On Nov. 12, 2024, EPA issued its decision that Iowa’s submission partially met the requirements of CWA Section 303(d) and EPA’s implementing regulations. If EPA disapproves any portion of a state’s 303(d) list, it must identify the impaired waters that should be listed and issue a public notice seeking comment on EPA’s listing decision no later than 30 days after the date of such disapproval. After considering public comments and making appropriate revisions, EPA will transmit the list to the state [40 CFR 130.7(d)(2)].

During its review, EPA identified seven water quality-limited segments that were not included on Iowa’s 2024 303(d) list and disapproved the state’s decision not to list these segments, because available data and information indicate they are water quality-limited (see Table 1 below). EPA provides additional detailed rationales for the disapprovals of Iowa’s 2024 303(d) list in its Partial Disapproval Letter and Decision Document (see link below).

EPA opened a 30-day public comment period on Nov. 13, 2024, to receive comments concerning the decision to add seven water quality-limited segments to Iowa’s 2024 303(d) list. The comment period has been extended. EPA requests public comment on these seven water quality-limited segments only. Written comments must be sent by email to [email protected] on or before Dec. 19, 2024.

•     EPA's Partial Disapproval Letter and Decision Document on Iowa’s 2024 List of Impaired Waters (pdf) (1.23 MB)

Applicants or Respondents