(Spirit Lake)– Public hearings on proposed rule changes for two important environmental issues were held Thursday evening in the Iowa Great Lakes by DNR officials.
One was held via video hook-up. It pertained to new requirements proposed for permits and easements for construction on sovereign land and waters.
Among those speaking in favor of the proposed change is the Okoboji Protective Association. In a letter addressed to the DNR, the association notes that “lakeshore property has become increasingly valuable making it attractive for someone to attempt the use of sovereign lands and water for private use.”
Another hearing addressed changes being proposed for water quality standards by the DNR’s Environmental Protection Commission. The OPA supports those changes as well, saying Big Spirit Lake, East and West Lakes Okoboji, Lower Gar, Upper Gar and Minnewashta lakes should be designated as “outstanding Iowa waters” and that West Lake Okoboji should also qualify as a “National Outstanding Water”.
The new classifications and stricter standards that would come with them have been drawing opposition from some. For instance, operators of waste water treatment facilities fear meeting the new standards would be costly.
