466B.5 Regional watershed assessment, planning, and prioritization.
1. Regional watershed assessment program. The department of natural resources shall create a regional watershed assessment program. The program shall assess all the regional watersheds in the state.
a. The statewide assessment shall be conducted at the rate of approximately one-fifth of the watersheds per year, and an initial full assessment shall be completed within five years. Thereafter, the department of natural resources shall review and update the assessments on a regular basis.
b. Each regional watershed assessment shall provide a summary of the overall condition of the watershed. The information provided in the summary may include land use patterns, soil types, slopes, management practices, stream conditions, and both point and nonpoint source impairments.
c. In conducting a regional watershed assessment, the department of natural resources may provide opportunities for local data collection and input into the assessment process.
2. Planning and prioritization. In conducting the regional watershed assessment program, the department of natural resources shall provide hydrological and geological information sufficient for the water resources coordinating council to prioritize watersheds statewide and for the various communities in those watersheds to plan remedial efforts in their local communities and subwatersheds.
3. Report to council. Upon completion of the statewide assessment, and upon updating the assessments, the department of natural resources shall report the results of the assessment to the council and the general assembly, and shall make the report publicly available.
2008 Acts, ch 1034, §5; 2011 Acts, ch 119, §6
Referred to in §466B.3, 466B.9
Structure Iowa Code
Chapter 466B - SURFACE WATER PROTECTION, FLOOD MITIGATION, AND WATERSHED MANAGEMENT
Section 466B.3 - Water resources coordinating council.
Section 466B.4 - Legislative findings and marketing campaign.
Section 466B.5 - Regional watershed assessment, planning, and prioritization.
Section 466B.6 - Community-based subwatershed improvement plans.
Section 466B.7 - Community-based subwatershed monitoring.
Section 466B.8 - Wastewater and storm water infrastructure assessment.
Section 466B.9 - Rulemaking authority.
Section 466B.10 - Floodplain managers.
Section 466B.11 - Flood education.
Section 466B.21 - Definitions.
Section 466B.22 - Watershed management authorities created.
Section 466B.24 - Board of directors.
Section 466B.25 - Activities coordination.
Section 466B.31 - Watershed planning advisory council.
Section 466B.32 - Watershed demonstration pilot projects.
Section 466B.41 - Definitions.
Section 466B.42 - Water quality initiative.
Section 466B.43 - Water quality agriculture infrastructure programs.
Section 466B.44 - Water quality urban infrastructure program.
Section 466B.45 - Water quality initiative fund.
Section 466B.46 - Iowa nutrient research fund — creation and purpose.
Section 466B.47 - Iowa nutrient research center — establishment and purpose.
Section 466B.48 - Iowa nutrient research center advisory council — establishment and purpose.