House Journal: Page 2249: Tuesday, June 3, 2003
I have several concerns with this bill. First, it states that a publicly owned
treatment works does not have to obtain a permit under certain conditions. Both
existing state and federal law require that these permits be issued to these treatment
works. The state cannot, by statute or rule, create a situation where unauthorized
discharges are allowed. To legislate in this manner would unduly jeopardize the
permitting authority currently delegated to the state by an agreement with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
Second, this bill is aimed at only cold water streams and not streams with other
classifications. Legislation related to the operation of public disposal systems should
address all public disposal systems, not just those that discharge to cold water streams.
Third, Senate File 343 is an attempt to address the problem of stream classification
faced by a specific city. The legislation is now unnecessary because of steps being
taken by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). DNR is currently working on a
scientifically sound system of reclassifying the use designations of streams in Iowa.
The Department is doing this work using a technical advisory committee of experts,
affected industries and public entities. The DNR's approach more comprehensively
and appropriately addresses the problem that the bill attempts to address.
Furthermore, DNR has agreed to grant the city in question a permit under the existing
system, with DNR reserving the right to review the permit if classifications are
changed in the future.
I have made it a priority to protect and improve the water quality of our rivers,
lakes and streams. In my Condition of the State Address this year, I made it part of
my leadership agenda to eliminate the state's impaired waterways by 2010. Later this
year, we will hold a Water Quality Summit to bring stakeholders together to start
taking important steps to better protect our water resources. Protecting our water
resources ensures that Iowans have safe drinking water as well as recreational and
tourism opportunities that we cherish. This bill is unnecessary and contradicts our
goal of protecting Iowa's waterways and water resources.
For the above reasons, I hereby respectfully disapprove Senate File 343.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Vilsack
Governor
May 30, 2003
The Honorable Chester Culver
Secretary of State
State Capitol Building
L O C A L
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I hereby transmit Senate File 390, an Act relating to procedures for local
government consolidation (charter government) and allowing the formation of local
government empowerment committees.
© 2003 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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