EPA-907/9-77-003 EPA-7-IA-D.$ Moin.s-
Dallas, Polk, Warrtn-AWTMP-77
FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
for
DES MOINES
208 AREAWIDE WASTE TREATMENT
MANAGEMENT PLAN
e..s
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION VII - KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
JULY 1977
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: UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION VII
173S BAITIMOfit
KANSAS CITY. MISSOURI 6'.!C8
JUL ' 7 1977
TO: ALL INTERESTED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND CITIZENS
This notice transmits the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
for the Des Moines Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plan. The
document has been prepared pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190).
According to Section 208(a)(2) of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92-500), the Central Iowa Regional
Association of Local Governments (CIRALG) has prepared the plan with
funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The plan is intended to be a management document which identifies
waste treatment problems and their effects upon water quality in the
Des Moines area. Technical and management programs have been developed
which are intended to alleviate these problems and are ultimately
aimed at achieving and maintaining a quality of water which can provide
for all necessary uses within the Des Moines metropolitan area. The
EIS is EPA's analysis of environmental impacts of the plan prepared
by CIRALG.
The Draft EIS was prepared by EPA and distributed to interested indi-
viduals and organizations on April 6, 1977. The Council on Environmental
Quality published notice of the Draft EIS in the Federal Register on
April 22, 1977.
No administrative action will be taken on this plan prior to 30 days
from receipt of this document and until EPA has given consideration to
all comments received regarding the final statement.
We appreciate your interest in this matter.
Sincerely yours,
^
TaTTeTv. Wright
Acting Regional Administrator
Enclosures
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EPA-7-Des Moines-Dallas,
Polk, Warren-AWTMP-77-005
FEIS-005
July, 1977
FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
for the
DES MOINES 208 AREAWIDE WASTE
TREATMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN
DES MOINES METROPOLITAN AREA,
DALLAS, POLK, AND WARREN COUNTIES, IOWA
prepared by
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION VII
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
information furnished by
CENTRAL IOWA REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
with the assistance of
KIRKHAM, MICHAEL CONSORTIUM
Approved by:
Acting Regional Administrator
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Summary
AREAWIDE WASTE TREATMENT MANAGEMENT
PLAN, DES MOINES, IOWA
( ) Draft (X) Final
Responsible Office: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII,
1735 Baltimore, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, telephone 816-374-2921.
1. Type of Action: (X) Administrative ( ) Legislative
2. Description of Action: The Central Iowa Regional Association of
Local Governments (CIRALG) has prepared the Des Moines .Metropolitan
Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plan. Several municipalities
and three counties are represented by CIRALG. The Oes Moines
Metropolitan Sewer Planning Policy Committee was for the most part
responsible for the review and advisory functions required in
producing the plan.
The plan has been developed pursuant to Section 208 of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (Public Law 92-500).
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that
its approval of the Des Moines plan is a major Federal action with
the potential of affecting the quality of the human environment.
As required under Section 102(2){c) of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (Public Law 91-190), EPA must prepare an environ-
mental impact statement regarding its approval of the plan.
The proposed plan includes structural and nonstructural programs for
the control of point, intermittent point and nonpoint pollution
sources. Proposed point source actions for the central urban area
include the construction of a wastewater collection system with
13 flow-equalization basins for the control of maximum infiltration/
inflow quantities and the construction of a new sewage treatment
facility immediately east of the existing Des Moines wastewater
treatment plant. To meet the required degree of secondary treatment,
the new plant is proposed to have an activated biofilter unit
followed by supplemental aeration. The flow following the first
stage biological unit is proposed to receive split treatment, wherein
a portion of the flow will receive tertiary treatment to meet ammonia
standards. Dewatered anaerobic sludge will be applied to agricultural
land or disposed at the Metropolitan landfill operation.
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The plan proposes that collection systems and controlled discharge
lagoons be constructed for some outlying communities. The plan
also recommends that some other communities upgrade their existing
lagoon systems to provide for adequately controlled discharges.
For another community, the plan recommends either building a new
mechanical plant or a modified controlled discharge lagoon. It
also suggests that one other community upgrade its existing
mechanical lagoon system and another construct a collection system
and mechanical treatment facility.
Proposed intermittent point source controls for the Integrated
Community Area include segregation of combined sewers and the
installation of flow separators at selected combined and storm
sewer discharge points. Segregation of combined sewers actually
occurs as part of the proposed interceptor system. It has been
recommended that a new lift station, force main and outfall sewer
be constructed to collect the wastewater from northwest Des Moines,
Johnston, Urbandale, Beaver Creek, Camp Dodge, Lovington, West Ankeny,
and Saylor Township (an unincorporated area). The wastewater from
these areas will then be segregated from the Westside Interceptor
and transported beyond the combined sewer overflow area. In
addition to segregation, flow separators to be located at selected
combined sewer overflows and storm sewer discharge points are also
recommended as intermittent point source controls.
The plan recommends nonpoint sources of pollution be controlled by
nonstructural programs. These actions include reducing nonpoint
source pollution from cropland, construction sites, and unincorporated
areas. For additional control of cropland runoff, the plan recommends
a subsidy program be implemented to increase the cost-sharing for
the construction of terraces and grade stabilization structures.
Passage and enforcement of ordinances aimed at controlling pollution
from construction sites are also recommended. Local planning
entities are expected to help effect reductions in urban development.
3. Environmental Impacts: The proposed plan will significantly
improve the water quality in the area and eliminate water quality
standard violations in the area's receiving streams under both
critical wet and dry weather conditions.
Point source controls are expected to have a major impact on surface
water quality, but have very little effect on water quantity. The
proposed plan requires the abandonment of many inefficient treatment
plants which should improve the water quality of the receiving
streams in the area (especially Des Moines River, Beaver Creek,
Walnut Creek, and Raccoon River). Dissolved oxygen levels should
increase, while fecal coliform and ammonia-nitrogen levels are
expected to decrease.
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Intermittent point source controls will require separated sewage
to be removed from the combined sewer system. This should greatly
improve the quality of the Des Moines River by reducing its
pollution loading.
The nonpoint source control programs are expected to result in
significantly decreased water pollution in all receiving streams.
Coordinated land use control programs should have an overall benefi-
cial impact on the environment. Open space programs and development
controls would help protect environmentally sensitive areas;
including flood plains known to be sources of potable water, surface
waters, wetlands, 100-year flood plains and flood retention areas,
ground water recharge areas, prime agricultural lands, and public
outdoor recreation areas.
The proposed plan should have no primary impact on air quality in
the area. It does not propose that sludge be incinerated. Air
emissions from the treatment facilities should be minimal.
The three source control programs should eliminate all water quality
standard violations in the area's major streams and create a signif-
icant beneficial impact on the environment. Impacts on archeological
and historic sites, energy usage, and economics are not expected to
be significant.
4. Adverse Environmental Effects: During the construction of the
proposed collection and treatment facilities and equalization basins,
locally disruptive fugitive dust will be emitted. The severity of
dust emissions will be dependent upon weather conditions. Other
temporary impacts resulting from construction activities will be the
disruption and relocation of wildlife, augmented construction noise
levels.disturbance of existing vegetation, and disruption of
existing land uses; e.g., traffic and other urban activities.
An adverse impact associated with the operation of treatment facilities
is the generation of sludge. The methods used to dispose of and/or
apply the sludge will determine the degree and kinds of impacts which
may result.
5. Alternatives: General alternatives of the plan include:
Modification of the existing management plan, resulting in different
methods of implementing the programs herein described; alternate
methods of wastewater treatment; alternate sludge disposal and
treatment methodology; alternate subplans for minimizing point,
intermittent point and nonpoint pollution discharges.
The alternate areawide plans presented in this statement are listed
below:
iii
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a. Expanding the existing Des Moines treatment plant,
segregation of combined sewers, promotion of cropland runoff
control options and possible increases in street sweeping.
b. Same as (a), with the passage and enforcement of ordinances
for controlling erosion and sedimentation from construction sites
and reduction in the urban development or agricultural land.
c. Expanding the existing Des Moines plant, segregation of
combined sewers, flow separators for combined sewer overflows and
strategic storm sewer discharges, promotion of cropland runoff
control options and possible increases in street sweeping.
d. Same as (c), with the passage and enforcement of ordinances
for the control of erosion and sediment from construction sites and
reductions in the urban development of agricultural land.
e. Constructing a new areawide wastewater treatment plant,
segregating combined sewers, promotion of cropland runoff control
options, and possible increases in street sweeping.
f. Same as (e), with the passage and enforcement of ordinances
for controlling erosion and sedimentation from construction sites
and reducing urban development of agricultural land.
g. Constructing a new areawide wastewater treatment plant,
segregation of combined sewers, flow separators for combined sewer
overflows and strategic storm sewer discharges, promoting cropland
runoff control options and possible increases in street sweeping.
h. Same as (g), with the passage and enforcement of ordinances
for controlling erosion and sedimentation from construction sites
and reductions in urban development of agricultural land.
6. Date Available to the Council on Environmental Quality and to
the Public:
Draft statement - April 22, 1977
Final statement - July, 1977
Distribution list is attached
IV
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DISTRIBUTION LIST
FEDERAL AGENCIES
Council on Environmental Quality
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Soil Conservation Service
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Health* Education and Welfare
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
U.S. Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
National Park Service
Geological Survey
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
Coast Guard
Federal Aviation Administration
Upper Mississippi River Basin Commission
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
Neal Smith, U.S. House of Representatives
John C. Culver, U.S. Senate
Richard C. Clark, U.S. Senate
STATE
Iowa "A-95" Coordinator, Governor's Office
Iowa Department of Environmental Quality
State Library Commission of Iowa
State Historical Department of Iowa
Office of the State Archaeologist
LOCAL AND REGIONAL
City of Alleman
City of AUoona
C1fy of Ankeny
City of Bondurant
City of Carlisle
City of C11ve
City of Cumming
Dallas County
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LOCAL AND REGIONAL COHT'D
City of Des Moines
City of Elkhart
City of Granger
City of Grimes
CHy of Hartford
City of Johnston
City of Mitchellville
City of Norwalk
City of Pleasant Hill
City of Polk City
Polk County
City of RunnelIs
City of Spring Hill
City of Urbandale
Warren County
City of Waukee
City of West Des Moines
City of Windsor Heights
Central Iowa Regional Association of Local Governments
Health Planning Council of Central
INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS
Carrol Blonie, Dallas County Farm Bureau
W. James Hall, Jr., Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
David H. Comann, Shive-Hattery and Associates
R.L. Coodson, Polk-Des Moincs Taxpayers
Leo .lohnnon, Director, Hepartroent of Public tfrrks, HP* Moines
Gladys Burkhead, Des Koines Council of FTA1?
Ray Kenely, Associated General Contractors of Iowa
Dan Cosgriff, Hoire Builders Association of Greater Des Koines
Mark Knudsen, South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
Jess Lewis, American Society of Landscape Architects
Richard E. Gardner, American Society of Landscape Architects
Fred Lock, United Federal Savings and Loan Co., Des Moires
Tom L. Robinson, Iowa Limestone Producers Assoc., Inc.
Ken McNichols, Iowa Limestone Producers, Assoc., Inc.
Ray Stephens, Iowa Council of Area School Boards
Jack Colvig, Des Moines, Metropolitan Sewer Planning Citizen's Advisory
Committee
Marilyn Staples, Des Hoines, Metropolitan Sewer Planning Citizen's
Advisory Comrrittee
Robert Milkens, Runnells, Metropolitan Sewer Planning Citizen's Advisory
Committee
Dorothy Hurst, West Hes Moines, Metropolitan Sewer Planning Citizen's
Advisory Comnittee
vi
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INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS CONT'D
Lee Dallager, Des Molnes, Metropolitan Sewer Planning Citizen's
Advisory Committee
Lee Minear, West Des Molnes* Metropolitan Sewer Planning Citizen's
Advisory Committee
Dave Love, Northwestern Bell Telephone Company
Bob Ziesman, Iowa Realty Company, Inc.
Ron Dlchson, lowa-Des Molnes National Bank
John C. McClellard, Asphalt Paving Association of Iowa
Casey P. Shanahan, Iowa Taxpayers Association
Lester L. Rhodes, Iowa Soybeans Association
Jack H. Wesenberg, Executive Vice President, Greater Des Molnes
Chanter of Commerce
Ralph Schleaker, Vice President, Iowa Power and Light Company
Edith Crist, American Association of University Women
Vincent Bobenhouse, U.S. Power Squadron, Des Molnes
Thomas D. McMillan, Executive Director, American Road Builders
Association of Iowa
Joe Blodgett, Executive Secretary, Des Molnes Construction, Inc.
George Hampel, Jr., Executive Director, Des Molnes Educational Assoc.
Earl L. Ring, Executive Vice President, Iowa-Association of
Electric Coops
Donald E. Krist, Executive Vice President, Iowa Assoc. of Mutual
Insurance Agents
M. J. Knutson, Executive Director, Iowa Concrete Paving Assoc.
Richard Malm, Atty., Dickinson, Throckmorton, Parker, Munnhelmer
and Raife
R. M. Oothout, Iowa Power and Light Company
Dennis Van Lien, Des Molnes Advisory Committee on Environmental Quality
Stan Moore, Des Molnes Power Squadron
Harlan VI. R1gby, Polk County Farm Bureau
John W. Judge, American Federal Savings and Loan Association
Wayne J. Hennesy, Society of Real Estate Appraisers
George Green, Crown Redi Mix
Dr. Robert Sehultes, Broadlaws Polk County Hospital
Lester L. Rhodes, Iowa Soybean Association
Miriam Bond, Government Publications Department, Iowa State University
Colonel Wayne Daffron, National Guard of Iowa
Julius S. Conner, M. D., Director of Public Health, Des Molnes
Jerry Pecinovsky, City Manager's Office, Des Molnes
INTERESTED GROUPS
Iowa Confederation of Environmental Organizations
Iowa Conservation Education Council, Inc.
Southeast Polk High School Ecology Club
American Institute of Architects
vii
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INTERESTED GROUPS CONT'D
Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities
Iowa Farmers Union
League of Women Voters
National Association of Regional Councils
Izaak Walton League, Ankeny Chapter
League of Women Voters
"D1ng" Darling Foundation, Inc.
National Park Producers Council
PTA of Iowa
West Oes Molnes Chamber of Commerce
Rotary Club of Des Molnes
Ankeny Chamber of Commerce
Warren County Farm Bureau
Des Molnes Women's Clubs
K1wan1s Downtown Club
Lions Club of Greater Des Molnes
Girl Scouts of America
Izaak Walton League of America, Iowa Division
Boy Scouts of America
Des Moines Minority Contractor Association
Executive's Association, Inc.
Home Builders Association
Industries Council of Des Molnes
Iowa Association of Life Underwriters
Iowa Association of Secondary School Principals
Iowa Bankers Association
Iowa Ornithologists' Union
Sierra Club, Iowa Chapter
Nature Conservancy
State Preserves Board
Iowa Commercial Fisheries Association
Ducks Unlimited
Wildlife Society
Citizens for Environmental Action
Iowa Wildlife Federation, Inc.
Vllt
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY i
DISTRIBUTION LIST v
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED xiii
CHAPTER .1 - BACKGROUND 1-1
Introduction 1-1
Brief Description of Structural and Non-structural
Actions Proposed 1-3
Brief Summary of Water Quality and Water
Quantity Problems in the Study Arep 1-6
Total Anticipated Cost 1-7
CHAPTER II - THE ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT THE
PROPOSED ACTION H-l
Introduction H-l
Climate II-2
Topography II-3
Geology II-6
Soils 11-10
Hydrology 11-13
Water Quality and Quantity Problems 11-27
Water Uses . .'• 11-31
Water Quality Management. . . 11-34
Biology 11-37
Air Quality 11-41
Economic ano Population Trends 11-42
Land Use 11-44
Environmentally Sensitive Areas 11-56
Aesthetics 11-61
Noise 11-61
Radioacticity 11-62
CHAPTER HI - ALTERNATIVES ffl-1
General Analytical Approach to the
Development of Alternatives III-l
Continuous Point Source Alternatives III-l
Intermittent Point Source Alternatives III-9
Non-point Source Alternatives 111-12
Areawide Plans HI-14
Selection of Preferred Technical Areawide Plan 111-21
Alternate Management Plans 111-22
IX
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TABLE OF CONTENTS - Continued
CHAPTER IV - DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PLAN IV-1
General Description IV-1
Description of Areawide Sub-systems IV-2
Management Plan IV-5
CHAPTER V - ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE
PROPOSED PLAN V-l
General Approach to Assessment of
Environmental Effects V-l
Impacts on Water V-l
Impacts on Air V-8
Impacts on Land Use V-9
Biological Impacts V-15
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas V-18
Environmental Impact of Facility Plans in
Outlying Areas V-21
Energy Requirements V-37
Impact on Historic/Archaeologic Sites V-37
Economic Impact V-38
Social Impact V-59
Economic and Social Impacts of Alternate Plans V-70
CHAPTER VI - ADVERSE IMPACTS WHICH CANNOT BE
AVOIDED SHOULD THE PLAN BE IMPLEMENTED AND
STEPS TO MINIMIZE HARM TO THE ENVIRONMENT VI-1
Air Quality Impacts VI-1
Impact on Land and Land Use VI-1
Disruption by Sewer Alignments VI-2
Construction of Facilities over Surficial Aquifers
and Floodplain Areas VI-3
CHAPTER VII - RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM
USERS OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE
OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY VII-1
CHAPTER VIII - IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COM-
MITMENTS OF RESOURCES RESULTING FROM THE PLAN . . . VIII-1
CHAPTER IX - COMMENT ON DRAFT EIS AND RESPONSE . . IX-1
CHAPTER X - PUBLIC HEARING ON THE DRAFT EIS X-l
GLOSSARY G-l
LITERATURE CITED LC-1
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TABLE OF CONTENTS - Continued
APPENDIX A - CHARACTERISTICS OF SOILS IN MAJOR SOIL GROUPS
APPENDIX B - INTERIM LIST OF ENDANGERED SPECIES IN IOWA
APPENDIX C - LETTERS OF COMMENT ON DRAFT EIS
APPENDIX D - LETTER FROM CIRALG TO IOWA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION -CONCERNING -THE DRAFT EIS
ON PROPOSED ARTERIAL 'HIGHWAYS 500 AND 592
THROUGH THE 208 STUDY AREA
XI
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INDEX TO TABLES
Table
Page
II-1 Mean, Maximum and Minimum Monthly
Temperature II-4
II-2 Mean Monthly Values of Precipitation II-5
II-3 Location of IDEQ Reported Sampling Stations II-16
II-4 Summer Water Quality of the Des Moines River .... II-18
II-5 Winter Water Quality of fhe Des Moines River H-19
II-6 Representative Partial Analyses of Water from
Bedrock Formations II-25
H-7 Representative Partial Analyses of Water from
Unconsolidated Aquifers 11-26
II-8 Average Daily Water Consumption - 1975 and
Projected Daily Water Consumption - 2000 II-32
II-9 Future Employment by Major Employment
Category in the 208 Area 11-43
II-10 Land Use - 1975 11-47
11-11 Anticipated Population Trends 11-50
II-12 Status of Land Use Planning 11-52
III-l Comparison of Areawide Plans 111-16
V-l Percent of Personal Income Spent on Sewage Treatment. V-43
V-2 Anticipated Changes in Age Groupings of Population . . V-60
INDEX TO PLATES
Des Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment
Management Study Area 1-2
Recommended Technical Plan for Point and
Intermittent Point Sources 1-4
Drainage Basins and Sub-areas II-7
Stratigraphic Column of Iowa II-9
Land Use - 1975 11-45
Major Environmentally Sensitive Areas . . , 11-59
Land Capability for Agricultural Use 11-60
Preliminary Intensity Development Pattern V-ll
Sewer Back-ups V-64
XII
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ABBREVIATIONS
BOD, BOD,. Five day biochemical oxygen demand. Typical measure-
ment for the strength of wastewater.
BOD Ultimate biochemical oxygen demand.
BOD Ammonia nitrogen (nitrogenous) biochemical oxygen de-
n mand.
COD Chemical oxygen demand.
S.S. Suspended solids.
D.O. Dissolved oxygen.
T.N. Total nitrogen.
T.K.N. Total kjeldahl nitrogen.
NH,(N) Ammonia as nitrogen.
N Nitrogen.
PO.(P) Phosphate as phosphorous.
4
P O,- Oxide of phosphorous.
L 0
K0O Oxide of potassium.
L
pH Measure of the intensity of the acid or alkaline condition of
a solution. pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acid and above 7
is alkaline.
LC,n This term is used for expressing the results of bjoassay
50 tests, which are used to evaluate the toxicity of waste-
waters to the biological life of the receiving streams. The
LC50 for a given waste is the concentration that will kill
50 percent of the test organisms in a specified time period.
Cr Chromium.
Zn Zinc.
Cu Copper.
Mg Magnesium.
xin
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gpm Gallons per minute.
gpd, GPD Gallons per day.
mgd, MGD Million gallons per day.
cfs Cubic feet per second.
gpad Gallons per acre per day.
gpcd Gallons per capita per day.
mg/1 Milligrams per liter.
ug/1 Micrograms per liter.
Ib/day Pounds per day.
g, gm Grams.
Kg Kilogram.
MPN/100 ml This term is used for expressing the statistical estimate of
the coliform bacteria concentration as a most probable
number of coliforms per 100 milliliters.
cLu. Dwelling unit.
I/I Infiltration/Inflow.
N.A. Not available or not applicable.
Avg. Average.
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
DEQ, IDEQ Department of Environmental Quality (Iowa).
EPA Environmental Protection Agency (Federal).
SWMM Storm Water Management Model.
1C A Integrated Community Area.
WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant.
xiv
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CHAPTER I- BACKGROUND
Introduction
The Des Moines Metropolitan Areawide Waste Treatment Management
Plan was prepared by the Central Iowa Regional Association of Local
Governments (CIRALG) with the assistance of the Kirkham, Michael and
Associates Consortium. Cities and Counties represented by CIRALG were
Alleman, Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Carlisle, Clive, Cumming, Dallas
County, Des Moines, Elkhart, Granger, Grimes, Hartford, Johnston, Mitchell-
ville, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Polk County, Runnells, Spring Hill,
Urbandale, Warren County, Waukee, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights.
(See Plate 1-1.)
Throughout the planning process the Des Moines Metropolitan Sewer
Planning Policy Committee (itself served by six committees and subcommit-
tees) served the major review and advisory role. The Committee consisted of
voting members from 23 of the units of government listed above and non-
voting members of the remaining three. The Policy Committee gave its final
endorsement to the proposed plan by the unanimous vote of those present on
January 27, 1977. The six committees and subcommittees had local citizen
representatives as well as resident local, state and federal professional and
governmental representatives.
This report is based on the more detailed information about the plan, and
plan development provided in the Interim Reports (Phase 1 - January 19,
1976; Phase 2 - November, 1976; Phase 3 - February, 1977) and in the Final
Report - April, 1977.
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PLATE 1-1
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DES MOINES 2O8
AREAWIDE
WASTE TREATMENT
MANAGEMENT STUDY
AREA
CENTRAL IOWA REGIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
KIRKHAM MICHAEL AND ASSOCIATES
HARLAND BARTHOLOMEW AND ASSOCIATES
AMERICAN CONSULTING SERVICES, INC
TENECH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS,
INC - CARLETON 0. BEH AND COMPANY
'REPAJtATION Of THIS MAP WAS FINANCED THtOUCH A GIANT FROM THE
US ENVIRONMENTAL PSOTECTION AGENCY UNDE« SECTION 201 OE THE
FEDERA1 WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT AMENDMENTS OE 1972
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1-3
nricf Description of Struciturnl
and Non-structural Actions Proposed
The proposed areawide plan includes structural and non-structural
actions for the control of point, intermittent point and non-point sources of
pollution. (See Plate 1-2.) The proposed structural actions may be classified
as Best Practicable Waste Treatment Technology (BPWTT) and the proposed
non-structural actions may be classified as Best Management Practices
(BMP).
Proposed point source actions for the central urban area include the
construction of a wastewater collection system with 13 flow-equalization
basins for the control of maximum infiltration/inflow quantities and the
construction of a new treatment facility immediately cast of the existing Des
Moines wastewater treatment plant. It is proposed that the required degree
of secondary treatment at the new plant be achieved by utilizing an activated
bio-filter (ABF) unit followed by a second stage activated sludge system for
nitrification. Split flow treatment would be utilized by using the first stage
biological unit (ABF tower) by itself or in combination with the activated
sludge units. Anaerobic sludge disposal followed by solids dewatcring with
disposal on agricultural land or at the Metro landfill is proposed.
One PL 92-500, Section 201 (facilities planning) project is underway for
the City of Runnells. The City of Norwalk is prepared to proceed with
facilities planning, pending the completion and final outcome of the 208
areawide plan. Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Granger, Grimes, Mitchellville,
Waukee and the Southside sub-system of Des Moines have received notice to
proceed from EPA on Section 201 sewer system evaluation surveys (SSES).
Approximately six communities and sub-systems have so far been found non-
excessive in infiltration, and approximately 12 other communities and sub-
systems have received EPA and DEQ concurrence in the infiltration/inflow
analyses and are at various stages of progress in initiating SSES studies.
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PLATE 1-2
BEAVER CREEK.-,
INT§»C£PTOR -
*
RECOMMENDED
TECHNICAL PLAN
PROPOSED GRAVITY SEWER
PROPOSED FORCE MAIN
EXISTING SEWER
• PROPOSED LIFT STATION
D EXISTING WASTCWATER
TREATMENT FACILITY
• PROPOSED WASTEWATER
TREATMENT FACILITY
• EXPANSION TO EXISTING
FACILITY
• REGIONAL WASTEWATER
TREATMENT FACILITY
A PROPOSED EQUALIZATION
BASIN
* COMBINED SEWER FLOW
SEPARATORS
• STORM SEWER FLOW
SEPARATORS
CENTRAL IOWA REGIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
KIRKHAM MICHAEL AND ASSOCIATES
HARLAND BARTHOLOMEW AND ASSOCIATES
AMERICAN CONSULTING SERVICES, INC
KIRKHAM Z TENECH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS,
MICHAELS INC. • CARLETON D. BEH AND COMPANY
PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED THROUGH A GRANT FROM THE
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCV UNDER SECTION 101 OF THE
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1972
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1-5
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits are required
for the proposed areawide wastewater treatment plant, for all facilities in
outlying communities which discharge treated effluent (see paragraphs below)
and for all industries discharging directly to receiving streams.
Thirteen communities have been classified as "outlying communities"
due to the cost-effectiveness associated with including them in the Integrated
Community Area (ICA). For the following communities it is recommended
that collection systems and controlled discharge lagoons be constructed:
1. Alleman
2. Gumming
3. Hartford
4. Spring Hill
The following communities should upgrade existing lagoon systems to provide
for controlled discharge:
1. Carlisle
2. Elkhart
3. Granger
4. Norwalk
5. Polk City
Mitchellville should either build a new mechanical plant or a modified
controlled discharge lagoon. Grimes should upgrade its existing mechanical-
lagoon treatment system and Runnells should construct a collection system
and mechanical treatment plant. Waukee should upgrade its existing aerated
lagoon system and add rock filters for effluent polishing.
Proposed intermittent point-source controls for the ICA include
segregation of combined sewers and the installation of flow separators at
selected combined and storm sewer discharge points. Segregation of
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1-6
combined sewers actually occurs as part of the proposed interceptor system
in which a new lift station, force main and outfall sewer should be
constructed to collect the wastewater from the northwest Des Moines area,
Johnston, Urbandale, Beaver Creek, Camp Dodge, Lovington, West Ankeny
and parts of Saylor Township. The wastewater from these areas would then
be segregated from the Westside Interceptor and transported around the
combined sewer overflow area. In addition to segregation, flow separators
located at selected combined sewer overflows and storm sewer discharge
points are also recommended as intermittent-point source controls.
Non-structural actions contained within the plan are primarily for non-
point source pollution control. The non-structural items proposed include
programs for reducing non-point source pollution from cropland, construction
sites and unincorporated areas. For additional reduction of cropland source
pollution, an increase in the subsidized cost-sharing program for the
construction of terraces and grade stabilization structures has been recom-
mended. The passage and enforcement of ordinances for the control of
pollution from construction sites has also been recommended. Reductions in
the urban development of unincorporated areas would be achieved through
local governmental land use control programs.
Brief Summary of Water Quality and
Water Quantity Problems in the Study Area
Iowa water quality standards are violated periodically in rivers and
streams in the study area. These occur primarily in winter or during low-flow
conditions and consist of violations of coliform bacteria levels, dissolved
oxygen and ammonia downstream of municipalities which discharge waste-
water. Ammonia violations are the most frequent.
Pesticides, such as dieldrin, DDT and its breakdown products, have been
detected in higher than recommended concentrations in study area streams.
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1-7
Turbidity during periods of heavy storm runoff is high in area rivers and
streams.
Water temperature in the Des Moines River downstream of the City of
Des Moines is a potential problem, but adequate data on source and extent
are lacking at the present time.
Concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds are high enough
in area rivers and streams to cause significant eutrophicatiori, although other
factors often limit eutrophication - such as temperature and turbidity.
Periodic flooding occurs on area rivers and streams, particularly Beaver
Creek, Walnut Creek, Raccoon River, Middle River, Lower Des Moines River
and Four Mile Creek.
Total Anticipated Cost
The estimated total areawide plan construction cost is approximately
$142 million. Approximately $108 million will be required for the Integrated
Community Area (1CA) point-source control construction cost and approxi-
mately $1.3 million for the ICA intermittent point-source control construc-
tion cost. The construction of new wastewater treatment facilities and
improvement of existing facilities for outlying communities will require $5
million. Federal and State grants for point-source control are estimated to
be $85 million and $6 million, respectively. Presently, intermittent point-
source controls are not eligible for EPA grants.* The estimated local share
of the total construction cost for intermittent and point-source control is $24
million of which approximately $1 million is for the outlying communities and
the remainder for the ICA. An additional $8 million will be required for
collection systems.
Other federal programs are (or may be) able to provide assistance for these
proposals.
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1-8
Approximately $27.5 million would be required for non-point source
control construction costs. Erosion and sediment control at construction sites
has been estimated to cost $2.5 million. Construction costs for terraces and
grade stabilization structures have been estimated to cost a total of
approximately $50 million; assuming continued state cost-sharing at 50
percent, the local cost would be $25 million. Presently, non-point source
controls are not eligible for EPA grants.*
*Other federal programs are (or may be) able to provide assistance for these
proposals.
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II-l
CHAPTER II - THE ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT THE PROPOSED ACTION
Introduction
The Des Moines 208 study area contains approximately 800 square miles
and includes most of Polk County, parts of Dallas and Warren Counties and a
very small part of Jasper County. The total 1975 population was
approximately 315,000. The City of Des Moines (population about 200,000) is
surrounded by an inner tier of 12 municipalities and an outer tier of 10
freestanding rural communities. In addition there are several unincorporated
areas that are primarily residential and have only minimal community
facilities. These communities lie close to the urban area.
The study area falls almost entirely within the Des Moines River Basin;
a small area in the northeast corner drains to the Skunk River. Twelve
tributary streams in the study area flow to the Des Moines River, the largest
being the Raccoon River. A large fraction of the potable water supply for
the study area is taken indirectly from the lower Raccoon River via intake
galleries in the alluvial aquifer lying along the river. Three other municipal
water systems are located in the Raccoon River valley (West Des Moines, Fox
Creek Water Co., and Southwest Polk Water Co.) as well as a reservoir to
supplement flows in the River during low-flow conditions (Dale Maffitt
Reservoir).
The study area is affected by two major dams on the Des Moines River,
one forming the Saylorville Reservoir and the other forming Lake Red Rock.
The latter is outside the study area, but its flood pool reaches into the
southeast portion, and it receives nearly all the natural drainage from the
study area. Big Creek Lake, created by a diversion dam to protect Polk City
from flooding by Saylorville Lake, lies directly east of Saylorville Reservoir.
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II-2
Nearly 70 percent of the total land area is used for agriculture and
approximately 15 percent for urban uses. Fewer than 2,000 persons are
employed in agriculture (approximately 1.5 percent of the total population).
Approximately 33 percent of the work force is employed in services and
government, 23 percent in trade and 19 percent in manufacturing.
The highly productive agricultural land in the study area is its most
valuable natural resource and forms the basis of a large portion of the area's
economic development. This land is also the source of troublesome water
pollutants - particularly suspended and settleable solids, nutrients, pesticides
and pesticide residues. Cost-effective control of these pollutants is one of
the major challenges of this 208 study. Other major water quality problem
areas are the economical collection and treatment of sanitary sewage from
the urbanized area, the control and management of combined sewer
overflows, and the control and management of stormwater runoff in
urbanized and developing areas.
Climate
The climate of the central Iowa region is strongly seasonal due to its
interior location on the continent. During winters, large masses of cold, dry
air move in from the polar region; during summers warm, moist air from the
Gulf of Mexico dominates the region. Occasionally, air masses from the
Pacific Ocean move into central Iowa producing relatively mild, dry weather.
Hot, dry winds from the southwestern desert region of the country
occasionally bring desiccating conditions to the area.
Temperature
The mean annual temperature for the City of Des Moines is 51 degrees
fahrenheit (11 Celsius). Des Moines has approximately 30 days per year with
maximum temperatures at or above 90 degrees and approximately 140 days
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H-3
with minimum temperatures at or below 32 degrees. (See Table II-l.) The
average duration of frost-free periods was between 165 and 186 days at four
different measuring locations in the study area over approximately 20 years.
Relative humidity generally stays between 60 percent of saturation
(p.m. readings) and 80 percent (a.m. readings).
Rainfall
Both frequency and intensity of rainfall in the Des Moines area increase
markedly during the months of March through June. This is followed by a
drop in July, slight increase during August and September and a gradual
decrease until January and February. In 84 years there were eight years in
which annual rainfall exceeded the mean rainfall by more than 10 inches and
three years when the annual rainfall was more than 10 inches below the mean.
(See Table n-2.)
Winds and Storms
The mean monthly wind speed in the Des Moines area varies from about
nine mph (August) to 14 mph (March and April). The prevailing direction is
northwest from November through April and south from May through
October. Winds at 15 feet above the ground reach 50 mph (excluding gusts)
about every other year and reach 75 mph once in 50 years.
Approximately 80 percent of 40-50 annual thunderstorms occur during
the warm half of the year. Tornado frequency is highest in May and June and
during afternoon and early evening hours.
Topography
The topography of the study area can be divided into two fairly distinct
regions: (1) the area north of the line of the Wisconsin glacial advance which
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II-4
Table II-l
MEAN, MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM MONTHLY TEMPERATURE*
Month
Mean, °F.
Annual 49.9
*Based on 64 years of records.
Source: Iowa DEQ, 1975a.
Maximum
59.6
Minimum
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
20.9
24.8
36.4
50.5
61.5
71.0
76.1
73.8
65.5
54.2
38.4
26.2
29.7
33.6
45.5
60.6
71.6
80.9
86.6
84.1
76.1
64.8
47.6
34.3
12.1
15.9
27.2
40.3
51.3
61.1
65.6
63.5
54.9
43.6
29.1
18.0
40.2
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H-5
Table n-2
MEAN MONTHLY VALUES OF PRECIPITATION
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Annual
Airport
1.30
1.10
2.09
2.53
4.07
4.71
3.06
3.67
2.88
2.06
1.76
1.14
30.37
City
1.25
1.11
2.23
2.48
4.03
4.87
3.05
3.88
3.05
2.27
1.72
1.12
31.06
Source: Iowa Natural Resources Council, 1953.
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II-6
is relatively rolling to undulating:; and (2) the area south of the glacial line,
which is rough and hilly. Elevations rise above 1,050 feet in Dallas County
and fall to less than 750 feet along the Des Moines River in the southeast
corner of the study area. The dominant features of the land are the Des
Moines River Valley, a small portion of the Skunk River Valley and the stream
valleys tributary to them. Slopes in the area rarely exceed 10 percent except
along the valley walls.
There are 16 drainage basins in the study area - each divided into from
2 to 20 sub-areas. (See Plate II-l.) The subareas (103) are the basic units for
data collection and analysis.
Geology
The City of Des Moines is located on the southernmost reach of the
Cary substage of the Wisconsin ice sheet within the study area. East of the
City the southern boundary swings gradually north and crosses the Polk
County border south to Mitchellville. Approximately 12,000 to 13,500 years
have passed since this glacier receded. The surface covered by the glacier is
significantly different from that to the south, where the most recent glacial
advance was the Kansan ice sheet. To the north of the demarcation line, the
land forms are primarily glacial, and the surface is in extreme youth with
respect to erosion and drainage patterns. The divides between adjacent
streams have very little slope. The topography may be called "saucer
topography" because of the shallow, rounded swales which often contain
water and have no outlets. The ground between the swales appears as low,
gently rounded hummocks. In this northern region, the drainage conforms to
the hills — it does not form them. The river valleys are generally quite
narrow, although it is common for the present stream to be cut into the
alluvial bottom of an older, larger valley.
South of the line of the Wisconsin glacial advance, the landscape is in
early maturity with respect to erosion and drainage pattern. The land forms
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PLATE 11-1
- ^
/~\
DRAINAGE BASINS
AND SUB-ARE AS
^^^ BASIN BOUNDARY
tUB-AMBA BOUNDARY
031 SUB-ARE* CODE
CEMTB/U. IOW« REGIONAL «SSOCI»TIOM
OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
K1RKHAM MICHAEl AND ASSOCIATES
HARIAND BARTHOLOMEW AND ASSOCIATES
AMERICAN CONSULTING SERVICES. INC
KIRKHAM z TENECH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS,
MICHAEL 8 INC • CARLETON D BEH AND COMPANY
Of THIi MAP WAS fINANCtO THROUGH A GRANT f«OM TMI
MENTAL PROTECTION AGfNCT UNDER SECTION 201 Of THE
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II-8
are clearly those of stream action. River valleys are one to three miles wide,
and there are a large number of tributary streams.
The superficial layer of substrate consists of loess and glacial and river
deposits laid down during the Pleistocene. With very few exceptions, this
superficial material is quite extensive throughout the study area and may
attain depths of several hundred feet. South of the limits of the Wisconsin
ice sheet, a thin veneer of loess covers the uplands. A layer of loess may be
found under the Wisconsin structures in certain places to the north. The
bedrock beneath the Pleistocene mantle consists of shale with interbedded
limestones and sandstone and thin coal seams. The strata are generally quite
horizontal. The bedrock throughout the study area is of the Des Moines series
(Cherokee and Marmaton groups) in the Pennsylvania system. Rocks of lower
geological strata can be found as outcrops sequentially to the northeast of the
study area. A complete stratigraphic column for Iowa is provided for
reference. (See Plate II-2.)
The greatest depth to bedrock based on data from well logs maintained
by the Iowa State Geological Survey is 280 feet, in the extreme northern part
of the study area near Alleman. This point lies over the pre-glacial "Jordan
channel", which parallels the present Skunk River channel to the west and
"rejoins" the Skunk River in the northeast corner of the study area. Another
substantial buried, pre-glacial channel is that underlying the present course of
the Beaver Creek. Both of these buried channels serve as substantial water
storage areas and are fed by overlying unconsolidated material.
Significant alluvial aquifers of varying depth and widths line the
following rivers and creeks: Des Moines River, Raccoon River, Skunk River,
Middle River, Walnut Creek, Beaver Creek, and Four-Mile Creek. These
aquifers are continuously recharged by natural storm runoff and are,
therefore, sensitive to significant non-point sources of pollution in the
respective watersheds.
-------
SYSTEM SERIES
STRATIGRAPHIC COLUMN OF IOWA
GROUP FORMATION DESCRIPTION THICKNESS
Quaternary
Cretaceous
Juraeelc
Pannsyhardan
Devonian
Silurian
Ortfovldon
Cambrian
PrccQrnbrlon
Virail
Dei Moras
MwafflM
Osage
Kinderhaok
Niagara)
Mohowklan
Bteknwntom
SI Crouan
SMry (KUM
trt ol
fug Scan
PLATE 11-2
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II-10
While there was extensive coal mining in the Des Moines area earlier in
this century, the prospects for commercial production returning in this area
do not appear very high at the present. A statewide inventory of coal
resources now in progress may shed more light on this matter (Avcin, 1975).
A potential problem caused by the extensive coal mining activity earlier
in this century is that much of south-central Polk County is underlain by
shallow, mined out voids in the upper bedrock layers which represent possible
subsidence areas. The incidence of subsidence to date is low, however, and
the change of major subsidence appears to be very low.
Underground (bedrock) storage area for liquid petroleum gas (LPG) is
located in Pleasant Hill with substantial storage volumes at depths of 500,
900 and 1,400 feet (Dorheim, 1975).
Data on the distribution of recent earthquakes and the map of seismic
risk zones in the United States indicate that the probability of significant
earthquakes or tremors in the study area is relatively small (Spencer, 1972;
Cargo and Mallory, 1974). There are no known fault zones in the area along
which tremors are likely to develop.
Soils
Soils in the study area, as a whole, are highly productive agricultural
soils of Class I or II capability. Most of the land is slightly sloping with
steeper slopes limited to the sideslopes of the larger river valleys. The
following paragraphs describe the salient characteristics and general location
of the major soil associations in the study area. Appendix A-l provides more
detailed information.
1. Clarion-Nicollet-Webster.
Much of the northern two-thirds of the study area is covered with these
soils. They are highly productive for agricultural purposes and range in
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11-11
drainage characteristics from well to poorly drained. The soils in this
association, especially Clarion, produce some runoff from gently sloped areas.
This association is the most intensively cropped in the area, with corn and
soybeans being the major crops. Because of the large extent of seasonally
bare soil, there is often the potential for considerable erosion. This potential
is minimized by the absence of steep or long slopes. Generally, both erosion
and deposition are quite local, from the morainal knolls to adjacent swales
and potholes. Only fine clays and organic matter are apt to remain suspended
in runoff long enough to be carried off the landscape and into streams and
rivers.
2. Hayden-Lester.
These soils are found on the steeper slopes along major streams and
occur along the Des Moines River north of the Racoon confluence and along
the Skunk River. They are well drained, moderately productive and generate
considerable runoff.
Soils in this association have the greatest erosion potential per unit area
if mismanaged, due to their location on steep slopes and their erosive nature.
Use of land having this soil association for woodlands and pasture minimizes
the erosion problems, and small grains and hay are far better than row crops
if it used for cropping.
3. Colo-Waukegan-Dickinson-Dorchester.
These soils are found on bottomlands or on benches along the Des
Moines, Raccoon, and Skunk Rivers. Formed primarily from outwash and
alluvium, they are well drained, except for Colo, which is poorly drained.
They have moderate agricultural productivity but are subject to flooding or
standing water for parts of the year. These soils are not generally subject to
erosion, but localized deposition and/or scouring may take place in times of
flooding.
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11-12
4. Fayette-Downs.
These loess soils occur on gentle slopes north of the Des Moines River in
the southeast corner of Polk County. They are well drained, have high
agricultural productivity and produce substantial runoff. They have consider-
able erosion potential if mismanaged because of their light, fine texture.
4A. Ladoga-Lindley.
Ladoga-Lindley soils are found south of the Des Moines-Raccoon
confluence. These soils are formed in medium fine-textured loess and till on
gently sloping to steep landscapes. Erosion is a hazard due to the frequency
of steeper slopes. A fine, well integrated drainage network conveys
sediments rapidly to streams. Woodland and pasture cover in this area would
effectively mitigate the erosion hazard.
5. Tama-Muscatine.
These soils are formed in deep, medium-textured loess on nearly level
and gently sloping landscapes. The area is intensively cultivated to row
crops, which exacerbates its erosion potential, especially where slopes are in
excess of five percent. Large fields with long gentle slopes may be subject to
severe sheet and rill erosion during intense rains. Sediments are conveyed
rapidly to drainageways and streams and removed from their points of origin.
5 A. Sharpsburg-Shelby.
These soils are formed in medium fine-textured loess, moderately deep
to shallow over paleosols (old soils) and in unweathered Kansas-aged glacial
till. Erosion is only a moderate hazard except where they are exposed in row
crop cultivation. Erosion hazard on paleosol exposures will be severe unless
good plant cover can be maintained. The unweathered Kansas-aged till soils
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11-13
will have a moderate erosion hazard, particularly since they have a greater
frequency of steeper slopes. Permanent cover should be maintained on
paleosol and till-derived soils in this area.
6. Sparta-Farrar-Chelsea.
These are very sandy soils found along the Upper Des Moines and Skunk
Rivers. They are excessively drained, not highly productive, moderately
sloped and produce considerable runoff. They are not particularly subject to
water erosion except where there is concentrated runoff from above. In fact,
deposition may even occur in areas near footslopes and where streams spread
out on the terrace or on bottomlands. In large parts of this area where there
are coarse-textured soils, wind erosion can be a particularly severe hazard.
These soils are not used extensively for row crops.
Hydrology
Rainfall
The average rainfall in the study area is approximately 31 inches per
year. An estimated 68 to 70 percent (or 21 to 24 inches) of this either
evaporates from moist surfaces or is transpired by plants. This leaves seven
to 10 inches, with up to six inches becoming surface runoff and approximately
three inches entering the soil as infiltration (Twenter and Coble, 1965, p. 21).
Major Streams
The major streams in the study area flow southeastwardly through
broad, pre-glacial valleys. The Des Moines River is the dominant one and lies
at depths approximately 150 to 200 feet below the upland plain through the
study area. It drains approximately 13,000 square miles in the State of Iowa
and approximately 14,500 square miles totally (Iowa Natural Resources
Council, 1953, p. 3).
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11-14
The largest tributary of the Des Moines River is the Raccoon, an
exception to the general southeasterly direction of flow or major rivers in
that it enters the Des Moines River at a direction of slightly south of west.
The other major tributaries of the Des Moines River in the study area are
Beaver Creek, Four Mile Creek and Middle River. Walnut Creek is the
principal tributary of the Raccoon River in the study area.
The average flow of the Des Moines River at Boone, Iowa northwest and
outside of the study area is 1,603 cubic feet per second; 1,979 CFS at Des
Moines above the confluence with the Raccoon River; and 3,781 CFS below
the Raccoon River confluence. The Raccoon River increases from 1,197 CFS
at Van Meter (west and outside the study area) to approximately 2,000 CFS at
the Des Moines confluence.
The stream flow peaks on both rivers during the period of March
through June and is at minimal values during September through January.
Peak flows for the Des Moines River at Des Moines are approximately 5,000
CFS during late spring and minimum flows are under 1,000 during early
winter.
Major streams in the Des Moines area have had a fairly frequent history
of flooding. The flood of record for the Des Moines River and Raccoon River
occurred in June, 1954 when river level at Des Moines reached 803.9 feet.
Reservoirs
Two man-made structures in the Des Moines area will strongly influence
the hydrology of the Des Moines River and its tributaries: Saylorville Lake
(dam is 213.7 miles upstream from the mouth), completed in April, 1977, and
Lake Red Rock (dam is 142.9 miles upstream from the mouth), which became
operational in 1969. Saylorville Lake has a conservation pool elevation of 833
feet, with a surface area at that elevation of approximately 5,400 acres
(74,000 acre-feet capacity) extending 13 miles (17 river miles) upstream. At
the flood control pool elevation of 890 feet, the Lake has a surface area of
about 16,700 acres (562,000 acre-feet capacity) extending approximately 45
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11-15
miles (54 river miles) upstream. The dam is designed to control flows from a
drainage area of approximately 5,823 square miles and when operated in
conjunction with the completed local flood control works will provide flood
protection up to the level of the 165-year recurrence frequency. Saylorville
Lake will alter the range in flow rates from 20 to 60,000 cfs to 200 to 21,000
cfs (U.S. Army Engineering Division, 1974, p. III-7).
Lake Red Rock is outside the 208 study area, but its hydrology and
water quality are strongly affected by activities in the study area. The Lake
covers approximately 9,000 acres at conservation pool elevation of 725 feet
and 65,500 acres at flood control pool elevation of 780 feet. The flood pool
extends well into the southeastern corner of the study area. Flood pool and
conservation capacities are 1,740,000 and 90,000 acre-feet respectively.
The Des Moines and Raccoon River basins each have small lakes in them
which originated either naturally as isolated meanders of the parent stream
or as man-made lakes or both. They include Gray's Lake, Horseshoe Lake,
Fisher Lake, Avon Lake, Randleman Lake and many unnamed gravel pits.
Big Creek Lake, created in 1972 by a diversion dam on Big Creek, was
made to protect the Polk City area from flooding by Saylorville Lake. It has
a surface area of 885 acres at normal pool elevation of 920 feet, and the
flood pool is not expected to increase its elevation more than five feet.
Water Quality and Quantity
A discussion of water quality and quantity in the Des Moines 208 study
area can be divided into three major areas, the Des Moines River, the
Raccoon River, and other streams in the study area.
Water quality data from the Des Moines River Basin in Iowa has been
compiled by the Iowa Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ). There
are seven sampling stations in the vicinity of the 208 study area. (See Table
II-3.) Four stations are upstream of Des Moines, one station on the southern
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II-16
edge of Des Moines, and two stations located downstream of Des Moines. The
two downstream stations are located on either end of Red Rock Reservoir.
Table II-3
Location of IDEQ Reported Sampling Stations
Des Moines, Iowa 208 Area
Sampling Station No. Location
1 Boone Water Plant
Des Moines River
2 Highway 89 Bridge 2 Miles
West of Madrid
3 County Road Bridge 4 Miles
West 2.5 Miles North of
Polk City
4 Polk County Road 2 Miles
South of Polk City
5 Highway 46 Bridge in
Des Moines
6 Highway 14 Bridge at Red
Rock Lake
7 1 Mile Downstream from
Red Rock
The most intense sampling occurred between 1968 to 1974 when
sampling was performed approximately weekly. Parameters covered by the
stations submitting data include: dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD), organic nitrogen, nitrate, total nitrogen, orthophosphate, pH,
temperature, turbidity, total hardness, total alkalinity and total carbon.
Although there is insufficient data from these seven stations to allow a
detailed analysis of the water quality of the Des Moines River in the area of
Des Moines, there is ample data to indicate possible trends in the quality of
water as it flows through the study area. Because the data from these
stations along the Des Moines River is reported for only a few years and in no
one year did all seven stations submit data, averaged values from the data of
each station provide the water quality indication that is most useful.
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11-17
Tables II-4 and II-5 present the mean summer and winter water quality
values for the Des Moines River for 1968 through 1974. A brief discussion of
several water quality parameters which greatly influence water quality in the
Des Moines area follows:
Dissolved Oxygen - Examination of the dissolved oxygen data indicates
that the Des Moines River contains an acceptable amount of dissolved
oxygen. The oxygen saturation level for water at 20°C is 9.2 mg/1; at 5°C
the saturation level is 12.8 mg/1. As the temperature of water rises, its
ability to absorb or retain oxygen decreases.
From the summer water quality data, a rather large decline in the
dissolved oxygen concentration occurs as the Des Moines River flows
through the City of Des Moines. This decrease in the dissolved oxygen
concentration may be partially related to a corresponding rise in water
temperature which may be related to the use of river water for cooling
purposes. (See Table II-4.)
Biochemical Oxygen Demand - The BOD levels of the Des Moines River
are relatively low, 3 to 11 mg/1. The summer and winter data indicate
the effects of Red Rock Reservoir on the BOD levels of the river. The
reservoir allows for the settling of organic matter and results in lower
BOD levels in water discharged from the reservoir.
p_H - The pH of the Des Moines River is within the 6.5 to 9.0 standard
range limit and fluctuates only slightly as it flows through this segment.
Ortho-phosphate - Ortho-phosphate levels in the river through the
winter months are relatively stable except for a peak which occurred at
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II-18
Table II-4
SUMMER WATER QUALITY OF THE DES MOINES RIVER
1968-1974
DCS Moines, Iowa 208 Area
Ortho
Station
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
D.0.(mg/l)
10.21
10.01
9.80
9.57
8.45
8.30
9.47
BOD(mg/l)
8.66
11.30
10.51
10.99
7.27
3.38
3.44
P04(mg/l)
.24
.20
.52
.18
.55
.36
.35
£H
8.25
8.23
8.36
8.29
8.07
8.06
7.97
Temp. °C
20.95
21.35
21.21
21.04
22.95
21.32
21.61
Heavy metals: occasional violation of State standards for cadmium, zinc
and lead in lower Des Moines River.
Pesticides: DDE, DDT and dieldrin above recommended levels in many
samples.
-------
11-19
Table II-5
WINTER WATER QUALITY OF THE DBS MOINES RIVER
1968-1974
Des Moines, Iowa 208 Area
Ortho
Station
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
D.0.(mg/l)
13.22
14.94
13.60
13.40
12.43
11.48
13.87
BOD(mg/l)
6.77
8.68
9.14
9.61
6.01
3.41
4.17
P04(mg/l)
.64
.64
.62
.54
.86
.46
.64
pH
8.12
8.12
8.19
8.03
8.17
7.97
7.87
Temp. °C
3.78
3.47
3.61
3.71
5.13
4.75
4.90
-------
II-20
Station No. 5. This increase also occurred at Station No. 5 during the
summer at the point where the river flows through the City of Des
Moines past its confluence with the Raccoon River.
Temperature - Temperature levels of the Des Moines River are
relatively stable and well below the 32°C stream standard limit. A
temperature peak is reached at Station No. 5 in both the summer and
winter.
Results of various studies have reported the water quality conditions in
the Des Moines River. A study of the Des Moines River from Fort Dodge to
Des Moines was completed during the summer of 1973 (Iowa State Hygienic
Laboratory, 1974). Water quality was quite good during this study period as a
result of high flow conditions. Dissolved oxygen levels ranged from 7.2 to 8.6
mg/1 in June, 1973, and from 7.6 to 19.8 mg/1 in August of that same year.
BOD readings varied from 1 to 5 mg/1 and from 5 to 16 mg/1 during the same
two-month time period. In addition, fecal coliform concentrations averaged
1,000/100ml. No ammonia nitrogen data were presented in this report.
Saylorville pre-impoundment studies from 1964 to 1970 (Bauman and
Kelman, 1970, Bauman and DeBoer, 1972) on the Des Moines River have been
carried out regularly by personnel at Iowa State University. BOD levels in
the late summer of 1970 averaged 18 mg/1 with orthophosphate generally
present at a concentration below 0.5 mg/1. Ammonia nitrogen remained less
than 1 mg/1 except for January-February 1970 when the river was at the
freezing point. Organic nitrogen varied from 0 to 3.02 mg/1 during this study.
Dissolved oxygen measurements showed variations from 15.9 mg/1 in
February, 1970 to a low of 5.8 mg/1 in July, 1970.
The following year ammonia nitrogen levels varied from 0 to 2.88 mg/1
as N. These ammonia nitrogen concentrations remained below 0.9 mg/1 as N
-------
11-21
except for just below Des Moines where concentrations were generally higher.
Orthophosphate levels ranged from 0 to 3.9 mg/1 but were usually below 1.0
mg/L BOD levels indicated high values of around 30 mg/1 in March, 1972
during the period of spring flooding. Fecal coliforms were found to be
generally higher below the City of Des Moines.
A follow-up Saylorville area study (Bauman and Oulman, 1973) in 1973
detailed water quality conditions in the Des Moines River from Boone to Red
Rock. A number of parameters were discussed in this pre-impoundment
study. BOD levels varied from 0.2 mg/1 below Red Rock to 18 mg/1 at
'Saylorville in September, 1973. However, the normal BOD range of the Des
Moines River was observed to be 2 to 7 mg/1. Dissolved oxygen
concentrations were noted to be at a minimum (3.55 mg/1) in September, 1972
at Red Rock Reservoir. Maximum dissolved oxygen levels (23 mg/1) were
observed at Boone in September, 1972. The minimum dissolved oxygen value
coincided with the maximum turbidity reading, with maximum values
occurring during periods of high algal activity.
Ammonia nitrogen concentrations on the Raccoon River varied from a
low of 0.03 mg/1 in October, 1972 to 1.0 mg/1 in March, 1973. Ammonia
nitrogen levels below the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers
averaged somewhat higher than those at upstream stations on both rivers.
Orthophosphate levels were lower in 1972-73 compared to 1971-72. The
maximum Orthophosphate concentration was 13 mg/1 as PO^' near the con-
fluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers with a normal range of 0.2 to
0.6 mg/1.
Fecal coliform measurements made during this study were highest in
the Raccoon River and directly downstream from the Des Moines wastewater
treatment plant. Red Rock stations frequently detected no fecal coliform
organisms. Fecal coliform averages in these three areas were 3,386/100ml,
4,346/100ml, and 153/100 ml.
-------
11-22
The Raccoon River is the other major stream in the 208 planning area.
The North Raccoon River has been the subject of many investigations in the
past - particularly with reference to concentrations of dissolved oxygen and
ammonia during the winter months below Storm Lake, Jefferson, Perry and
Adel (Iowa Department of Environmental Quality, 1975b). No water quality
violations have been observed on the Middle and South Raccoon Rivers during
high flows. Low-flow periods have not, however, been sampled in the Middle
and South Rivers. A pollution potential appears to exist for the entire reach
of the river when flows approach the 10-year 7-day low flow value. Data in
these studies have not revealed violations of the Iowa Water Quality
Standards from Van Meter to Des Moines although a potential for pollution
may exist (Iowa Department of Environmental Quality, 1975b).
Little data is available for the main stem of the Raccoon River through
the study area. Some information is available in the Baumann studies
(Baumann and Oulman, 1973) and has been discussed previously. Generally,
water quality in this portion of the Raccoon River is very good because no
point-source discharges are located there.
Various streams tributary to the Des Moines River flow through the 208
study area, including Beaver Creek, Walnut Creek, North River, South River,
Middle River, Yeader Creek, Mud Creek, and Camp Creek. A small amount
of water quality data is available regarding these streams (Iowa Department
of Environmental. Quality, 1975c). Turbidity has been noted as a problem in
all of these rivers with a mean turbidity level of approximately 75 JTU
(Jackson Turbidity Unit). Dissolved oxygen concentrations in these streams
are usually well above Iowa stream standards, yet fecal coliform levels have
been found to exceed the EPA guideline of 200/100 ml. Water quality data
indicate poorer water quality in the Middle River than in the North or South
Rivers, with best water quality in the North River.
Data describing the water quality of other tributary streams in the
study area is minimal and no regular sampling programs have been initiated
on these streams.
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11-23
With regard to groundwater quality, alluvial deposits which underlie the
Des Moines River are important sources of water. These deposits have a
large storage capacity with frequent recharge from precipitation and
groundwater aquifers. The bedrock aquifers in the area yield large quantities
of water and are separated by relatively impermeable aquicludes. The water
quality varies significantly from aquifer to aquifer. The important aquifers in
the Des Moines River basin are the alluvial aquifers, Dakota sandstone, the
St. Lawrence aquifer (up to 1000 gpm), lower Pennsylvania sandstone, the
Jordan Aquifer (up to 1000 gpm), and Dresbach sandstone (less than 100 gpm).
The Dakota sandstone yields moderate to large quantities (50-500 gpm) of
somewhat mineralized water in the upper part of the basin. Pennsylvania
sandstone is widespread but yields only small quantities of highly mineralized
water. Mississippian limestones in Polk and Dallas Counties yield a few
gallons per minute of water which is at least moderately mineralized and
possibly high in fluoride (Iowa Department of Environmental Quality, 1975d).
Nearly all of Iowa's groundwaters are very hard (250-500 mg/1 calcium
carbonate equivalents). Alluvial aquifers offer good-to-fair quality water
with underlying bedrock aquifers containing mineralized water. Water quality
varies depending on the thickness of the aquifer, the depths of the wells, the
underlying aquifer on aquiclude, and whether the water is coming from
storage, induced infiltration, or from rainfall. Alluvial deposits usually
contain water with less than 500 mg/1 total dissolved solids. These
groundwaters are of the calcium bicarbonate or calcium magnesium bicarbon-
ate type.
A notable exception is the lower reach of the Raccoon River. Maps
indicate that water from alluvial deposits under the river contains between
500 to 1,000 mg/1 total dissolved solids (Iowa Department of Environmental
Quality, 19755).
Concentrations of 2,500 mg/1 total dissolved solids with excessive
fluoride from the Mississippian limestone and the Silurian-Devonian aquifer
-------
11-24
are common in the Des Moines 208 planning area. Analyses from the Jordan
aquifer show high fluoride concentrations west and southwest of Des Moines
of 2.0 to 3.0 mg/1 and total dissolved solids of 500 to 1,000 mg/1. In general,
this water supply contains less minerals than other sources of groundwater
from bedrock aquifers.
The City of Des Moines obtains its water from the sand and gravel
alluvial aquifers of the Raccoon River: Maffit reservoir serves as a back-up
supply which can be discharged to the Lower Raccoon River as needed.
Groundwater from unconsolidated aquifers in the area is generally hard (200
mg/1 as calcium carbonate) and the total dissolved solids level has on occasion
exceeded 500 mg/1. Iron concentrations (0.3 mg/1) have been of concern in
some localities in the area (Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Basin
Study Coordinating Committee, 1970).
The City of West Des Moines draws water from the Jordan aquifer and
uses shallow wells for emergency supply. Certain underground gas storage
facilities pump water from the St. Lawrence aquifer.
A partial analysis of water from bedrock formations in the state is
illustrated in Table II-6 for comparison purposes. Other applicable data is
shown in Table II-7.
Detailed reports of existing groundwater quality in the state do not
exist to any great extent.
With regard to groundwater quality, there are various aquifers in
central Iowa. The shallow aquifers in the Des Moines study area consist of
irregular layers of unconsolidated rocks, silt, clay, sand and gravel. They may
be subdivided into alluvial aquifers, buried channel aquifers and drift aquifers.
Shallow aquifers are the water source for nearly 100 cities and communities
-------
11-25
Table II-6
REPRESENTATIVE PARTIAL ANALYSES OF WATER FROM BEDROCK FORMATIONS
(All values in milligrams per liter)
Oes Moines, Iowa 208 Area
Location
EstherviHe (Emmet Co.), Iowa
Pocahontas (Pochontas Co.), Iowa
Ft. Dodge (Webster Co.), Iowa
Sigourney (Keokuk Co.), Iowa
Cedar Falls (Black Hawk Co.), Iowa
Edgewood (Clayton Co.), Iowa
Northwood (Worth Co.), Iowa
Near Volga (Clayton Co.), Iowa
Belleville (Dane Co.), Wise.
Charles City (Floyd Co.), Iowa
Fairfield (Jefferson Co.), Iowa
Ft. Dodge (Webster Co.), Iowa
Galesburg (Knox Co.), III.
Iowa City (Johnson Co.), Iowa
Jefferson (Greene Co.), Iowa
Madison (Dane Co.), Wise.
Oregon (Ogle Co.), 111.
Date of
Sampling
11/5/56
3/7/62
10/4/51
8/3/60
Iron Bicarbonate
(Fe) (HCO )
Sulfate
(SO )
Cretaceous Aquifer
1.8
.36
Mississippian
.9
.02
442
525
Aquifer
481
398
504
553
218
75.7
Chloride
(CD
5.0
15
5.0
19
Dissolved
Solids
1.175.
1.300
728
531
Hardness
(as CaCO )
766
820
552
380
Silurian-Devonian Aquifer
6/14/60
8/16/52
7/13/61
9/4/51
.06
.96
3.2
.2
264
283
410
378
•42.4
10
13.0
31
2
2.0
3
7.0
308
288
377
376
252
270
337
333
Cambnan-Ordovician Aquifer
12/29/44
6/14/60
8/14/60
10/5/51
1/9/46
11/27/62
12/8/60
2/2/61
7/16/48
0
.22
.20
1.2
.5
.52
5.93
.1
.3
381
283
298 '
436
0
283
312
405
0
6.4
41.2
455
192
559
554
418
73
15.2
3.8
7
129
89
215
54
97
16
6.0
292
326
1,146
779
1,399
1,167
1,048
476
286
330
256
340
479
•279
470
234
434
292
Source: Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Basin Study, 1970.
-------
11-26
Table 11-7
REPRESENTATIVE PARTIAL ANALYSES OF WATER FROM UNCONSOLIDATED AQUIFERS
(All values in milligrams per liter)
DCS Momes, Iowa 208 Area
Location
Near Barnum (Webster Co.), Iowa
Boone (Boone Co.), Iowa
Cedar Rapids (Linn Co.), Iowa
Dubuque (Dubuque Co.), Iowa
Eddyville (Wapello Co.), Iowa
Erie (Whiteside Co.), 111.
Lee (Lee Co.), 111.
Marengo (Iowa Co.), Iowa
Near Oregon (Dane Co.), Wise.
Rockford (Wmnebago Co.), III.
Sigourney (Keokuk Co.), Iowa
Near Stoughton (Dane Co.), Wise.
Vinton (Benton Co.), Iowa
Waterloo (Black Hawk Co.), Iowa
West Des Momes (Polk Co.), Iowa
Dale Of
Sampling
12/28/46
6/1 5/60
10/24/61
2/26/60
11/02/61
11/16/60
10/04/47
11/05/59
4/18/60
6/10/48
8/30/60
4/19/60
12/27/60
6/22/60
9/03/63
Iron
(Fc)
4.1
.24
9.9
.52
.16
Tr
.4
.71
.05
2.7
2.06
.2
2.46
.06
4.0
Bicarbonate
(HCO )
41 D
373
351
334
215
0
0
222
290
0
234
344
288
239
321
Sulfate
(SO )
247
96.1
105
17.5
92.0
28.0
2.5
54.3
18
56.0
86.4
31
15.6
26.5
94.0
Chloride
(CD
6.5
18
28
9
1
2
2.0
6
5.5
9.0
18
14
1
5
6.5
Dissolved
Solids
756
550
494
326
352
246
240
321
0
402
380
n
273
280
457
Hardness
(as CaCO )
488
412
412
313
266
178
149
236
266
400
220
332
244
240
344
Source Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Basin Study, 1970.
-------
II-27
in central Iowa. The Des Moines Water Works water supply is obtained from
shallow alluvial aquifers along the Raccoon River through infiltration
galleries recharged directly from the river. They also supply individual users
in locations not having municipal, systems. Shallow aquifers generally yield
moderate to large quantities of water. However, there is considerable
variation in both the yield and the quality pf water drawn from these
aquifers.
Aquifer recharge areas for surficial aquifers are generally found
directly over or very near the aquifers themselves. Recharge of bedrock
aquifers often will take place by way of alluvial channels passing over the
bedrock aquifers or parts of them. Regions of rock outcropping may also
indicate a recharge area by direct connection with surface water sources.
Cities and towns in the study area which have bedrock wells include
Altoona, Ankeny, Grimes, Granger, Waukee and West Des Moines. Bondurant,
Norwalk and Waukee use water from upper bedrock aquifers and are
therefore, somewhat more susceptible to polluted recharge.
Water Quality and Quantity Problems
Identification of existing water quality and quantity problems has been
partially discussed in previous sections. Various studies have indicated
additional problems reported in the form of water quality violations.
Water quality violations have been observed from Des Moines to Red
Rock Reservoir. Data obtained in 1968 when renovation of the main Des
Moines treatment plant was taking place indicated dissolved oxygen, ammonia
nitrogen, and fecal coliform violations.
The significance of this information should be considered in light of the
Saylorville dam. Projected flows at Des Moines will be at a minimum of 200
-------
11-28
cfs as opposed to the 10-year 7-day low flow of 82 cfs. Surveys in 1968,1973,
and 1974 have reported on water quality in this segment of the river. Few
violations have taken place, and those that have occurred primarily in 1968.
High concentrations of ammonia nitrogen were found in conjunction with low
levels of dissolved oxygen.
Fecal coliform violations have also been noted in 1973 and 1974, as well
as in previous years, below the City of Des Moines, Disinfection at the Des
Moines Wastewater Treatment Plant has been instituted and should help to
alleviate fecal coliform violations. However, some background level of fecal
coliforms will always occur below Des Moines from non-point sources and
bypasses.
A water quality survey of the Des Moines River at Des Moines in 1970
(Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory, 1970) focused on three major stations
within the city limits, as well as the Highway 14 bridge station, 39 miles
downstream from the Des Moines Wastewater Treatment Plant. Relatively
elevated flow conditions of the Des Moines River were sampled during this
study with minimum sampled flows of 250 cfs during February 1968, 550 cfs
in February 1970, and 250 cfs in September 1970. The sampling dates were
chosen to represent different seasons of the year.
Organic and nitrate-nitrogen concentrations were observed to be
increased slightly by the Des Moines Wastewater Treatment Plant effluent,
especially during periods of low flow. The concentrations of these
parameters also varied substantially in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers
upstream from the Des Moines Wastewater Treatment Plant discharge and
were dependent upon river flow, algal blooms, etc.
Ammonia-nitrogen concentrations were definitely increased by the Des
Moines Wastewater Treatment Plant effluent. Although the limit of 2.0 mg/1
specified by the Iowa Water Quality Standards was not exceeded in the Des
Moines River, concentrations as high as 1.9 mg/1 were observed in January
-------
11-29
and 1.5 mg/1 in September. As would be expected, there was a substantial
seasonal variation in ammonia-nitrogen levels with concentrations approach-
ing 1 mg/1 in winter and spring above Des Moines. However, during the
warmer months ammonia-nitrogen concentrations were generally below 0.1
mg/1. During the winter months the increased ammonia-nitrogen concentra-
tions persisted to the headwaters of the Red Rock Reservoir.
Soluble and total phosphate concentrations in the Des Moines River
were substantially increased by the discharge of the Des Moines treatment
plant and these elevated concentrations persisted to the headwaters of the
Red Rock Reservoir. The decreases in phosphate levels which occurred
between the Iowa Power and Light Company (IPALCO) and Highway 14
station indicated some assimilation by the periphyton or attached growth as
well as the possible dilution effect which may occur in this stretch of the
river because of IPALCO's discharge.
In addition to the information presented above (Iowa State Hygienic
Laboratory, 1970), physico-chemical data were collected and reported on
September 3rd and 8th, 1970 while the Des Moines and Raccoon River flows
were 290 and 270 cfs, respectively, which are relatively low-flow conditions.
The September 3 data indicated that water quality in the Des Moines
and Raccoon Rivers above the wastewater treatment plant was acceptable.
Bacterial levels were low, dissolved oxygen concentrations were above the
required 5 mg/1 level, and ammonia-nitrogen and phosphate levels were low.
The results from the analysis of the water sample collected at the railroad
bridge about one mile downstream from the wastewater treatment plant were
indicative of a waste discharge upstream. This was evidenced by increased
fecal coliforms, ammonia-nitrogen and phosphate concentrations. The
analysis of the IPALCO sample demonstrated the effects of the Des Moines
wastewater treatment plant on the Des Moines River. While the water
-------
II-30
quality standard for ammonia-nitrogen was not violated in the Des Moines
River, concentrations as high as 1.6 mg/1 were observed. Fecal coliform
concentrations had increased from 2,300 to 16,000 and total phosphate
concentrations had increased sevenfold.
The September 8, 1970 data substantiate the data in the September 3
study and demonstrate how far downstream these water quality changes
persist. Ammonia-nitrogen concentrations decrease downstream but at the
Highway 14 bridge sampling stations concentrations are still considerably
higher than normal summer levels. Phosphate concentrations also slowly
diminish downstream but are still substantially higher than normal at the
Highway 14 station which is 39.3 miles below the Des Moines Wastewater
Treatment Plant outfall. Fecal coliform numbers were reduced to normal
ranges within 20 river miles of the wastewater treatment plant.
Dissolved oxygen data secured during this water quality survey were
based on sampling performed during the early morning hours (5:00 to 8:00 AM)
of September 3, 5, and 8, 1970. This time of day was chosen because
dissolved oxygen levels are expected to be minimal at this time due to
elevated respiration of algae and other microorganisms. On all three
occasions dissolved oxygen levels above the Des Moines Wastewater Treat-
ment Plant were above the Iowa minimum standard. However, on September
3 there was only one dissolved oxygen reading above 4.0 mg/1 over a 16 mile
stretch below the plant outfall with a low of 2.6 mg/1 recorded 10 miles
downstream from the discharge. On September 5 all of the dissolved oxygen
readings for a 16 mile stretch below the wastewater treatment plant were
below the 4.0 mg/1 minimum standard with recovery occurring approximately
21 miles downstream from the discharge. On this date the low dissolved
oxygen reading was again 2.6 mg/1 occurring about 9 miles downstream from
the Des Moines discharge. The profile of the dissolved oxygen concentrations
in the Des Moines River on September 8 is generally higher than those of
September 3 and 5; however, the 4.0 mg/1 dissolved oxygen absolute minimum
standard was still violated nine miles downstream of the Des Moines
treatment facility discharge.
-------
11-31
Decreases in dissolved oxygen concentrations were observed in the
summer of 1973 at Runnells and the Highway 14 bridge below Des Moines
with little change noted at other times of the year (Iowa (State) Department
of Health, 1934). BOD levels during this period were approximately 5 mg/L
These data clearly indicate that the discharge of the existing Des Moines
wastewater treatment facility combined with intermittent and other point
sources can reduce the dissolved oxygen level of the river below acceptable
levels, particularly under low-flow conditions.
Problem Areas
Reported problem areas indicate that the Des Moines Wastewater
Treatment Plant is a major point-source discharger in the study area. There
are numerous other municipal and industrial dischargers in the area which
tend to add to the overall pollutional problems, but not nearly to the extent
that the main Des Moines plant presently does. One major discharger which
may cause potential water quality and quantity problems is the Iowa Power
and Light Company, as previously described, which withdraws a large quantity
of water from the Des Moines River and discharges cooling water.
Water Uses
Water consumption in the 208 area is expected to increase from
33,500,000 to 57,000,000 gallons per day by the year 2000. (See Table II-8.)
The projected figures are based on the assumption that the daily average for
each land use category stays constant between 1975 and 2000. A one percent
per year increase in water consumption in all land use categories would result
in a total projected consumption in 2000 of approximately 71,000,000 gallons
per day instead of 57,000,000 gallons per day.
The City of Des Moines draws its potable water from alluvial aquifers
along the lower Raccoon River. Dale Maffit Reservoir, located at the
-------
11-32
Table II-8
AVERAGE DAILY WATER CONSUMPTION
1975
Intensity
Development Cat.* Acres
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
R-LD
R-MLD
R-MHD
R-HD
NR-LIU
NR-LIUS
NR-MIU
NR-HI
6,763
7,970
13,820
2,253
5,525
780
4,359
210
Ann. Daily Avg.
(gal./ac./day)
245
320
750
1,385
985
1,410
795
27,895
Consumption
(gal. /day)
1,656,900
2,550,400
10,365,000
3,120,400
5,442,100
1,099,800
3,465,400
5,858,000
Total
41,680
33,558,000
(33,558,000 gals./day :• 315,000 persons = 105 gals./person/day)
PROJECTED DAILY WATER CONSUMPTION
2000
Intensity
Development Cat.*
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
R-LD
R-MLD
(12,252)
R-MHD
(24,503)
R-HD
NR-LIU
NR-LIUS
NR-MIU
NR-HI
Acres
10,885
35,755
4,995
10,512
2,311
8,946
149
Ann. Daily Avg.
(gal. /ac. /day)
245
320
750
1,385
985
1,410
795
27,895
Consumption
(gal. /day)
2,666,800
3,920,600
18,377,300
6,918,100
10,354,300
3,258,500
7,112,100
4,156,400
Total
74,553
56,764,100
(56,764,100 gals./day r 400,000 persons = 140 gals./person/day)
-------
11-33
Table II-8 (Continued)
*R-LD: Residential, low density (less than one dwelling per acre).
R-MLD: Residential, medium low density (1 to 2.9 dwellings per acre).
R-MHD: Residential, medium high density (3-6.9 dwellings per acre).
R-HD: Residential, high density (seven or more dwellings per acre).
NR-LIU: Non-residential, low intensity/urban (retail shops, warehouses).
NR-LIUS: Non-residential, low intensity, special (hotels, motels, offices,
laundries, etc.).
NR-MIU: Non-residential, medium intensity (manufacturing, hospitals,
schools, bottling and cannery plants).
NR-HI: Non-residential, high intensity (downtown offices, hotels, etc.).
-------
11-34
meeting point of Polk, Warren, Dallas and Madison Counties, was created as a
backup supply. The water level in the reservoir is maintained by pumping
from the Raccoon River during good flow conditions. Under low flow, water
would be released from the reservoir to enhance stream flow on the lower
Raccoon. (The Reservoir receives very little runoff.)
Surficial aquifers are also used as water sources by Elkhart, Polk City,
Grimes, Johnston and Mitchellville (Twenter and Coble, 1965, p. 42). Cities
and towns in the study area which have bedrock wells include Altoona,
Ankeny, Bondurant, Grimes, Norwalk, Runnells, Waukee and West Des Moines
(well logs maintained by Iowa Geological Survey, Iowa City).
Withdrawal of water from the lower Raccoon alluvial aquifers by the
City of Des Moines Waterworks is roughly equal to all other withdrawals in
the study area (40 to 50 cfs). While the supply of groundwater throughout the
study area appears to be quite adequate in relation to projected use,
protecting the water quality in the Raccoon River and its tributaries should
continue to receive very high priority.
Water Quality Management
Federal agencies involved in planning for water quality include the
Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. The Corps, in
cooperation with other Federal, State and local agencies engages in
comprehensive, basin-wide studies such as assessment of floor control needs,
major drainage, irrigation and supply and quality control of potable water
sources.
The Soil Conservation Service gives technical assistance to land owners
in matters related to soil and water conservation. This service is provided
through Iowa Department of Soil Conservation and soil conservation districts
organized under State laws.
-------
11-35
State agencies (other than lotwa Department of Soil Conservation)
involved in water quality planning include the Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ), the Natural Resources Council and the Office of Planning and
Programming. The DEQ has the power and responsibility to develop
comprehensive plans and programs for the prevention, control and abatement
of new, increasing, potential or existing water pollution. The DEQ develops
complete river basin plans for the purpose of guiding all water quality
management efforts in the respective basin. This basin planning process is a
continual one - updated constantly for changes in population, industrial
activity and state of the art in water quality management techniques.
The Natural Resources Council is responsible for the comprehensive
state-wide plan to control, utilize and protect water resources of the State.
A member of the Natural Resources Council officially represents the State of
Iowa on all water resource planning efforts affecting Iowa water resources.
The Council grants all permits for withdrawal of water for public consump-
tion or industrial use.
The Office of Planning and Programming coordinates the development
of physical, economic and human resource programs to promote the efficient
and economic utilization of Federal, State, local and private resources.
Responsibility for water quality monitoring and surveillance in the 208
study area lies with the U.S. Environmental Protection agency, the Corps of
Engineers, the Department of Environmental Quality, and local governments.
Currently the Corps of Engineers is conducting a sampling program at
Saylorville Lake by means of a contract with Iowa State University. The
purpose of the program is to monitor river and lake water quality conditions
and to relate physical, chemical and biological changes to physical river and
lake characteristics as well as the operational changes connected with the
Saylorville Dam project. The United Stated Geological Survey, under
contract with the Iowa Natural Resources Council, is conducting a monitoring
program in the Walnut Creek Basin to determine flow rates during high-flow
conditions.
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II-36
The State DEQ has primary responsibility for water quality monitoring
and surveillance. Its principal management tool is the State Operation
Permit Program, carried out in coordination with the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The permit provides for discharge
effluent limitations in prescribed compliance schedules. The DEQ also
conducts on-site plant inspections to verify self-monitoring reports and
compliance with permit stipulations.
Municipalities and counties have power to provide drainage systems for
flood and other surface waters, sewage systems and wastewater treatment
plants. They also have the authority to require and regulate connections to
existing sewer systems.
Flood Hazards
The flood hazards in parts of the 208 study area have been very high -
particularly along the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers and along Walnut and
Fourmile Creeks. The completion of Saylorville Reservoir will significantly
lessen the flood hazard throughout the area. The impact of alternative
release rates on downstream conditions is given in a detailed technical report
(U.S. Army Engineer District, Rock Island, 1975).
Des Moines is an eligible community under the National Flood Insurance
Act. Planning and other studies are now underway to develop a flood
management program consistent with the requirements of the Act.
While the completion of Saylorville Reservoir and certain aspects of the
developing areawide flood management plan will certainly affect water
quality and water quantity problems throughout the 208 study area, the
proposed 208 plan will not significantly increase or decrease flood hazard.
The proposed intermittent-point and non-point control strategies will have a
small effect of decreasing runoff and immediate discharge to area streams,
thereby lessening flood flows.
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II-37
Biology
Rare/Endangered Species
An interim list of endangered vascular plants (90 species), birds (six
species), mammals (eight species), reptiles and amphibians (eight species) and
fish (eight species) have been prepared for the State of Iowa under the
auspices of the State Preserves Advisory Board. (See Appendix A-2 for
complete species lists.) Not all species on these interim lists are found in the
Des Moines area, but many would have potential habitat areas in it.
Wildlife species become endangered when their native habitats are
either destroyed or altered significantly. Of the 90 endangered plant species,
approximately 40 percent require wetland habitats (including bogs, wet
meadows and standing water); approximately 30 percent require wooded sites;
and approximately 30 percent require either dry, exposed sites or prairie
sites. Wooded sites have always been limited, and agricultural development
has been especially disruptive to wetland and prairie sites in the area. (Many,
approximately two-thirds, of the endangered plant species in the State are
near the western and/or southern limit of their known natural geographical
range (Fernald, 1950), and may therefore be more sensitive to habitat
disruption than non-marginal species.)
Wildlife Habitats.
There are three principal types of wildlife habitats in the study area:
aquatic, semi-aquatic (or wetland) and terrestrial.
The major aquatic habitats are Big Creek Lake, Saylorville Lake (to be
completed in Spring, 1977), Dale Maffit Reservoir, Des Moines' River and
various natural and artificial impoundments in its floodplain, Raccoon River
and various natural and artificial impoundments in its floodplain, Skunk River,
North and Middle Rivers, Beaver Creek, Walnut Creek and Four Mile Creek.
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11-38
Semi-aquatic or wetland habitats include Brenton Slough south of
Granger, the old stream channel of Skunk River (part of which is now included
in the Chicaqua Wildlife Area) and various temporary ponds in the floodplains
of the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers.
Terrestrial habitats are scattered throughout the study area along river
and stream valleys. Some important examples are the land between Big
Creek Lake and Saylorville Lake, floodplain and side-slope forest areas along
the Des Moines River northwest and southeast of the City, Jester County
Park, Walnut Woods State Park and Denman Woods along the Raccoon River,
Margo Frankel Woods State Park, Thomas Mitchell County Park, Banner Mine
State Park and the Dale Maffit Reservoir park area. One privately owned
prairie remnant is located in the north-central part of the study area.
Natural, Terrestrial Vegetation and Associated Animals
The forests in the study area are a part of the eastern deciduous forest
type and are near its western limit (Braun, 1961). Probably less than one-half
of the original forest cover is left today. Woodlands lie principally along
rivers and streams. They are most commonly found on sloping ground or in
the floodplains of the larger rivers. The native vegetation of flatter upland
sites was that of prairie, with the strong possibility that fires either were
started in many instances to control the encroachment of prairies by forest
development or that such fires did so naturally (Curtis, 1959).
Three major plant community types can be recognized in the study area.
The first is the oak-hickory association found on upland, drier sites and
dominated by bur oak, white oak, red oak, shagbark hickory and butternut
hickory. This association is found on hilltops or south-facing slopes.
Understory species commonly found in this association are dogwood,
serviceberry, buckrush, gooseberry and chokecherry. Animals using this
forest association for at least part of their feeding and nesting requirements
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11-39
include several species of mice", squirrels, deer, fox, racoons, salamanders,
toads, doves, chipmunks, titmice, warblers, woodpeckers, owls and vultures.
The maple-basswood association is dominated by bur oak, northern red
oak, basswood (linden), black maple and sugar maple. The association is found
on moist, well-drained sites generally on north- and east-facing slopes.
Understory species include dogwood, ironwood and buckrush. Animals using
this association for their habitat are not separable (at least on the basis of
information now available) from those using the oak-hickory association.
The floodplain-bottomland association is dominated by hackberry, black
walnut, elm, ash, boxelder, willows and cotton wood. It is found on land
immediately adjoining river and stream channels or their gravel deposits.
Red mulberry, greenbriar, Virginia creeper and elderberry are found in the
understory. Animals found in this association include nuthatches, warblers,
starlings, sparrows, woodpeckers, quail, hawks, frogs, salamanders, snakes,
toads, fox, squirrels, opossums and racoons. Where the forest continues, this
association gradually merges into the intermediate and upland associations.
Wetland Vegetation and Associated Animals
Wetland areas are found in the floodplains of the larger rivers and
streams in the study area, along the edge of larger lakes and reservoirs and in
poorly drained depressions. Dominant plant species are rushes, sedges,
cattail, arrowhead, willows, sycamore and cottonwood. These wetland areas
are used by many bird and animal species, including migratory species. Year-
round residents include beaver, muskrat, mink, mallards, teals, wood ducks
and lesser scaups. Migratory birds include Canada geese, blue and snow
geese, and diving and dabbling ducks (Bellrose, 1968).
Terrestrial Animals Occupying Forest Edge and Open Habitats
While many of the animals mentioned above in connection with the
major forest associations also use forest edge and open habitats, the following
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11-40
species are more uniquely associated with forest and edge habitats: rabbit
(cottontail), woodchuck, bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasant, ground squir-
rels, plains pocket gopher, western harvest mouse, prairie vole and meadow
vole.
Aquatic Plants
Phytoplankton is the dominant component of aquatic vegetation in the
rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs of the study area. Rooted aquatics are
often found near water edges or in shallow, slow moving water bodies. The
most important component of phytoplankton communities are diatoms
(principally Cyclotella, Navicula and Synedra). Blue-green algae (principally
Oscillatoria) and green algae (Scenedesmus) are often present but seldom
dominant (Kilkus et.al., 1975). Populations of aquatic plants fluctuate
seasonally and with water quality and channel flow characteristics.
Aquatic Animals
Dominant fish in Lake Red Rock, DCS Moines and Raccoon Rivers and
their tributaries are carp, river carpsucker, black crappie, black bullhead,
bigmouth buffalo and channel catfish. Other fish species include walleye
(stocked), bluegill, sunfish, northern pike (stocked), largemouth bass (stocked),
goldfish, yellow bass, white sucker and yellow perch (U.S. Army Engineer
District, Rock Island, 1975). Dominant invertebrates include caddis flies,
mayflies, mosquitoes, midges, stoneflies, crayfish, dragon flies and damsel
flies.
Crops and Managed Vegetation
The study area contains some of the most productive agricultural land
in the United States. In 1973 there were 281,505 acres of farmland in Polk
County with an average farm size of 209 acres and 31,311 acres of pasture
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11-41
(Iowa Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, 1975). Warren and Dallas
Counties have 334,914 and 352,521 acres of farmland respectively with
average farm sizes of 230 and 164 acres. The three major crops are corn,
soybeams and oats. Other crops include sorghum, wheat, rye, hay and seed
crops for hay species. Acreage and yields for the three primary crops in 1974
are shown below:
Acres Bushels/Acre
Corn Polk County 121,200 83.7
Warren County* 72,500 72.9
Dallas County* 152,400 79.6
Soybeans Polk County 83,100 24.7
Warren County* 52,800 23.0
Dallas County* 99,700 28.4
Oats Polk County 11,600 44.7
Warren County* 7,500 43.9
Dallas County* 5,200 56.7
Source: Iowa Crop and Livestock Reporting Service, 1975.
*Less than one-third of the land area in these counties is included
in the study area.
Air Quality
The major sources of air pollution in the study area are motor vehicles
and fossil fuel-burning power plants (Iowa Department of Environmental
Quality, 1973, p. 21-44). For this reason downtown Des Moines, parts of
eastern and northeastern Des Moines and the airport area are and will
continue to be problem areas. Fugitive dust, largely from unpaved roads and
other heavily used, unpaved areas, is also causing problems. All of Polk
County is currently included in a "maintenance plan area" for carbon
monoxide and suspended particulates. (The exact nature of control provisions
is yet to be determined.)
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II-42
Economic and Population Trends
Employment projections utilized in the 208 study call for employment
to increase from 142,000 in 1975 to 180,500 in 2000. (See Table II-9.) The
projections are based on two sources of information: the Real Estate
Research Corporation's study prepared for the City of Des Moines and
CIRALG, and the employment projections contained within the OBERS1 Series
E projections. These projections are described by major non-agricultural
employment categories below.
1. Manufacturing. Manufacturing employment would increase, but not
as rapidly as employment as a whole. As a percentage of total non-
agricultural employment, manufacturing employment would de-
crease from 18 percent to 16 percent by the year 2000.
2. Construction. Construction employment would show a modest
increase by the year 2000, with a significant increase in employ-
ment in Dallas and Warren Counties as population growth increases
in these areas.
3. Transportation and Public Utilities. Employment in this category
would continue to show no significant change, although small
increases would occur in Dallas and Warren Counties, consistent
with population increase.
4. Retail and Wholesale Trade. Employment in this category would
continue to increase as rapidly as employment as a whole. This
would result in an increase of over 25 percent in retail and
wholesale trade employment by the year 2000.
5. Finance, Insurance and Real Estate. This category is also expected
to show a significant increase, and at a rate greater than for
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11-43
Table II-9
FUTURE EMPLOYMENT BY MAJOR EMPLOYMENT
CATEGORY IN THE 208 AREA
Employment (IQOO's)
Major Employment Category
Manufacturing
Construction
Transportation & Utilities
Retail & Wholesale Trade
Finance, Insurance and
Real Estate
Services & Miscellaneous
Government
Total
1975
26.0
6.7
10.0
36.2
16.2
26.1
20.8
142.0
1980
27.0
6.9
9.9
37.4
16.9
28.0
21.2
148.9
1990
28.3
7.7
10.1
41.4
19.1
33.1
23.5
163.2
2000
29.7
7.9
10.1
45.8
21.4
39.2
26.3
180.5
Source: Real Estate Reserach Corp., 1973.
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11-44
employment as a whole, totalling 12 percent of non-agricultural
employment by the year 2000.
6. Services and Miscellaneous. Service employment is expected to
continue to show the highest rate of increase of any category,
growing by 50 percent by the year 2000 and replaceing manufactur-
ing as the second largest employment category.
7. Government. Governmental employment would continue to keep
pace with total employment and population increase, resulting in a
gain of nearly 25 percent by the year 2000.
Population projections for the 208 area estimate population to increase
from 315,000 in 1975 to 400,000 in 2000. These projections were made
following review of a variety of existing and relatively recent population
studies and a review of regional and local trends. The projected 2000
population of 400,000 is considered to be reasonably conservative, since it is
less than the O3ERS Series £ Projection of 414,000, a benchmark projection
utilized for water quality planning.
Land Use
Existing Land Use
Existing land use data for the Des Moines 208 area were described by 13
categories of land use based on the relationship between intensity of uses and
wastewater generation.
Major concentrations of urban development within the study area
consist of: (l) urban center including Des Moines and adjacent suburban
communities; (2) a number of free-standing satellite cities outside the urban
center; and (3) smaller cities located beyond the satellite cities. (See Plate
-------
PLATE 11-3
N
LAND USE 1975
I 1 RESIDENTIAL - LOW DENSITY
I 1 (LESS THAN 1 DU./ACRE)
I RESIDENTIAL - MEDIUM DENSITY
(1 TO 69 D.U./ACRE)
I RESIDENTIAL - HIGH DENSITY
(7 OR MORE DLJ/ACRE )
Hg , 'i'l NON-RESIDENTIAL
•BiM LOW INTENSITY
NON-RESIDENTIAL
LOW INTENSITY (SPECIAL)
NON-RESIDENTIAL
MEDIUM INTENSITY
NON-RESIDENTIAL
HIGH INTENSITY
| | CROPLAND
[ | PASTURE, FOREST t VACANT
j > | PERMANENT OPEN SPACE
| | FLOOD PLAIN
KIRKHAM
MICHAEL
CENTRAL IOWA REGIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
KIRKHAM MICHAEL AND ASSOCIATES
HARLAND BARTHOLOMEW AND ASSOCIATES
AMERICAN CONSULTING SERVICES. INC.
TENECH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS,
INC • CARLETON D BEH AND COMPANY
US ENViaONMfNTAL WOItCTlON AG£NCY UNDER SECTION 201 Of THE
fEDERAt WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1971
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II-46
II-3.) The area outside the urban center is predominantly agricultural land
interspersed with bands of pasture and forest lands.
Quantitatively, the overall pattern of existing land use within the study
area is dominated by non-urban uses with cropland accounting for nearly 70
percent of the present use. (See Table 11-10.) Urban uses account for less
than 10 percent of the total acreage.
Land Use Trends
The general development trends that are occurring in the 208 area
consist of: (1) development of suburban areas, primarily to the west of the
City of Des Moines; (2) development of satellite cities surrounding Des
Moines such as Ankeny, Altoona and Bondurant; and (3) the development of
areas oriented to Interstate 35-80 around the edge of the Des Moines urban
center.
The following development trends for land use sectors are occurring:
1. Agriculture. Almost all the county which is not in urban
development is utilized for agriculture. As urban development takes place
(and as speculative land investment in advance of development takes place),
land is removed from agriculture and put in a transitional holding state or is
developed. This is occurring primarily on the suburban fringe areas and on
the fringe areas of developing satellite cities.
2. Residences. Most residential development is taking place in the
following two areas: (1) the western suburbs of the urban center such as West
Des Moines and Urbandale, and (2) the satellite cities such as Ankeny,
Bondurant, Altoona and Norwalk. Some residential development is also taking
place in the unincorporated area, particularly in the corridor between Ankeny
and Des Moines and the corridor between Des Moines and Altoona. Only
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Table 11-10
LAND USE - 1975
Land Use Category Acres
1. Residential-Low Density
(Less than 1 dwelling per acre) 6,763
2. Residential-Medium Low Density
(1-3 dwellings per acre) 7,970
3. Residential-Medium High Density
(3-7 dwellings per acre) 13,820
4. Residential-High Density
(over 7 dwellings per acre) 2,253
5. Non-Residential-Light Intensity 5,525
6. Non-Residential-Light Intensity (Special) 780
7. Non-Residential-Medium Intensity 4,359
8. Non-Residential-High Intensity 210
9. Street 15,892
10. Cropland 350,850
11. Pasture, Forest and Vacant 78,730
12. Permanent Open Space 19,253
13. Water 6.437
Total 512,842
Source: Taken from land use prepared by individual communities,
aerial photos and field checks by CIRALG and HB&A.
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11-48
limited residential development is occurring in the outlying rural cities.
Within the central urban complex land uses of fairly high intensity have been
locating on the upper limits of water sheds creating problems in sanitary
sewer capacities where these were built to serve lower parts of these water
sheds a number of years ago.
3. Recreation Lands. All units of government are participating in the
development of recreational lands. The Federal government (Corps of
Engineers) is developing Lake Red Rock and Saylorville Lake. The State
operates two parks (Walnut Woods and Margo Frankel Park) and is developing
recreational resources at Big Creek Reservoir. Many communities are
acquiring or reserving land along the major rivers (as a part of their open
space program) using federal funds. Also, individual communities are
purchasing and developing parks to serve their local residents. Programs to
provide publicly owned open spaces along the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers
are of particular significance.
4. Commerce. Very little retail commercial development is taking
place in the Des Moines Central Business District, although some offices are
being built. The majority of retail and office commerce is being developed at
suburban locations throughout the metropolitan area. In many cases this
commercial development consists of shopping centers or strip commercial
along major streets. Commercial development is taking place at locations
along 1-35-80 also. In the satellite cities, commercial development is
occurring along with residential development. In many cases the outlying
commercial development is in the upper parts of watersheds.
5. Industry. Most new industry is locating in planned industrial districts
in the urban center where utility service is available along with good
transportation connections. With 1-35-80 and 1-235 being the major elements
of the transportation system in the 208 area, much of the industrial
development is locating in close proximity to one of these highways. These
sites are at a considerable distance from any location for a central waste
treatment plant.
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Land Use Planning
The Intensity Development Pattern (Land Use Plan) for the Des Moines
208 area was selected following consideration of a number of alternatives
designed to highlight water quality options. The pattern reflects a projected
year 2000 population of 400,000 persons for the 208 area.
The Intensity Development Pattern was based on a continuation of
present policies of the individual local governmental jurisdictions as reflected
in their land use plans and zoning regulations, as adjusted to reflect areawide
trends and realities.
The resultant development pattern bears a general resemblance to
current urban patterns within the 208 study area. The urban "core" area
centered upon the City of Des Moines remains the major urban concentration
with the major extentions of growth generally occurring to the west and
north. The first ring of communities surrounding the urban "core" would
become increasingly urbanized and in some cases urban development along
corridors between the "core" and outlying communities would be intensified.
Future growth in the area would be primarily located in the urban
"core" and in incorporated outlying communities. Within the urban "core",
Des Moines and Windsor Heights would increase in population by approxi-
mately eight percent while the western suburbs (Clive, Urbandale and West
Des Moines) would increase from their already substantial population base by
35 to 45 percent, and Pleasant Hill would add substantially to its smaller
existing population. The "core" area as a whole would attract nearly 50
percent of the total growth in the 208 study area. (See Table 11-11.)
All outlying communities would have substantial development, account-
ing for approximately 40 percent of the total growth. The largest growth
would occur in communities to the north and east of Des Moines (especially
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Table II-ll
ANTICIPATED POPULATION TRENDS
Des Moines, Iowa 208 Area
1S75 1975-2000 1975-2000
Estimated Estimated Population
Des Moines Urhrm Area Population Population Change
Des Moines 199,000 215,000 +16,000
West Des Moines 22,000 32,000 +10,000
Urbandale 17,000 26,000 + 9,000
Windsor Heights 6,500 7,000 + 500
Clive 5,500 8,000 + 2,500
Pleasant Hill 2,550 5,000 + 2,450
Sub-Total 252,550 293,000 +40,450
Cities in Metro Area
Ankeny 13,000 22,000 + 9,000
Altoona 4,150 11,000 + 6,850
Carlisle 2,750 4,000 +1,250
Johnston 2,500 7,500 + 5,000
Norwalk 2,300 4,500 + 2,200
Waukee 1,800 3,300 + 1,500
Mitchellville 1,500 2,500 + 1,000
Bondurant 1,250 3,000 +1,750
Grimos 900 3,000 + 2,100
Granger 850 1,200 + 350
Polk City 850 1,200 + 350
Hartford 600 800 + 200
Runnells 350 700 + 350
Elkhart 250 350 + 100
Gumming 200 300 + 100
Spring Hill 130 150 +20
Alleman 100 200 + 100
Sub-Total 33,480 65,700 +32,220
Major Unincorporated Areas
Saylor Township 3,900 9,500 + 5,600
Delaware Township 2,300 3,300 +1,000
Bloomfield 2,300 3,500 + 1,200
Greenfield Plaza 1,500 2,000 + 500
Lakowood 1,200 1,500 + 300
Lovington 1,000 2,500 + 1,500
West'Bloomfield 500 600 + 100
Sub-Total 12,700 22,900 +10,200
Balance of 208 Metro Area
Rural Non-Farm Remainder
of 208 Area 7,470 11,800 +4,330
Rural Farm Remainder
of 208 Area 8.800 6,600 2,200
Total 315,000 400,000 +85,000
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Johnston, Ankeny, Altoona and Bondurant); somewhat less growth would occur
in outlying communities outside of the urban "core" area to the south and
west.
The unincorporated urban areas to the north and northeast of Des
Moines (Saylor and Delaware Townships) would attract growth as part of
developing urban corridors connecting Des Moines and the outlying "satellite"
communities. Additional growth in Saylor Township would be generated by
the prospect of recreational development adjacent to the Saylorville
Reservoir. Growth in unincorporated areas not now urbanized would be
drastically limited, although some shift in population from rural farm
residence to rural non-farm residence would be expected. This would result
in additional development in some unincorporated areas such as those
adjacent to the Saylorville Reservoir and in hilly areas southeast of Des
Moines.
South of Des Moines the trend in development in unincorporated areas
would continue to be primarily low-density residential uses along major roads
or in hilly areas unsuitable for cultivation. Total growth in the unincorpo-
rated areas would be approximately 12,000 persons, of which 80 percent
would be in urbanized areas; the increase in rural non-farm population would
be offset to some extent by continued loss in rural farm population.
Extent and Effectiveness of Current Land Use Planning
Land use planning is a broad term and represents many activities and
actions on the part of a community. For this analysis, the comprehensive
plans, zoning regulations and subdivision regulations have been used as
evidence of a local government's role in land use planning.
Twenty of the 26 local jurisdictions, including the three counties, have a
comprehensive plan, ten of which were adopted in 1970 or later. (See Table
11-12.) Six of the jurisdictions are presently in the process of updating or
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11-52
Table H-12
STATUS OF LAND USE PLANNING
Date of
Comprehensive Plan
1974
1974
1974
1968*
1969
1962*
1963*
1973
1971
1969*
1972
1973
1972
1971
1968*
1968
1970
1963
1957*
1961
Zoning
Ordinance
*
X*
X
X
X
X
X
X
X*
X
X
X*
X
X
*
X
X*
X
X
X
X
X
Subdivision
Regulations
*
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X*
X
X
X
X*
X*
X
X
X
X
X
1. Alleman
2. Altoona
3. Ankeny
4. Bondurant
5. Carlisle
6. Clive
7. Gumming
8. Des Moines
9. Elkhart
10. Granger
11. Grimes
12. Hartford
13. Johnston
14. Mitchellville
15. Norwalk
16. Pleasant Hill
17. Polk City
18. Runnells
19. Spring Hill
20. Urbandale
21. Waukee
22. West Des Moines
23. Windsor Heights
24. Dallas County
25. Polk County
26. Warren County
* Indicates an update or study currently being undertaken or considered.
Source: CIRALG.
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II-53
refining their plans. These plans formed the basis for the area wide Intensity
Development Pattern adopted for the 208 Plan. A major factor in the plans
relative to water quality is a widespread concern about the maintenance of
the floodway and adjacent flood-fringe areas along major streams (and to
some extent along lesser tributaries) by almost all jurisdictions, and
particularly Clive, Urbandale, Des Moines and West Des Moines.
Twenty of the 26 political subdivisions have zoning regulations and
seven are in the process of preparing regulations or revising existing
regulations. As would be expected, the ordinances vary from quite complex
to relatively simple and their utilization relative to community goals and
their administration varies as well.
Twenty-one of the jurisdictions have subdivision regulations and four
are preparing new or revised regulations. Most of the regulations are
standard in format and content. One jurisdiction has an ordinance requiring
control of soil erosion during construction.
Any evaluation of effectiveness of land use planning is relative. Land
use planning in the Des Moines 208 is similar to that in much of the midwest.
The largest city, Des Moines, has a sizable planning staff, and planning is an
important part of municipal policy. Most of the suburban communities place
a significant reliance on planning and zoning. Some of the smaller, more
rural communities utilize planning while others do not. Those municipalities
without staff may utilize (and many do) the resources of the regional agency
(CIRALG) which has a sizeable planning staff.
Administrative and Regulatory Land Use Controls Now In Effect
Both of the basic land use controls, zoning and subdivision regulations,
were mentioned in the previous section. A number of zoning techniques in
the area have an impact on water quality, and these are described below:
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II-54
1. Floodplain Regulations. Ten of the 26 jurisdictions have floodplain
regulations as a part of their ordinance. These regulations limit development
within the broad floodplain to open space uses such as agriculture and parks.
2. Planned Unit Development (PUD) Regulations and Site Plan Review.
Eight of the jurisdictions utilize planned unit development regulations in their
ordinances. These are of a variety of types from a broad PUD to planned
residential requirements. All require a site plan, development plan or some
other type of mechanism in the review process. In several instances site plan
review extends beyond the PUD process to major commercial or industrial
projects. Site plan review for individual uses is limited. Effect on water
quality is a consideration but not a major one in the review process.
3. Buffer Zones. A number of the ordinances identify buffer zones or
open space requirements. Generally, these are expressed in terms of
standards for various developments, although the West Des Moines ordinance
has specific buffer zone requirements.
4. Permits. All of the ordinances require permits as an administrative
enforcement procedure.
Other regulations besides zoning and subdivision regulations include the
following:
1. Building Codes. Most of the jurisdictions (18) have and enforce a
building code and have in-house inspection staff.
2. Septic Tank Regulations. All three counties regulate location of
septic fields through their Boards of Health. In each case, a permit is
required, soil porosity tests must be made, and locational criteria must be
met.
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11-55
3. Soil Loss Limits Regulations. The three soil conservation districts
(Polk, Warren and Dallas Counties) in the Des Moines 208 Study Area have set
soil loss limits in their districts pursuant to the conservancy district law. The
soil loss limits are site-specific and are expressed for each soil type in terms
of tons per acre per year lost from erosion using the Universal Soil Loss
Equation as a guide. Maximum allowable soil loss is in the vicinity of five
tons per acre per year.
Theoretically administration of the regulations occurs in the following
manner: Soil erosion can be declared a nuisance if it results in or contributes
to damage to any internal improvement of a conservancy district or damage
to property other than that of the owner or occupant of the land on which
such erosion is occurring. In either of these instances, action may be brought
by: (1) the Commissioners of the Soil Conservation District within which the
erosion occurs; (2) the owner or owners of any property so damaged; and (3)
the Board of the Conservancy District whose internal improvement is
damaged. Complaints are filed in writing with the Soil Conservation District.
The District Commissioners then investigate the complaints and determine if
soil loss limits are being violated. Notice of the Determination is given to
the owner or owners alleged to be in violation, and voluntary abatement of
the nuisance is sought. In case voluntary abatement does not take place, an
Administrative Order is issued by the District Commissioners to the parties
found to be in violation and they are advised as to the action required.
Generally, this will consist of preparation of an erosion control plan and the
following of practices in line with this plan to limit erosion. If the owner or
owners fail to initiate the necessary conservation work within the time
requirement, the District Court may be petitioned by the Commissioners to
issue a court order to obtain immediate compliance. If the owner or owners
do not comply they may be found in contempt of court and so punished.
The present experience with the soil loss limits regulations is limited
but growing. Since passage of the law and determination of the soil loss
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II-56
limits, five complaints have been filed which were settled out of court. Many
other problems have been solved prior to the filing of formal complaints.
Aspects of Development Trends That
Might Cause Adverse Environmental Effects
It is unlikely that any of the land development trends in the Des Moines
208 Area would significantly affect air quality. Control of industrial
emissions (which is good at the present time), emission controls on internal
combustion engines, and control of "fugitive dust" from unpaved surfaces will
be the major factors in air quality.
If development continues as at present and if major sewer system
improvements are not made, adverse environmental conditions which pres-
ently exist will continue. These would include: (1) overloading of sewers
from continuing development; (2) continued pollution from septic tanks in
unincorporated areas of the county such as the corridor between Ankeny and
Des Moines; (3) adverse effects on Saylorville Reservoir (when completed)
from urban development oriented to it; (4) adverse impacts on water quality
from expanding satellite centers with inadequate sewage treatment facilities;
and (5) adverse effect from urban development in the lowlands of the
Raccoon River or the Des Moines River.
In addition to the above, a major environmental effect of the continued
development will be the loss of agricultural land and agricultural products as
a result of removing high productivity agricultural lands from agricultural
production. (See Plate II-5.)
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Sources of Potable Water
The potable water source supplying the greatest number of people in the
study area is the lower Raccoon River and the alluvial aquifer system
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II-57
associated with it. At the present time approximately one-half of the water
is taken from the River directly and one-half is taken from infiltration
galleries buried in the aquifer (Johnson, 1976). Back-up facilities include the
Dale Maffitt Reservoir, at the Polk, Warren, Dallas and Madison County
intersection, which is charged by pumpage from the Raccoon River during
favorable flow conditions and discharged to the River under low flow
conditions. The other back-up system is a set of infiltration. galleries
emplaced along the Des Moines River near the Raccoon confluence.
There are over 100 wells in use throughout the study area, one-half of
which penetrate to maximum depths of 400 feet below the surface.
Approximately one-third have depths of 400-500 feet with the remaining
wells deeper than 500 feet (data from well logs filed by Iowa Geological
Survey) Contamination of these wells by surface pollutants (such as nitrates,
for example) is a constant threat to shallow wells in agricultural land areas.
Deeper wells drilled in the urban areas for industrial use are less threatened
by surface contamination.
Surface Waters
Saylorville Lake, Lake Red Rock, Dale Maffitt Reservoir and the Lower
Raccoon River are the four most sensitive surface water resources in the
study area. While Lake Red Rock is not in the study area per se, it is and will
continue to be strongly influenced by the effectiveness of the overall water
quality management in the study area.
The two man-made lakes (actually reservoirs) collect waterborne soil,
nutrients and pesticides from agricultural land areas - particularly cropland.
If the rate of input from one or more of these parameters continues to be
high, euthrophication and/or aquatic life kills could increase and cause major
problems in the future. Lake Red Rock is also the primary sink for sediment
and stable toxic compounds released from the urbanized land areas in the
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11-58
study area. The wildlife and recreation of both Lakes depend critically on the
year-round maintenance of good water quality.
Wetlands
Brenton Slough (on Beaver Creek), parts of the Chicaqua Wildlife
Preserve (old channel of the Skunk River) and various shallow and temporary
pools in the floodplains of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers are the most
significant wetland areas.
Floodplains and Flood Retention Areas
Thn floodplain of the Lower Des Moines River is included in the 100-
year flood retention basin for Lake Red Rock. (See Plate H-4.) Floodplains
for the Raccoon River, Middle River, Four Mile Creek, Beaver Creek and
Walnut Creek represent significant flood retention capacity in their respec-
tive basins and will cause increasing damage if developed for urban uses.
Groundwatcr Recharge Areas
The most significant groundwater recharge areas in the study area
overlie the alluvial aquifers along the major rivers and streams. (See Plate II-
4.)
Steeply Sloping Lands
These areas are limited to the sideslopes of the major river valleys.
(Sec Plate II-4.)
Prime Agricultural Lands
(See Plate II-5.)
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PAGE NOT
AVAILABLE
DIGITALLY
-------
PLATE 11-5
,_
V
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\
u-' ;~.-- •
M -.-
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J^f J^mMlif.?'- *'"" . "^ '<• 'r -^ «
. | :1fiTiffi.rt,'iieiiTt"7.....ji_j.
|
LAND CAPABILITY
FOR AGRICULTURAL USE
CLASS I AND CLASS II CAPABILITY
SOUS WHICH HAVE FEW LIMITATIONS FOR CULTIVATION
Oil HAVE LIMITATIONS WHICH REDUCE THE CHOICE OF
CROPS/OR MODERATE CONSERVATION PRACTICES.
CLASS III TO CLASS VIII CAPABILITY
SOILS WHICH HAVE SEVERE LIMITATIONS THAT REDUCE
THE CHOICE OF OOPS OB 8EQUIRE SPECIAL CONSERVAT-
ION PRACTICES OR BOTH, AND SOILS WHICH ARE NOT
SUITABLE FOR CULTIVATION.
NOTE: SOIL CAPABILITIES ARE NOT SHOWN FOR
DEVELOPED AREAS.
SOURCES: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE.
CENTRAL IOWA REGIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
KIRKHAM MICHAEL AND ASSOCIATES
HARLAND BARTHOLOMEW AND ASSOCIATES
AMERICAN CONSULTING SERVICES, INC.
TENECH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS,
INC • CARLETON 0 BEH AND COMPANY
PREPARATION OF THIS MAP WAS FINANCED THROUGH A GRANT FROM THE
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n-fii
Aesthetics
Much of the natural beauty in the study area is related to the meeting
of land and water. The floodplains and wooded slopes adjacent to the rivers
and streams of the area provide a scenic relief from the rolling plain which
dominates central Iowa. Furthermore, it is in the floodplains and surrounding
slopes where most of the woody vegetation can be found. Elms, cottonwoods,
and willows grow on the valley floors, and oaks and hickories grow on the
valley walls and ridges above the stream channels. Many of the parks in the
area are located in these meeting places of land and water and, therefore,
have the potential for preserving important aesthetic resources. The
management of these parks, as well as other lands bordering rivers, lakes and
streams, is crucial to the maintenance of these aesthetic resources. Perhaps
the most important element of good management in • this respect is
maintaining a sufficient buffer zone of undisturbed land between the river
itself and the cultivated and developed land surrounding it. A river or stream
completely stripped of this buffer zone loses much of its natural beauty and
also enhances the rates of siltation of the waterway and erosion of the
channel.
The bluffs and ridges along the Des Moines River south of the City of
Des Moines might be considered an especially scenic area. This area is
particularly deserving of consideration in the form of adequate natural areas
between the stream channel and stream-side development of any kind. The
minimum width of the natural area necessary to protect the scenic value will
vary along the channel depending on the width and configuration of the
floodplain, the topography of the valley wall, and the character and density of
the vegetation along the channel.
Noise
Information on existing and projected noise levels is available primarily
in connection with specific highway construction and widening projects.
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II-62
Noise-generating land uses in the study area include interstate highways and
other auto/truck traffic thoroughfares; concentrations of streets as found in
downtown Des Moines and selected outlying areas; railroad switching areas;
the municipal airport; and plants producing heavy equipment, such as tractors
and heavy farm machinery. At the present time, there is not sufficient data
at the scale of the study area itself which would allow conclusions affecting
areawide planning. Location of any significant noise-generating operations in
connection with wastewater treatment will need to be made giving full
consideration to impact on residential or other noise sensitive land uses.
Radioactivity
There are 13 individual or organizations who are licensed to use
radioactive materials in the study area. All are located in the City of Des
Moines. Seven are for medical treatment purposes; six are for use in industry
and research. All licensees are required to keep complete records of their
acquisition, use and disposal of radioactive materials and present their
records for review by regulatory officials on request. The Iowa Department
of Environmental Quality is furnished with copies of license, privileges,
reports and other relevant documents.
The radioactive sources in the study area are not presently a significant
threat to its environmental quality (Haars, 1976).
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III-l
CHAPTER HI - ALTERNATIVES
General Analytical Approach to the
Development of Alternatives
Alternative areawide plans were developed in four stages
Stage one consisted of developing and screening sub-systems and
options for the control and reduction of continuous point sources of pollution,
intermittent point sources and non-point sources. At this stage the broadest
possible approach was taken to the solution of identified water quality
problems attributable to one or more pollution sources.
Stage two consisted of combining feasible sub-systems and options into
sub-plans, i.e., continuous point source sub-plans, intermittent point source
sub-plans and non-point source sub-plans.
Stage three consisted of systematically screening all sub-plans with
respect to seven weighted criteria. For each criterion, consultants prepared
detailed technical comments on each sub-plan and submitted them for
consideration by the Coordinating Committee of resident professionals and
private citizens, who carried out the actual screening. The Committee also
determined the weighting factors applied to each criterion.
Stage Four consisted of combining the screened sub-plans into eight
alternative areawide plans for final screening and selection. The same
criteria used in sub-plan screening were used here. The screening was again
carried out by the Coordinating Committee, aided by detailed technical
comments and discussion with the consultants.
Continuous Point Source Alternatives
Feasible Systems, Sub-systems and Options
Community Options - Des Moines
Waste water Treatment Options
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III-2
1. trickling filter plants
2. activated sludge plants
3. other mechanical plants
a. oxidation ditches
b. rotating biological surfaces
c. synthetic media trickling filters
d. activated bio-filters
e. fine screening and filtration devices
f. chemical treatment
4. waste stabilization lagoons
5. private disposal systems
Sludge Treatment and Disposal Options
Treatment Options:
1. thickening by gravity sedimentation followed by dewatering or
digestion
2. chemical treatment followed by dewatering
3. anaerobic or aerobic digestion followed by dewatering
4. dewatering by vacuum filtration, pressure filtration, centrifuga-
tion or on drying beds and lagoons
Disposal Options:
1. landfill
2. incineration
3. land application
4. production of soil conditioners
Waste water Reuse and Disposal Options
1. domestic (potable/non-potable)
2. industrial reuse
a. cooling water
b. boiler feed water
c. process makeup water
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IJI-3
3. agricultural reuse (irrigation)
4. recreation
a. irrigation of parks, golf courses, etc.
b. supplemental supply for lakes and reservoirs
5. ground water recharge
Outlying Communities with Mechanical Treatment Plants (Altoona,
Ankeny, Grimes, Highland Hills, Mitchellville, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale)
1. Upgrade existing plant
2. Abandon existing plant and build sewer connections to areawide
treatment plant or its collection system
Outlying Communities with Treatment Lagoon or Lagoon System
(Bondurant, Carlisle, Des Moines Area "B"" Des Moines Area "C",
Elkhart, Greenfield Plaza, Granger, Lakewood, Norwalk, Polk City,
Waukee)
1. Expand existing lagoon or lagoon system
2. Abandon lagoon(s) and build sewer connection to treatment plant in
neighboring community
3. Abandon lagoon(s) and build sewer connection to areawide treatment
or its collection system
Industrial Options
Direct Discharging Industries (American Can Co., Firestone Tire and
Rubber Co., Hallett Construction Co., Marquette,Cement Mfg. Co.,
Martin-Marietta Corp., Meredith Printing Corp., Peters Construc-
tion Co.)
1. continue with existing operation
2. provide closed loop for recycling of cooling water or washing
water only - with minimal net discharge to receiving stream
Municipally Treated Industries (Adams Laboratories, Inc., Amend
Packing, AMF Lawn and Garden Division, Anderson Erickson Dairy,
Armstrong Tire and Rubber Co., Beaver Valley Canning Co., Bookey
Packing, Can-Tex Industries, Cargill Inc.', Chicago Rock Island and
Pacific Railroad, DeTray Plating, Diamond Laboratories, Eagle Iron
Works, Emery Plating, F.W. Means, Great Plains Bag Corp., Hiland
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HI-4
Potato Chip., Iowa Fund, Inc., Iowa Power and Light Co., Lambert
Ice Cream Co., Massey-Ferguson Des Moines, Meredith Corp., Mid-
American Dairy, Mid-Continent Bottlers, National By-Products, Inc.,
Prairie Farm Dairy (Flynn), Swift Edible Oil Co., Union Oil Mid-Iowa
Truck Plaza, United Plating, Wilson and Company, Inc.)
1. continue with present system of discharge to municipal treat-
ment plants and ultimately to areawide plant
2. pre-treat wastewater and discharge to municipal treatment
plants (likely candidates include Anderson Erickson Dairy,
Cargill, Inc., Wilson and Co. Inc., Hiland Potato Chip, Bookey
Packing, Prairie Farm Dairy (Flynn), National By-Products, Inc.,
Mid-American Dairy)
3. use existing industrial treatment facilities for pre-treatment
and discharge to municipal treatment plants
4. upgrade existing treatment facilities
5. abandon all existing industrial treatment facilities and dis-
charge to municipal treatment plants
6. combine wastewater with that of neighboring industry(ies) and
discharge to areawide plant via new sewer connection
7. discharge cooling water directly to Des Moines River or other
receiving stream and discharge only process wastewater for
treatment
8. provide closed loop for recycling of cooling water or washing
water - with minimal net discharge to receiving stream
Feasible Sub-plans
Community Options
Des Moines. Three basic options were selected for treatment
facilities:
1. Improve and expand existing Des Moines main plant
2. Make minimum necessary improvements in existing Des Moines
main plant for interim period, during which new plant would be
constructed downstream. Existing plant would be abandoned in
stages over a period of approximately 10-15 years.
3. Construct new plant downstream and abandon existing plant as
soon as possible.
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HI-5
Each of these basic treatment options was combined with the
following sub-alternates for transport and treatment of sewage
from Ankeny (west), Johnston, Urbandale, Beaver Creek Sanitary
District, Lovington, Saylor Township and Camp Dodge
1. Construct a north oreawide treatment plant. The facility
would provide secondary treatment but not nitrification. It
would discharge to the Des Moines River near the northern
City Limit of Des Moines.
2. Pump flows to the East 20th Street interceptor of existing
collection system.
3. Pump flows to Four Mile Creek interceptor, which would be
constructed to a point at 2nd Avenue. •
4. Transport flows by gravity south along Des Moines River in a
new interceptor which would be constructed to a point at 2nd
Avenue.
Alleman
1. Abandon septic tanks. Build collection system and construct
Lagoon.
2. Maintain septic tanks. Intercept drainage from existing
discharge pipe. Construct interceptor and lagoon.
Carlisle
1. Upgrade existing lagoon.
2. Abandon lagoon and discharge to areawide plant
Gumming
1. Abandon septic tanks. Build collection system and lagoon.
Elkhart
1. Upgrade existing lagoon.
Granger
1. Upgrade existing lagoon.
Grimes
1. Upgrade existing treatment plant.
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III-6
Hartford
1. Abandon septic tanks, build collection system and construct
lagoon.
Mitchellville
1. Abandon existing plant, construct trunk to new lagoon down-
stream on Camp Creek.
Norwalk
1. Upgrade existing lagoon.
2. Upgrade existing lagoon. Build an outfall sewer for the
northern part of Norwalk and discharge to the Lake wood
lagoon.
Polk City
1. Upgrade existing lagoon.
Spring Hill
1. Abandon septic tanks. Build collection system and lagoon.
Waukee
1. Upgrade existing lagoon.
Industrial Options
Direct Discharging Industries (American Can Co., Firestone Tire
and Rubber Co., Hallett Construction Co., Marquette Cement Mfg.
Co., Martin-Marietta Corp., Meredith Printing Corp., Peters
Construction Co.)
1. continue with existing operation
2. provide closed loop for recycling of cooling water or washing
water only - with minimal net discharge to receiving stream
Municipally Treated Industries
Anderson Erickson Dairy, Cargill, Inc., Wilson and Co. Inc.,
Hiland Potato Chip, Bookey Packing, Prairie Farm Dairy
(Flynn), National By-Products and Mid American Dairy:
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m-7
pre-treat as required by respective wastewater character-
istics and discharge to areawide plant
Adams Laboratories, Inc.
1. continue with existing facilities to meet effluent limita-
tions
2. discharge via new gravity sewer in Walnut Creek to Des
Moines main plant and ultimately to areawide plant
3. pump to Waukee for treatment
4. use existing treatment facilities for pre-treatment and
discharge to Des Moines or Waukee for treatment
Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company
1. continue with existing discharges
2. run a common pipe directly to Des Moines River for
discharge of cooling water (could- be combined with that
of Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad)
3. provide closed loop for recycling cooling water - with
minimal net discharge to Des Moines River.
Beaver Valley Canning Company
1. continue with,existing treatment and discharge
2. discontinue discharge of cooling water to Grimes treat-
ment plant and discharge directly to stream
3. use lagoons for pre-treatment and discharge to areawide
treatment plant
Can-Tex Industries
1. continue with existing treatment system
2. discharge to areawide treatment plant
Chicago Rock bland and Pacific Railroad
1. continue with existing treatment process
2. discharge skimmed effluent to Des Moines River
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III-8
3. discharge skimmed effluent to areawide treatment plant
4. provide closed loop for recycling of washing water - with
minimal net discharge to Dean Lake
Crossroads U.S.A., Incorporated
1. continue with existing treatment system
2. discharge to areawide treatment plant
Iowa Fund, Incorporated
1. upgrade existing lagoon to meet controlled discharge
standards
2. develop joint treatment system with Mid-Continent Bot-
tlers
3. discharge to areawide treatment plant
4. use existing lagoon as for pre-treatment and discharge to
joint treatment system or areawide system
Iowa Power and Light Company
1. continue with present operation
2. continue with present disposal of fly ash slurry and seal
water but abandon septic tank and discharge to areawide
treatment plant
3. provide closed loop for recycling cooling water with
minimum discharge to Des Moines River
Mid-Continent Bottlers
1. upgrade existing lagoon to meet controlled discharge
standards
2. develop joint treatment system with Iowa Fund, Incorpor-
ated
3. discharge to areawide treatment system
4. use existing lagoon for pre-treatment and discharge to
joint treatment system or areawide system
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nr-9
Union Oil Mid-Iowa Truck Plaza
1. continue with present operation and chlorinate effluent
2. abandon existing treatment facility and discharge to
areawide system
3. utilize existing polishing pond for pre-treatment and
discharge to areawide system
Preferred Sub-plans
Based on extensive and systematic screening procedures, the Coordinat-
ing Committee selected two continuous point-source sub-plans for further
development and combination into areawide alternate plans.
Sub-plan I:
Expand and upgrade existing Des Moines main plant to
make it suitable as an areawide treatment plant serving
all urbanized areas except 12 outlying communities.
Transport flows from the seven north area communities
along Des Moines via new gravity sewer constructed to a
point at 2nd Avenue. The options for outlying communi-
ties arid industries were not refined or modified beyond
the stage described under "Feasible Sub-plans" above.
° ' Construct a new areawide treatment plant in the general
vicinity of the existing Des Moines main plant. (The same
as sub-plan I in all other respects.)
Intermittent Point Source Alternatives
Feasible Systems, Sub-systems and Options
Combined Sewer Discharges
1. Continue present operation and maintenance programs for the
combined sewer system.
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111-10
2. Remove storm sewer inlets from combined sewer system (partial
separation).
3. Construct relief sewers in those areas where the downstream
capacity of the existing combined sewer system is inadequate to
carry combined flows. The relief sewer would discharge either to
a treatment facility or to an existing sewer system which has the
capacity for additional flows.
4. Construct off-line storage for excess flows. The stored flow would
either be pumped back to the system during low-flow periods or
treated directly in the storage facility and discharged to a suitable
receiving stream.
5. Construct direct treatment facilities for combined sewer over-
flows. These facilities would be either at individual overflow
points or at a centralized treatment facility. Treatment could be
provided by:
a. conventional treatment (physical, biological, disinfection)
b. high-rate micro-screening followed by disinfection
c. disinfection only
d. mechanical flow separation (e.g. flow-activated centrifugal
flow separators)
6. Develop source control measures, such as street cleaning, erosion
control, etc.
7. Develop resource conservation measures, such as use of treated
combined and storm sewer effluents in one or more domestic,
industrial, agricultural, recreational or groundwater recharge appli-
cations.
8. Other:
a. increase existing maintenance program
b. improve hydraulic characteristics
c. increase storage and treatment during storm flow conditions to
the greatest possible extent.
Storm Sewer Discharges
1. Continue present operation and maintenance program for the storm
sewer system.
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m-n
2. Provide storage facilities (either surface or sub-surface). Flows
would be held in storage for subsequent slow release to stream or
storm sewer or held for possible reuse.
3. Direct treatment of storm sewer discharge
a. conventional treatment, including physical and biological
methods followed by disinfection
b. high-rate micro-screening followed by disinfection
c. disinfection alone
d. mechanical flow separation (e.g. flow-activated centrifugal
flow separators)
4. Source control options such as street cleaning, erosion control, etc.
5. Resource conservation measures, such as use of treated effluents in
one of more domestic, industrial, agricultural, recreational or
groundwater recharge applications.
Feasible Sub-plans
Combined Sewer Discharges
1. Continue with present operation and maintenance program with
emphasis on implementing source control options.
2. Construct flow separators at overflow points.
3. Remove storm sewer inlets from combined system and divert storm
discharges to new or existing storm sewer (partial separation).
4. Provide for storage detention and subsequently discharge to
treatment facility or provide treatment in detention facility itself.
5. Segregate sewer systems and provide separate sewer lines to
transport flows to treatment facility(ies).
6. Maximize storage capacity in existing and new transport and
treatment facilities.
Storm Sewer Discharges
1. Continue with present operation and maintenance program with
emphasis on implementing source control options.
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m-12
2. Construct flow separators at overflow points.
Preferred Sub-plans
1. Segregate sewer systems and provide separate sewer lines to
transport flows to treatment facility. The facilities required for
implementing this sub-plan are included in the transportation
segment of both preferred point source sub-plans. Only minimal
modifications would be required to accommodate needs of inter-
mittent point source control strategy.
2. Construct flow separators at combined and storm sewer overflow
points.
Non-point Source Alternatives
Feasible Systems, Sub-systems and Options
Existing Landfills and Dumps
1. ground water diversion using tile drains
2. groundwater diversion by slurry trenching
3. pond treatment of leachates
Cropland Runoff
1. no-till planting
2. conservation tillage practices
3. contouring
4. conversion of erosible lands to pasture
5. reduction of fall plowing
6. use of turf cover in natural swales and waterways
7. terracing
8. site-specific erosion control structures
Animal Feeding Operations
1. diversion berms
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111-13
2. fences and/or supplemental plantings along waterways
Construction Sites
1. scarification
2. tracking
3. interception and diversion structures
4. vegetative stabilization
5. use of mulches on excavated surfaces
7. rip-rapping
8. use of gabion dams
9. construction of sediment basins
10. use of gravel inlet filters
Urban Storm Runoff Control
1. increase frequency of street sweeping
2. use of grass linings in drainage channels
3. pave unpaved roads
4. chemically treat unpaved roads
5. speed control on unpaved roads
6. regular cleaning of catch basins after storms
Feasible Sub-plans
1. continue with existing practices for all categories of non-point
source pollution.
2. promote cropland runoff control options and continue with existing
practices for all other categories
3. sub-plan 2 plus increase frequency of street sweeping
4. sub-plan 3 plus enforcement of ordinances controlling construction
site practices
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111-14
5. sub-plan 4 plus a special control on the development of agricultural
land for urban uses
6. all provisions of sub-plan 5 except the promotion of additional
cropland runoff options (see sub-plan 2) beyond present trends and
programs
Preferred Sub-plans
1. Promotion of cropland runoff control options via financial support
for permanent soil and water conservation control measures such
as:
a. conservation tillage practices
b. no-till planting
c. conversion of erosible lands to pasture
d terracing
e. site-specific erosion control structures
f. contouring
Options of secondary importance are reduction in fall plowing and
use of grassed (turf) waterways.
2. Sub-plan 1 described above, enforcement of construction site
control ordinances, and explicit controls designed to limit the
conversion of agricultural to urban uses
Areawide Plans
The six technical subplans which have been classified as feasible
subplans have been combined into eight alternative areawide plans. The six
technical subplans have been described in detail in previous sections of this
report. The facilities plans for the outlying communities will be the same,
regardless of which alternative areawide plan is selected as the final plan.
For the following outlying communities, existing lagoon systems would be
expanded to provide for controlled discharge:
(1) Carlisle
(2) Elkhart
(3) Granger
(4) Norwalk
(5) Polk City
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111-15
The following communities would construct collection systems and
controlled discharge lagoons:
(1) Alleman
(2) Gumming
(3) Hartford
(4) Spring Hill
Waukee would upgrade its existing aerated lagoon system by adding
additional storage and installation of a rock filter for effluent polishing.
Mitchellville would abandon its existing mechanical plant and construct
aerated controlled discharge lagoon facilities. Grimes would remain as a
continuous discharger and upgrade its existing mechanical plant and lagoon
system. A 201 Facility Plan for Runnells has been completed and is on file.
The plan recommends the construction of a collection system and a
mechanical treatment facility. Descriptions of the eight alternative
areawide plans are presented in the following sections. Table III-l
summarizes the costs of the eight alternative areawide plans.
Alternative Areawide PJan I: Expansion of the Existing Des Moines
WWTP.Segregation of Combined Sewers, Promotion of Cropland Runoff
Control Options, and Possible Increases in Street Sweeping
The plan calls for an expansion of the existing Des Moines WWTP
service area. Flows from Camp Dodge, Lovington, Urbandale - Beavor
Creek, Johnston, Saylor Township and West Ankeny would be transported
along the west bank of the Des Moines River. Flows from East Ankeny,
Altoona, Bondurant, Delaware Township, and Pleasant Hill would be conveyed
by gravity along Four Mile Creek. Flows from West Bloom field, Lakewood,
Highland Hills, Greenfield, Areas B and C, and Bloom field would be
transported to the Des Moines WWTP by two lift stations, force mains, and
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m-16
Table III-l
COMPARISON OF AREAWIDE PLANS
ANNUAL COSTS ($ MILLIONS)
Des Moines, Iowa 208 Area
Capital
Operation and Maintenance
Non-Point
Areawide
Plan
1
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
Point
Sources
$ .858(1)
1.783(2)
.231(3)
.858
1.783
.231
.858
1.783
.231
.858
1.783
.231
.858
1.943
.231
.858
1.943
.231
.858
1.943
.231
.858
1.943
.231
Non-Point
Sources
$2.50
2.75
2.50
2.75
2.50
2.75
2.50
2.75
Intermittent
Sources
$ 0*
0
.329
.329
0
0
.329
.329
Point
Sources
$4.830(4)
.329(5)
4.830
.329
4.830
.329
4.830
.329
4.519
.329
4.519
.329
4.519
.329
4.519
.329
Sources
Street Sweep
$1.34
1.34
1.34
1.34
1.34
1.34
1.34
1.34
Intermitte
Sources
$ 0
0
.056
.056
0
0
.056
.056
Total
$11.871
12.121
12.256
12.506
11.720
11.970
12.105
12.355
•Due to the fact that the construction necessary Tor the segregation of combined and separated sewer system is an integral part of
the point source subplans and, therefore, included in their total cost, no cost for segregation has been shown under intermittent source
costs.
(1) Annual Capital Cost of Sewer Collection Systems for Johnston, Lovmgton, Delaware Township, Saylor Township and Bloom field Service Areas
(2) Annual Capital Cost for Interceptors, Equalization & Treatment Plant for the Integrated Community Area
(3) Annual Capital Cost for Interceptors and Treatment for Outlying Community Area
(4) Annual Operation and Maintenance Cost for Integrated Community Area
(5) Annual Operation and Maintenance Cost for Outlying Communities
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gravity sewers. The existing Des Moines WWTP would be expanded to serve
an estimated year 2000 population of 362,000 and a peak hydraulic flow of
165 MGD.
The sanitary flow from the northwest Des Moines area, Camp Dodge,
Lovington, Urbandale - Beaver Creek, Johnston, Saylor Township and West
Ankeny would be segregated by routing the flow through a new interceptor
sewer which is to be constructed parallel to the Westside Interceptor. The
Westside Interceptor presently receives flow from combined sewers. Flow
from the combined system would enter the main outfall to the plant up to a
point where the dilution ratio of the combined flow system is 5 to 1. Flows in
excess of 5 to 1 would be diverted to the combined sewer discharges.
Non-point source control within this plan is provided by a subsidy
program for cost sharing on cropland runoff controls and possible increases in
street sweeping for Des Moines residential areas and residential arterials. The
cost-sharing subsidy program would result in the construction of all needed
terraces and grade stabilization structures by the year 2000. The proposed
increase in street sweeping would result in fairly uniform residential cleaning
within the metropolitan area.
Alternative Areawide Plan II: Expansion of the Existing Des Moines WWTP,
Segregation of Combined Sewers, Promotion of Cropland Runoff Control
Options, Possible Increases in Street Sweeping, Construction Site Control
Option Enforcement through Ordinances, and Controls to Limit the Urban
Development of Agricultural Land
This plan is similar in all respects to Plan I except that in addition to
cropland runoff options and increased street sweeping for non-point source
control there would also be passage and enforcement of ordinances to control
erosion and sedimentation from construction sites and controls to limit the
rate and extent of urban development of agricultural land. The latter could
be carried out through county zoning actions.
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Alternative Areawide Plan III: Expansion of the Existing Des Moines WWTP,
Segregation of Combined Sewers, Flow Separators for Combined Sewer
Overflows and Strategic Storm Sewer Discharges, Promotion of Cropland
Runoff Control Options, and Possible Increases in Street Sweeping
This plan is similar in all respects to Plan I except that in addition to
segregation of combined sewers for intermittent point source controls, flow
separators would be constructed at each of the combined sewer overflows and
at strategic storm sewer discharge points for the removal of significant
fractions of grit, settleable solids, and floatable solids in the respective
flows. In this way, the combined sewer overflows and storm sewer discharges
would receive a degree of physical treatment before being discharged to the
receiving streams.
Alternative Areawide Plan IV: Expansion of the Existing Des Moines WWTP,
Segregation of Combined Sewers, Flow Separators for Combined Sewer
Overflows and Strategic Storm Sewer Discharges, Promotion of Cropland
Runoff Control Options. Possible Increases in Street Sweeping, Passage and
Enforcement of Ordinances for the Control of Erosion and Sedimentation
from Construction Sites, and Controls to Limit the Urban Development of
Agricultural Land
This Plan is similar to Plan I except that flow separators would be
constructed at each of the combined sewer overflows and at strategic storm
sewer discharge points for additional intermittent point source control; and
that ordinances would be passed and enforced to control erosion and
sedimentation from construction sites and controls made to limit the rate and
extent of urban development of agricultural land. The latter could be carried
out through county zoning actions.
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Alternative Areaw'de Plan V: Construction of a NPW Di~ Moines WWTP,
Segregation of Combined Sewers, Promotion of Cropland Runoff Control
Options, and Possible Increases in Street Sweeping
This plan calls for an expansion of the existing Des Moines WWTP
service area. Flows from Camp Dodge, Lovington, Urbandale - Beaver Creek,
Johnston, Saylor Township and West Ankeny would be transported along the
west bank of the Des Moines River. Flows from East Ankeny, Altoona,
Bondurant, Delaware Township, and Pleasant Hill would be conveyed by
gravity along Four Mile Creek. Flows from West Bloomfield, Lakewood,
Highland Hills, Greenfield, Areas B and C, and Bloomfield would be
transported to the Des Moines WWTP by two lift stations, force mains, and
gravity sewers. The existing Des Moines WWTP would be abandoned and a
new treatment facility would be constructed immediately east of the present
site. The year 2000 service population would be 362,000 and the peak
hydraulic flow through capacity would be 165 MGD.
The sanitary flow from the northwest Des Moines area, Camp Dodge,
Lovington, Urbandale - Beaver Creek, Johnston, Saylor Township and West
Ankeny would be segregated by routing the flow through a new interceptor
sewer which is to be constructed paralled to the Westside Interceptor. The
Westside Interceptor presently receives flow from combined sewers. Flow
from the combined system would enter the main outfall to the plant up to a
point where the dilution ratio of the combined flow system is 5 to 1. Flows in
excess of 5 to 1 would be diverted to the combined sewer discharges.
Non-point source control within this plan is provided by a subsidy
program for cost sharing on cropland runoff controls and possible increases in
street sweeping for Des Moines residential areas and residential arterials.
The cost-sharing subsidy program would result in the construction of all
needed terraces and grade stabilization structures by the year 2000. The
proposed increase in street sweeping would result in fairly uniform residential
cleaning within the metropolitan area.
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Alternative Areawide Plan VI: Construction of a New Des Moines WWTP,
Segregation of Combined Sewers, Promotion of Cropland Runoff Control
Options, Possible Increases in Street Sweeping, Passage and Enforcement of
Ordinances to Control Erosion and Sedimentation from Construction Sites,
and Controls to Limit the Urban Development of Agricultural Land
This plan is similar in all respects to Plan V except that in addition to
cropland runoff control and increased street sweeping options for non-point
source control there would also be passage and enforcement of ordinances to
control erosion and sedimentation from construction sites and controls to
limit the rate and extent of urban development of agricultural land. This
could be carried out through county zoning actions.
Alternative Areawide Plan VII: Construction of a New Des Moines WWTP,
Segregation of Combined Sewers, Flow Separators for Combined Sewer
Overflows and Strategic Storm Sewer Discharges, Promotion of Cropland
Runoff Control Options, and Possible Increases in Street Sweeping
This plan is similar in all respects to Plan V except that in addition to
segregation of combined sewers for intermittent point source controls, flow
separators would be constructed at each of the combined sewer overflows and
at strategic storm sewer discharge points for the removal of significant
fractions of the grit, settleable solids and floatable solids in the respective
flows. In this way, the combined sewer overflows and storm sewer discharges
would receive a degree of physical treatment before being discharged to the
receiving stream.
Alternative Areawide Plan VIII: Construction of a New Des Moines WWTP,
Segregation of Combined Sewers, Flow Separators for Combined Sewer
Overflows and Strategic Storm Sewer Discharges, Promotion of Cropland
Runoff Control Options, Possible Increases in Street Sweeping, Passage and
Enforcement of Ordinances to Control Erosion and Sedimentation from
Construction Sites, and Controls to Limit the Urban Development of
Agricultural Land
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This plan is similar to Plan V except that flow separators would be
constructed at each of the combined sewer overflows and at strategic storm
sewer discharge points for additional intermittent point source control; and
that ordinances would be passed and enforced to control erosion and
sedimentation from construction sites and controls instituted to limit the rate
and extent of urban development of agricultural land. The latter could be
carried out through county zoning actions.
Selection of Preferred Technical Areawide Plan
The eight technical alternative areawide plans were systematically
screened by the Coordinating Committee with the benefit of detailed
comments from the consultants in the following seven areas: (1) detailed
costs; (2) environmental effects; (3) goal attainment; (4) operability,
reliability and flexibility; (5) public acceptability; (6) implementation feasibil-
ity; and (7) waste load characteristics.
Prior to the actual selection of the preferred plan, the Committee
removed the option of increasing street sweeping from all eight alternative
plans because they judged its costs not justifiable in light of the probable
benefits.
After group discussion of technical comments in each of the seven areas
listed, each member of the Coordinating Committee assigned a score of 1
through 10 to each of the areawide alternative plans for each criterion (1
indicates worst alternative; 10 indicates best). The average value of the
assigned scores in each area of evaluation was multiplied by the weighting
factor selected earlier by the Committee, and the final sum of products for
all areas was used as an indicator (though not the final decision) of
preference.
Committee balloting, discussion and final action led to the selection of
Alternative VIII.
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Alternate Management Plans
As soon as the work on the 208 Program reached the point where it was
possible to obtain a concept of the basic problems in regard to the point, non-
point and intermittent point systems, the Management Committee initiated
its work to develop a management plan capable of carrying out the 208
program as it was evolving. The Management Committee's work was initiated
with a very broad approach.
Requirements for a management plan may be obtained from examina-
tion of the Public Law 92-500, the Federal Regulations concerning it, and the
Federal Guidelines for Development of Management Plans under the 208
Program. A study of this material indicated that for the most part the
individual cities and counties within the 208 area had adequate power
individually to carry out a 208 wastewater management program. However,
no areawide wastewater management program developed. In order that
resources could be assembled on an area-wide basis to be applied to the
solution to areawide wastewater problems as required by the 208 program, it
was evident to the committee that it would be necessary to form a new
areawide organization to meet 208 requirements.
It was at this point that the committee began its consideration of the
various options for creating a new areawide organization.
The point source discharge problem can be divided into two parts.
Initially there was a central system serving Des Moines and the immediately
adjacent areas including those which could be reached by trunk sewers and
connected to the central system in the future. Beyond the ICA in the
remaining parts of the 208 area, there are mostly agricultural uses and 13
communities referred to as "outlying communities". Studies indicate that it
would not be economically feasible to bring the outlying communities into the
central system.
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Intermittent point-source pollution problems consist primarily of the
combined sewers within the City of Des Moines. However, this is not entirely
a City of Des Moines problem since communities north of the City of Des
Moines will become involved in this problem as plans are considered to
transport their sewage along the river to a common treatment plant.
EPA standards indicate the 208 programs must deal with both urban and
rural storm water runoff problems. Many of these appeared to require some
type of areawide coordinated approach if they were to be solved.
In analyzing the basic problems presented and the need for some type of
an areawide approach to their solution, the committee came to the conclusion
that there were three basic approaches.
1. Develop an inter-agency agreement (probably under Chapters 28E
and F) and an areawide wastewater agency (AWA) and charge it
with effecting the necessary coordination of action on the part of
the 23 cities and three counties, with doing the continuous 208
planning that is required, and establishing priorities and under-
taking general activities of this nature. Point source problems
could be solved by an extension of the systems developed in the
past, i.e., by inter-agency contracts with the City of Des Moines,
and the point-source system developed under this type of an
arrangement.
2. Under existing or under new legislation a new areawide agency
could be established which in addition to the planning, coordination
and priority setting described under Option 1 above, could itself
undertake the provision of wastewater treatment and possibly
transportation of major wastewater quantities, i.e., trunk sewers,
into the central treatment plant. Thus, there would be a planning
and coordinating agency as well as an operating agency. Such an
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agency could contract with the outlying communities or with other
cities and counties with the outlying communities or with other
cities and counties for providing such additional services as all
wastewater collection and treatment, storm drainage and such
other activities that are a part of the 208 program as might be
appropriate from time to time.
3. The third concept would be to create a new AWA by new legislation
which would in effect create a new agency for the 208 area. This
could give the AWA in addition to the planning, coordination and
priority setting activities, the collection and treatment activities
within the ICA and full responsibility for all water quality problems
in the 208 area. Such an agency could be governed by a Board that
would be elected by the voters, could be appointed by the
Governor, or could be selected by the 26 cities and counties.
Options
Under the three concepts there were a number of categories of options
that the management committee examined including the following:
Geographic Jurisdiction. The 208 area could be left alone, it could be
modified slightly to adjust its boundaries more closely to the watersheds, or it
could be reduced in area significantly, possibly down to the ICA area with the
remaining area in effect turned back to the Iowa DEQ.
Participation and Control as previously mentioned could be by the cities
and counties through some type of proportionate representation, could be
directly by the voters or by a Board appointed by the Governor.
Functions of such an agency could include the planning, priority setting
and coordination activities, particularly in regard to regulatory measures
utilized for control of non-point sources of pollution wastewater treatment,
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sanitary trunk sewer system, and then a number of other possible activities
including storm sewer trunks and laterals, monitoring of water quality,
sanitary sewer laterals, and even water supply.
Financing involves consideration of a number of options. User charges
to the cities and counties were considered as were user charges to the
individual users, assessments to benefited property, ad valorum taxes, issuing
of revenue bonds and general obligation bonds, and issuing of short-term debt
instruments.
Ownership of the facilities became an important consideration. Under
various options this could be the areawide agency, by the cities and counties
individually, or by the cities and counties with undivided interests.
Planning, Coordination and Monitoring could be done by the areawide
agency or partly by the areawide agency, partly by the cities and counties,
and partly by the Iowa DEQ.
Operation and Maintenance of facilities could be partly by the areawide
agency, partly by the cities and counties, all by cities and counties, or all by
the areawide agency.
There are a possible 77,760 management plans that may be considered
by combinations of these concepts and options. The committee began its
sutdy by deciding to reduce this number by first discussing the various
concepts, their advantages and disadvantages, and then relating these to the
various options for organization, activities, and responsibility. These
discussions resulted in the elimination of certain concepts as well as certain
options. When the committee had agreed upon the most desirable options
regarding the activities and functions of an AWA, it then went back and
reconsidered the various concepts that might be used for an organization to
handle what appeared to be the needed type of areawide activities. This
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brought about a reduction of management plans to two basic families of
alternatives with four possible options under each one. These are described in
detail in the memorandum developed by the staff for the January 5, 1977
technical and management committee meetings. However, the basic features
of the alternates are as follows.
Alternate I Family
The Alternate I family of management plans make as small an
adjustment as possible to the existing situation as required to comply with
208 requirements. Fundamentally, this alternate is based upon an areawide
agency that would be charged with planning, monitoring, programming, and
priority setting only. All other wastewater programs would be undertaken
and financed by the individual units of local government.
Alternate IA. Alternate IA would be a new AWA organization created
under section 28E and 28F of the Iowa Statutes by a new agreement effected
between the 26 cities and the three counties in the 208 area.
Alternate IB. Alternate IB would call for the City of Des Moines to
undertake the coordination, planning, priority-setting activities assisted by an
advisory committee composed of representatives of the other units of
government.
Alternate 1C. Alternate 1C would be quite similar to Alternate IB
except that the activity would be undertaken by the Des Moines Water Board.
Alternate ID. Alternate ID would be similar to Alternate IA but would
consist of a modification of the existing inter-governmental agreement which
established the Des Moines sewer planning policy and technical committees.
This would be amended to provide for the necessary continued planning
coordination and priority setting as required under the 208 program.
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Alternate.II Family
The Alternate II family would give the AWA certain construction and
operation.functions in addition to the planning, coordination and, priority-
setting. Under this family of, alternatives, there would be some form of
transfer of ownership of'existing facilities from local governmental jurisdic-
tions to the new agency.
Alternate HA. Under Alternate IIA the AWA would undertake the
construction, financing, operation and maintenance of the trunk sanitary
sewers and the treatment facilities in the ICA. Similar services could be
provided to outlying communities under voluntary agreements. A sample
plan was developed to indicate the approximate level of detail that should be
provided in the management plan that is incorporated into the 208 plan.
Alternate IIB. Alternate IIB would be quite similar to Alternate IIA
except that the Board that governs the AWA would be elected directly by the
people.
Alternate IIC. Under Alternate IIC, the City of Des Moines would be
designated as the areawide waste treatment management agency. A utility
board would be established as the organizational vehicle. The utilities board
would be established by amending Section 388 of the Iowa Code. Establish-
ment of such a board would also require approval by the voters at a city
election. The board could then proceed to carry out the same basic functions
as those provided under Alternate Plans IIA and IIB.
Alternate IIP. Alternate IID would organize the AWA as a metropolitan
sewer district under the requirements of Chapter 358 of the Iowa Code. This
requires a petition of 25 percent of the voters in each of the three counties as
well as a favorable referendum of the voters of the entire area. Once
established the sewer district would take over the ownership and management
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of all of the wastewater collection and treatment facilities within the 208
area, ICA and outlying communities.
Obviously there can be many variations and many changes in the details
of the various management alternative and these details may determine the
effectiveness of the management plan.
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CHAPTER IV - DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PLAN
General-Description
The proposed areawide plan. includes the construction of one new
areawide WWTP, segregation of combined sewers, flow separators for
combined sewer overflows and strategic storm sewer discharges, promotion of
cropland runoff control options, passage and enforcement of ordinances for
the control of erosion and sediment from construction sites, and reduction in
the urban development of unincorporated areas.
The plan calls for an expansion of the existing Des Moines WWTP
service area. Flows from Camp Dodge, Lovington, Urbandale - Beaver Creek,
Johnston, Saylor Township and West Ankeny would be transported along, the
west bank of the Des Mcmes River. Flows from East,Ankeny,, Altoona,
Bondurant, Delaware Township, and Pleasant Hill would be conveyed by
gravity along Four Mile Creek. Flows from West Bloom field, Lake wood,
Highland .Hills, Greenfield, Areas B and C, and Bloomfield would be
transported to the areawide WWTP by two lift stations, force mains, and
gravity sewers. The existing Des Moines WWTP would be abandoned and the
new areewide treatment facility would be constructed immediately east of
the present site. The year 2000 service population is estimated to be
approximately 360,000 and the peak hydarulic flow through capacity would be
165 MGD.
The sanitary flow from the northwest Des Moines area, Camp Dodge,
Lovington, Urbandale - Beaver Creek, Johnston, Saylor Township and West
Ankeny would be segregated by routing the flow through a new interceptor
sewer which is to be constructed parallel to the Westside. Interceptor. The
Westside Interceptor presently receives flow from combined sewers. Flow
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IV-2
from the combined system would enter the main outfall to the plant up to a
point where the dilution ratio of the combined flow system is 5 to 1. Flows in
excess of 5 to 1 would be diverted to the combined sewer overflows. Flow
separators would be constructed at 11 combined sewer overflows and at three
storm sewer discharges for the removal of significant fractions of the grit,
settleable solids, and floatable solids from the discharges. In this way, these
selected combined sewer overflows and storm sewer discharges would receive
some physical treatment before entering the receiving streams.
Non-point source controls contained within this plan would be achieved
through increasing the subsidy program for cost sharing on cropland runoff
controls, through the passage and enforcement of ordinances for the control
of erosion and sediment from construction sites, and through a reduction in
the rate of urban development of unincorporated areas. A cropland runoff
control subsidy program would provide cost sharing in addition to that
provided under existing programs in order to enable the construction of all
needed terraces and grade stabilization structures by the year 2000.
Construction site erosion and sediment control ordinances, if properly
enforced, would reduce the non-point source sediment loads to streams.
Reductions in the development of unincorporated areas would reduce
potential problems associated with septic tanks or long distance sewer
extensions, solid waste disposal, etc.
Description of Area wide Sub-systems
Interceptors
Plate V-l shows the proposed interceptor network in relationship to the
intensity development pattern for the year 2000 and the sites for the
equalization basins and lift stations proposed on the interceptor network. The
equalization basins vary in size from 0.22 to 7.72 million gallons and serve to
equalize extraneous flows from infiltration/inflow sources. Thus, use of the
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existing interceptor sewers would be optimized The capacity of each reach
of interceptor is shown on the attached plate together with the size of
interceptor proposed. A detailed description showing the plan and profile
sheets and the exact site proposed for the equalization basins are included in
the Appendix of the Phase III report.
Treatment Plant
The proposed wastewater treatment plant would have an average design
flow capacity of 50.83 MGD with a peak flow capacity of 165 MGD. The
proposed plant incorporates grease recovery and grit recovery facilities
followed by conventional primary clarification tanks. Following primary
sedimentation, the flow would be pumped across a synthetic trickling filter
media tower and for BOD reduction and then through an aeration tank for the
purpose of further BOD reduction and partial nitrification. Following the
tower and the aeration facilities, final sedimentation tanks would be provided
together with post-chlorination.
A recirculation system is incorporated into the biological stage of the
treatment process. The sludge generated from the plant would be
anaerobically digested and the digested sludge conveyed by truck to
agricultural land. As a back-up system, landfilling the sludge can be
accomplished also.
The proposed design, construction and plant start-up would occur over a
five-year period and be staged in such a manner that portions of the plant
could be utilized as soon as constructed. The carrying capacity of the present
interceptor system exceeds the design capacity of the proposed plant;
however, segregating combined sewers will substantially reduce flows to the
treatment plant. By providing a process which can be split treated, the plant
can be operated to obtain the degree of treatment necessary.
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The effluent standards would be as follows: The plant would be
designed for the anticipated flows for the year 2000. Present dry weather
flows are estimated to be approximately 80 percent of that total. All of the
peak capacity would be utilized once the proposed interceptor sewers are
made available.
During normal operations in dry weather, the plant could nitrify the
total flow if necessary. Increased plant efficiency from the standpoint of
effluent quality could be realized by the addition of coagulating chemicals for
additional suspended solids removal in both the primary clarification phase
and in the final clarification phase.
The plant would be controlled by a mini computer in order to
optimize power costs and treatment efficiency. By the time the new plant is
constructed, approximately four million gallons per day of industrial waste
would be treated. The strength of the industrial waste is expected to
decrease as time continues. The population served initially by the plant is
estimated to be 250,000 and the ultimate population served is estimated to be
approximately 360,000. A sketch of the process proposed is included,
together with the proposed plant layout.
Sludge Disposal
The grit recovered from the system would be washed and hauled to the
landfill. The grease collected would also be disposed by landfill. Primary
sludge from the primary clarification tanks would be pumped directly to
anaerobic digesters which are enclosed tanks. The biological sludge
generated from the process would be thickened first by gravity thickeners
(with or without chemical). The thickened biological sludge would then be
combined with the primary sludge in the anaerobic digesters for a period of
several days. Following digestion, the sludge would be dewatered utilizing
chemical conditioning and vacuum filters. The dewatered sludge would then
be trucked and spread on agricultural land in .icrordance with acceptable
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standards and in accordance with the rates determined for the crop and
conditions of the land. As an alternate the digester sludge could be hauled in
tank trucks and spread in liquid form on agricultural land by the use of "big-
wheel11 type hauling equipment. As a ba'ckup system the dewatered sludge
could be hauled to landfill for ultimate disposal.
Other sludge disposal options considered were incineration and produc-
tion of soil conditioners. The limiting factors affecting incineration are the
rising cost of fuels necessary for effective incineration, the questionable use
of increasingly scarce fuels for sludge disposal and the negative air quality
impact and/or high cost of emission controls to minimize air pollution.
The production of soil conditioners generally requires some form of
composting of sludge with organic matter such as wood chips, sawdust, leaves
or organic garbage. The recommended plan for sludge disposal does not
include this option because information on production costs and marketing of
the product were not available. However, the selected plan would not
preclude future development of the option should the economic indicators be
favorable.
Sludge is not a problem in outlying communities where wastewater is
treated in lagoons.
Management Plan
The management plan would be developed in two stages: an Interim
Plan, and a Final Plan described in more detail as follows:
Interim Management Plan
The interim management plan would take effect April 25, 1977, the
date of the expiration of the present 208 planning program.
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There would be a new "Areawide Wastewater Agency" created by
amending the "Sewer Planning Agreement" entered into in 1973 between the
Central Iowa Regional Association of Local Governments (CIRALG) and the
26 units of local governments in the 208 area. The new AWA would be
governed and operations under it conducted by basically the same arrange-
ment of committees used in the preparation of the 208 plan, i.e. -
Policy Committee
Technical Committee
with provisions for others, including Coordinating, Citizens and Financial
Committees.
No change would be made in the method of selecting committees, in the
committees' responsibilities or in the method of financing the operation.
The interim management plan would have a life of approximately two
years, being discontinued upon the creation of the ultimate management
system as described subsequently.
The interim AWA would have the responsibility for and it would be its
duty to carry out the following activities.
Program of the Interim Agency
I. Annual Update of 208 plan would be a major responsibility. For the
first year this should include data from the extensive sewer system evaluation
surveys and additional water quality monitoring particularly of the impact of
the combined sewers (as a precedent to reconsidering priorities for the flow
separator program). The Land Use Intensity Plan should be reviewed and
brought up-to-date.
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2. Setting of Annual Priorities for Construction. Initial schedules of
improvements have been made for. a five-year and a 20-year period. These
would be updated annually based on construction completed and new
improvements required.
3. Water Quality Monitoring on an areawide basis should be pro-
grammed in coordination with the local and DEQ monitoring programs.
Additional monitoring needed would have to be financed.
4. Assistance in Preparation of Grant Applications by the local
governmental units would be provided by AWA: Standard "back up" data and
material for such applications would be developed.
5. Coordination with Iowa DEQ would include:
A. Measurement of the relation between the water quality monitoring
and the water quality standards.
B. Review of water quality monitoring to establish compliance with
effluent standards. Recommended actions by local governments in
relation to violations of these standards.
C. Assistance to local governments in complying with NPDES permits.
D. Any review of sewer construction permits as requested by DEQ to
determine conformity with the 208 plan.
6. General Coordination for Control of Non-Point Pollution Sources
would provide for the AWA to undertake such of the following activities as
would be possible under staff and budgetary limitations:
A. Where a watershed was in more than one local governmental
jurisdiction, any of the local governments could request the AWA
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IV-8
to provide any coordination needed either in relation to improve-
ments proposed or to improvement of water quality.
B. A special committee could be established to work with the three
counties, the Iowa Department of Soil Conservation and the County
Soil Conservation Districts in the coordination of these programs
with the 208 program for the reduction in non-point agricultural
pollution.
C. AW A would encourage and assist local governments to enact and
enforce comprehensive programs to minimize non-point urban
pollution, such as:
(1) Storm drainage standards for new developments such as
retention basins, manhole diversions, screen separators, etc,
(2) storm drainage channels,
(3) land subdivision control,
(4) street surfacing and cleaning,
(5) snow and ice removal,
(6} erosion control during construction of public and private
project,
(7) littering regulations, and
(8) floodplain and floodway regulations.
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IV-9
D. Local governments would inform AWA of major new developments
and changes in zoning and development regulations. Any major
departures from the Land Use Intensity Plan would be made after
consultation with AWA to determine the effect of such changes on
the other parts of the 208 plan.
7. Preparation of Final Management System. A major responsibility of
the interim AWA is the consideration of remaining options and the
determination of the final management system in accordance with guidelines
provided in the following section.
Funding and Staffing of Interim Agency
Activities of the interim agency will require a staff possibly provided by
CIRALG as is done for the 208 program. This staff would be the core of the
much larger staff of the permanent agency. Actual staff and funding
requirements are to be determined.
Final Management Plan
The proposed inter-governmental agreement for an interim Areawide
Wastewater Agency (AWA) provides for the study and analysis of a final or
more permanent AWA. This could be accomplished by:
1. Use of Chapters 28E and 28F of the Iowa Statutes, possibly with
some amendments.
2. Passage of complete new legislation that would apply only to the
Des Moines 208 area.
3. Use of Chapter 358 which enables formation of sewer districts with
some amendments. The entire 208 area would be organized as a
sewer district under this approach.
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IV-lfl'
Basic Objectives. The basic objectives of the Final Management Plan
are to:
1. Enable compliance with EPA requirements for 208 Programs.
2. Enable establishment of a permanent water quality management
system on an areawide basis. With a few exceptions such as in the
case of the three counties, the individual local governments have
the power needed to meet water quality management requirements.
These are available for each unit of government individually, but
there is no method or system to bring these together, to combine
them into a coordinated areawide system.
3. Establish a viable areawide wastewater treatment agency with
sufficient power and finances to enable it to apply the resources of
the entire area to the areawide wastewater quality problems.
Investigations made as a part of the 208 Program have indicated
that a fragmented approach will not provide the needed improve-
ment in water quality because significant parts of the 208 area
cannot economically afford to install the facilities and improve-
ments needed to enable them to reach a minimum standard of
water quality. However, the resources of the entire 208 area
(particularly when supplemented with state and federal grants) are
sufficient to produce a solution to the wastewater problems, if
these are approached on an area-wide basis/1)
The Area-Wide Wastewater Agency (AWA) would have the following
characteristics:
A well managed area-wide agency would have more influence on state
and federal assistance policies and would be able to help the smaller
local governmental agencies in obtaining such assistance which involves
understanding of complex and ever-changing regulations and guidelines.
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IV-11
1. The name of the agency would include "Des Moines, Iowa" in order
to identify the locality particularly for prospective bond buyers and
thereby to take advantage of the excellent financial reputation
asspciated with the name.
2. The area of jurisdiction of the AWA would be the 208 area as
presently constituted. However, there would be provisions enabling
the area of jurisdiction to be extended, by annexation or for
reduction in. the area to take place after the AWA has been
established.
3. The membership of the AWA should tje the local governments
within the 208 area, i.e., the 23 cities and three counties. This
would enable the final management system to "evolve" out of the
interim system. By the present or a different representation
system, the members could elect a smaller Board of Directors to
manage the AWA affairs. If the option to use Chapter 358 is
chosen, the Board would be elected and the local governments
bypassed in the choice of the Board.
The final AWA would have four basic types of functions. These would
be: (1) construction and operation of facilities, (2) planning and monitoring,
(3) coordination, and (4) stand-by functions. These may be described in more
detail as follows:
1. Facilities Construction and Operation
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iv-12,
a. For the ICA/2) the AW A would own and operate all wastewater
treatment facilities as well as the trunk sewers. The trunk sewers
would include all sanitary sewers as defined/3^ force mains and
pumping stations. The trunk system would also include the
combined trunk sewers within the City of Des Moines. All AWA
operations would be in accordance with State regulations.
b. The outlying communities could own and operate their own systems
or the AWA could operate and finance these upon petition of and
agreement with the outlying community and upon entering into a
separate contract.
c. New trunk sewers and facilities would be financed and built by
AWA. If AWA finances do not allow construction of a facility
municipal or developer financing could be used. Provided that
AWA standards observed acquisition of the facility by AWA by gift
or otherwise could occur subsequently.
2. Planning and Monitoring
AWA would have four planning and monitoring functions as follows:
The ICA is the area served by the proposed year 2000 trunk system that
leads to the central treatment plant on the Des Moines River south and
east of the City of Des Moines. Several major new trunk sewers will
have to be built to serve this area and this construction would require
some time. The boundary of the ICA could change as the area served by
the central system changes. This, however, would introduce such
difficult administrative problems and serious financing uncertainties as
to make this impractical and to be avoided. When the AWA is
established the Board should determine the ICA boundaries in accordance
with the 208 Plan. The AWA should then assume responsibility for all
trunk sewers and all wastewater treatment in the year-2000 ICA and
impose its user charges uniformly over this area. If, in the future, a
greater area is served, the Board could increase the ICA. There would be
no decreases in this area as decreases would impair AWA financing.
See Phase I Report, Plate IV-3.
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IV-13
a. Each year the Board would bring the 208 program up-to-date and
transmit same to the governor's office. This could be done by a
staff within the AW A or by a contract. Public hearings and other
public participation would be a part of this process.
b. Each year, the AWA Board would establish priorities for construc-
tion of wastewater treatment facilities and collection systems (as
well as for other proposals of the 208 program) for all areas and
communities within the 208 area. These would be established by
the Board and would.be transmitted to the Iowa DEQ and the U.S.
EPA. Priorities would be established as a part of the AWA
budgetary process. There would be public hearings and local input
into the priority establishment system. This procedure would be an
important part of the AWA capital improvement program.
c. The Board may monitor and test water quality in the 208 area. The
AWA could maintain its own laboratory for water quality testing
purposes. This would be coordinated with the Iowa DEQ to avoid
any duplication.
d. The AWA would monitor all industrial discharges and levy and
collect all industrial cost-recovery charges (meeting EPA require-
ments) as well as monitor discharges to determine applicable
pretreatment requirements.
3. Coordination Functions
AWA would coordinate activities of Federal, State and local agencies in
the attack on water quality problems. This would include the following:
a. Urban Storm water Program. To comply with the EPA 208
requirement that there be an urban' storm run-off program, the
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IV-14
AWA would suggest and/or develop storm drainage management
system where a watershed was in more than one local governmental
jurisdiction. Storm drainage improvements proposed under such
systems with the approval of affected jurisdictions would be
constructed, financed and maintained by the local governmental
units affected, utilizing existing governmental powers. The local
government jurisdictions affected could contract with the AWA to
provide service in connection with these programs. The AWA
would be eligible to receive state and federal grants for these
storm drainage programs and to act as the agent of the local
governmental jurisdiction in dealing with them.
b. Non-Point Agricultural Pollution, a major source of difficulty in
connection with water quality within the 208 area, would be dealt
with by the AWA by the establishment of a special committee to
work with the Iowa Department of Soil Conservation and the
County Soil Conservation Districts to coordinate activities of these
agencies with the 208 program and to assist them in obtaining a
higher level of public funding.
c. Coordination with Iowa DEQ would include:
(1) Water quality standards established by DEQ could be moni-
tored by AWA or the DEQ with monitoring results obtained by
DEQ provided to the AWA.
(2) Effluent standards established by DEQ could be monitored by
AWA with AWA reporting on compliance with standards to
DEQ, or this procedure could be reversed. AWA would
undertake daily monitoring of the wastewater treatment
facilities under its control but would do surveillance moni-
toring only for those not under its control.
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IV-15
(3) NPDES permits issued by DEQ could be monitored by AWA.
AWA could monitor NPDES permits in outlying areas by
request. AWA would assist local governments in complying
with permit terms.
(4) Sewer construction permits now issued by DEQ for any
construction serving two or more users should be first
reviewed by AWA in order that the lateral and collection
systems be coordinated with the trunk and treatment systems.
Consideration should be given to DEQ delegating this entire
approval system to AWA.
(5) Solid waste disposal, mining and quarrying and feed lot
regulations would remain the responsibility of DEQ with AWA
undertaking an occasional water quality monitoring activity.
d. Joint activities would be necessary between the AWA and the local
governments. These are spepified in the subsequent section of the
plan.
e. Voluntary joint activities to improve water quality would be carried
on by AWA with the local governments. These would include:
(1) Conservancy Districts and County Soil Conservation Districts
would be assisted by the AWA agricultural committee. AWA
would monitor agriculturally-related pollution and soil loss
limits. Trends in agricultural practices insofar as their effects
on water quality would be reviewed and AWA would develop a
program of assistance (including financial) for further im-
provement of these practices.
(2) County Boards of Health responsibilities for control of septic
tanks and other individual or small treatment systems would
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rv-ie
not be changed. However, AWA would assist by monitoring
and investigating areas where septic tank and other such
systems are causing problems and would assist county govern-
ments in reaching solutions to them.
(3) County governments do not have authority to build lateral
collection systems and assess the cost against the area served,
although this might be included in county home rule legislation
now being considered. There are a number of developed
unincorporated areas where this needs to be done. AWA would
assist in obtaining the necessary legislation and would work
with county governments in financing and building the collec-
tion systems.
(4) City and County Governments would be encouraged to enact
and enforce comprehensive programs designed to minimize
non-point urban pollution. AWA would suggest minimum
standards and encourage enforcement of, or programs in
connection with:
(a) Storm drainage standards for new developments such as
retention basins, manhole diversions, screen separators,
etc.
(b) Storm drainage channels
(c) Land subdivision control
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IV-17
4. Standby Authority
The AW A would have standby authority to contract with local
governmental units for the provision of entire sanitary sewer systems,
including collectors and laterals, to provide storm sewer trunk and lateral
systems and to provide complete wastewater service. There should also be a
standby authority for the AWA to provide water supply and distribution
services by contract. These can all be done under Chapters 28E and 28F of
the Iowa Statues. It would be essential for AWA to maintain a good cost
accounting system for this and for other purposes.
Local Government Obligations. Sanitary sewer collection and treat-
ment services would be provided by AWA with all of the units of local
government in the ICA and with any of those of the 13 outlying communities
that desire to use the AWA services. In consultation with local governments,
AWA would develop minimum standards and each local government in the ICA
would:
1. Require sanitary sewer connection permits and enact and enforce
plumbing and building regulations including those that prevent
foundation and roof drains from being hooked up with the sanitary
sewer system. Fees for these permits would belong to the local
governments;
2. Enforce minimum standards regulating characteristics of materials
discharged into sanitary sewers;
3. Inform the AWA of major new developments and changes in zoning
and development regulations. Further, the local governments
would agree not to undertake major departures from the Land Use
Intensity Development Pattern without consultation with AWA to
determine the effect of such changes on the sanitary trunks or
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IV-18
treatment facilities. If such changes would necessitate a replace-
ment, enlargement or duplication of sanitary sewer trunks of
treatment facilities, AWA would determine the needed improve-
ments as well as their costs. After a public hearing, the AWA
would determine whether or not it should undertake such improve-
ments. If the AWA determines that such improvements should not
be made, the local unit of government would have the option of
making and financing the improvements; and
4. Develop, adopt and finance programs for the reduction of infiltra-
tion and inflow in the sanitary sewer system; enact ordinances, or
changes in ordinances, necessary to reduce excessive amounts of
infiltration/inflow.
AWA would have the authority to establish enforcement measures for
municipal obligations in the ICA. Contracts between AWA and outlying
communities would include agreements covering such obligations.
Ownership. The AWA would assume ownership of trunk sewers and
treatment facilities within the ICA and those outlying communities desiring
to use AWA services. Trunk and treatment facilities would be purchased by
AWA through an assumption by AWA of the debt that has been occasioned by
construction of the trunk and treatment facilities by paying to the local
government each year a sum equal to retirement and interest payments for
that year.^ Reserve funds accumulated to retire such debt would be used to
postpone AWA payments until the reserve funds are exhausted.
Existing sewer districts in the 208 area should be eliminated as a part of
the management plan. Legislation establishing the AWA could provide for
Consideration should be given to other means of compensation as
considered by the management committee.
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IV-19
this with the AWA assuming responsibility for debt payments and the cities
taking over the lateral and collector sewers. A special legal analysis will
need to be made of the best method to accomplish this and this method would
differ if the 208 area is organized as a sewer district.
AWA should have the authority to assume the operation and mainte-
nance of a trunk sewer and to postpone assuming ownership until the trunk
sewer has been placed in a satisfactory condition, until any law suits based on
its adequacy or condition have been settled, or until an agreement concerning
AWA liability has been negotiated with the local government.
Financing. It is important that the AWA have as flexible a financing
system as possible so that it can pay its costs in the most reasonable way
possible. The following are more important elements of the financing system:
1. Costs of planning, monitoring and coordination as previously
defined would be paid for by a real estate tax levied against the
entire 208
2. Construction and operation and maintenance of the wastewater
trunk collection and the wastewater treatment facilities within the
ICA and within any outlying communities desiring to use AWA
services would be financed by a user charge. The user charge
would be based on the amount of water used by each individual user
and would conform with EPA requirements. The user charges
would be uniform throughout all areas served by the AWA: (Some
exceptions might be made or a differential rate used where a larger
water user pre-treats sufficiently.) Standard EPA regulations for
The alternative is to charge these costs against the local governments on
the same basis as the voting. The difficulty with an assessment scheme
is that only parts of the three counties are in the 208 area and the
counties would not be able to pay an assessment without charging persons
who do not live in the 208 area.
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IV-20
user charges and for industrial cost recovery would be used when
federal grants were a part of the financing. User charges would be
established each year by the Board as a part of the budgetary
process. Existing intergovernmental sewer contracts would be
cancelled at the time that the AW A goes into operation.
3. AWA would have the power to apply for, receive and spend federal
grants either directly or on a "pass through" procedure.
4. The AWA would be able to issue short-term income anticipation
notes to finance its operations pending collection of user charges.
5. The AWA by action of its Board could issue revenue bonds for
capital improvements based on the user charges. To make the
revenue bonds saleable, revenues would have to cover operation and
maintenance facilities, other fixed obligations and costs and bond
interest and amortization, with a coverage factor of probably 1.2
to 1.5. Thus, if revenue bonds are issued, it would be necessary to
have the user charges higher than the actual money required for
bond amortization and interest, purchase payments, and for
operation and maintenance of the system.
6. AWA would have the authority to issue general obligation bonds
backed up by the ability of the AWA to impose a real-estate tax to
amortize and pay interest on the bonds. AWA would not have to
impose the real estate tax; it would just be necessary for it to have
the authority to do so. The bonds could be amortized by the user
charges. However, with the ability to impose the real estate tax, it
would not be necessary to have such an extensive bond coverage as
would be the case with revenue bonds. Furthermore, considerable
sums of money could be saved as the general obligation bonds could
be issued at a lower interest rate.
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IV-21
Staffing and Budget. When in full operation, the permanent AWA as
described above would have a total staff of about 125 to 150 persons and a
total budget of $3,000,000 per year, about ten percent of which ($300,000)
would represent administrative, coordination and planning expense. The
administrative and planning costs of the final agency would be about twice
those of the interim agency.
Time Table. A time table must be agreed upon prior to design and/or
construction of any wastewater facilities that serve more than one political
jurisdiction. A possible time table for putting the management plan into
effect would be:
1. Interim management plan April, 1977 -
and interim AWA April, 1979
2. Enact new AWA legislation by March, 1979 (+)
3. Elect first AWA Board April, 1979
4. Interim financing for AWA, April, 1979 to
filling of key staff positions, June 30, 1980
establishment of first AWA
budget, rate charges, acquisi-
tion of trunks and treatment
plants, transfer of employee
arrangements, etc.
5. AWA first year of full June 30, 1980 to
operation June 30, 1981
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V-l
CHAPTER V -
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED PLAN
General Approach to Assessment of Environmental Effects
Environmental input was provided at many steps in the planning process.
In particular, these were: (1) an inventory and analysis of existing physical,
biological, social and economic conditions in the study area (Work Elements
30 and 32); (2) an investigation of land use and water quality relationships as
they affect planning in the study area (Work Element 34); (3) development of
a baseline projection of relevant environmental, social and economic factors
(Work Element 52); (4) screening of subplans with respect to environmental
effects (Work Element 59); (5) the establishment of significant environmental
restraints relating to water quality (Work Element 61); and (6) the screening
of areawide plans with respect to environmental effects (Work Element 70).
This report is the final step - an overview of the environmental impact of the
preferred plan.
Steps 4 and 6 also provided opportunity for resident professional
personnel and private citizens in the study area to examine environmental
information and its use in relation to the overall planning effort.
Impacts on Water
The proposed areawide plan is a combination of subplans for the
reduction and control of point, intermittent-point and non-point sources of
pollution. Alternative subplans were developed in each area on the basis of
existing water quality data and on water quality projections made with the
Storm Water Management Model (SWMM).
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V-2
The existing water quality and quantity data, summarized in Chapter II
of this report, serve three important functions in assessing the environmental
impact of the proposed plan. They give a general overview of the existing
water quality and quantity in the 208 study area; they identify areas where
water quality and quantity problems exist and thereby assist in locating
specific sources of pollution; and they use existing water quality data for
calibration of the storm water management model. Calibration is an essential
step in the development of a valid model capable of predicting water quality
under varying conditions of stream flow, temperature and waste input.
Calibration requires a data base compiled for a particular stream condition or
event. The state of the art in receiving water modeling allowed for the
adjustment of modeling parameters in order to simulate actual stream quality
within reasonable accuracy.
Model calibration for the 208 study entailed fitting the computer model
to known and estimated low-flow quality and quantity information and
adjusting the model coefficients (i.e., reaeration decay, roughness, etc.) that
has not been specified by known or measured values.
After model calibration dry and wet weather conditions were modeled
under present and future conditions. Projecting water quality conditions is
useful in developing options for the control of pollution sources - it allows for
the evaluation of future land use plans, crop management plans and point-
source management plans, with regard to their effect on water quality and
quantity in the study area. Various control options and subplans were
modeled for non-point and intermittent point sources of pollution. Reduc-
tions in mass loadings of pollution with respect to existing conditions were
generated for point-source control options and subplans, and resulting water
quality conditions in the receiving streams were simulated.
The proposed plan would reduce wasteloads (BOD, suspended solids and
ammonia nitrogen) discharged to receiving streams by approximately 60
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V-3
percent due to the point source control strategy. Intermittent source
wasteloads (including fecal coliform bacteria) would be reduced by approx-
imately 30 to 50 percent. Non-point source wasteloads would be reduced by
approximately 60 to 70 percent.
While the point-source control portion of the proposed area wide plan
would have little effect on water quantity in the study area, it would have a
major impact on surface water quality.
Under both 1975 conditions and dry weather conditions, streams such as
Fourmile Creek, Camp Creek, and North River exhibit D.O. concentrations
below 4.0 mg/1, ammonia-nitrogen levels in excess of 2.0 mg/1, and fecal
coliform counts in excess of 18,000 MPN/100 ml. Although standards are not
violated in these general classification streams under dry weather conditions,
the water quality in these streams under 10-year, 7-day low flow is poor. The
water quality in the Raccoon River is very good under these conditions
because no waste water is discharged to it in the 208 study area. Beaver
Creek, however, exhibits a multitude of water quality violations during 10-
year, 7-day low flow conditions. Dissolved oxygen levels lower than 3.0 mg/1,
ammonia-nitrogen concentrations in excess of 3.0 mg/1, and fecal coliform
counts totaling more than 60,000 MPN/100 ml occur. These water quality
violations appear to be due to the wastewater discharges from the Grimes and
Urbandale treatment plants.
The middle Des Moines River (from Saylorville Dam to the Raccoon
River) exhibits very good water quality due primarily to the insignificant
pollutant loading it receives either directly or from its various tributaries.
However, the lower Des Moines River (Raccoon River to Red Rock Reservoir)
does exhibit dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform violations during low-flow
conditions. The dissolved oxygen concentration reaches a minimum of
approximately 4.2 mg/1 about ten miles below the Des Moines main plant. In
addition fecal coliform counts approach 80,000 MPN/100 ml in the Des
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V-4
Moines River immediately downstream of the Des Moines main plant.
Although it is apparent that these violations during low flow conditions are
caused by the discharge from the Des Moines Main plant is should be noted
that the Des Moines River recovers to meet stream standards about 20 miles
below the plant outfall.
In summary, violations of the state's water quality standards under 10-
year 7-day low-flow conditions occur on Beaver Creek due to discharges from
the Grimes and Urbandale plants, and on the Des Moines River due to the
discharge from the Des Moines main plant.
Under the proposed plan, many outlying wastewater treatment plants
will be eliminated. Water quality in Beaver Creek would improve substantial-
ly. Winter D.O. levels and summer and winter ammonia-nitrogen concentra-
tions would be well above state standards. D.O. concentrations during the
summer months at Qio-7 mav drop slightly below average standards in Beaver
Creek due to the Grimes discharge, but overall improvement in water quality
will be significant.
In the Des Moines River, under low flow conditions, water qualtiy
improves greatly under the proposed plan. Dissolved oxygen, ammonia-
nitrogen, and fecal coliform levels all fall within water quality standards.
Under wet weather conditions, both water quality and water quantity
(to a lesser extent) would be affected by the implementation of the proposed
plan. During Phase I of the 208 planning process, the 1 year - 24 hour, 5 year
- 24 hour, and 10 year - 24 hour storm events were modeled. Results of this
modeling effort appear in the Phase I report. The effect on area receiving
streams varied greatly. An evaluation of the pollutional impact of wet
weather on Beaver Creek begins with an inspection of dissolved oxygen
concentrations. Average dissolved oxygen values for the 1-year, 5-year and
10-year 24-hour storms were similar with values above 5.0 mg/1 at all
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V-5
locations except one. At Beaver Creek river mile 16.8 average dissolved
oxygen levels were determined to be approximately 3.0 mg/1 with the 10-year
storm having the highest value of 3.72 mg/1 and the 5-year storm having the
lowest dissolved oxygen level of 2.93 mg/1. These values would appear to be
below the Iowa Department of Environmental Quality's required daily
minimum for dissolved oxygen of 5.0 mg/1.
Average fecal coliform concentrations in Beaver Creek for the modeled
storms generally increased toward the creek mouth. While values for all
three storm events were of the same order of magnitude, concentrations
occurring during the 10-year storm were consistently the highest. Maximum
values in Beaver Creek were over 40,000 MPN/lOOml.
Dissolved oxygen concentrations for Walnut Creek indicate concentra-
tions above the State's standards at all locations for the three modeled storm
events except at the creek mouth during the 1-year storm. The dissolved
oxygen value at this point was 1.81 mg/1 during the 1 year storm. Dissolved
oxygen concentrations for the 5-year and 10-year storms at the mouth of
Walnut Creek approached 8.0 mg/1. Fecal coliform concentrations in Walnut
Creek were consistently higher during the 10-year storm event than during
the other storm events modeled, with a maximum of about 70,000 MPN/100
ml.
An evaluation of the pollutional impact of the three modeled wet
weather conditions on the Des Moines River involved not only runoff, dry
weather point source dischargers, and wet weather point source dischargers,
but also other sources of pollutional loading to the river. These other sources
include the flows and loads from Beaver Creek, Walnut Creek, and Raccoon
River and both storm and combined sewer overflow loadings from the City of
Des Moines and other sewered areas. During wet weather modeling, the
dissolved oxygen limits fell below minimum State standards from river mile
204 to 206 (the two-mile reach below the confluence of Beaver Creek and the
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V-6
Des Moines River). Ammonia nitrogen concentrations exceeded 2.0 mg/1
from river mile 198 to 206 (the eight-mile reach between the confluence of
Beaver Creek and the Des Moines River and Highway 69 bridge). Also, fecal
coliform concentrations above 2,000 MPN/100 ml were evident from river
mile 190 to 196 (the six-mile reach below the Des Moines Main sewage
treatment plant outfall). Although these levels do not seem extremely
critical when compared with historical river data, a consideration of the
baseline flow rates preceding the 10-year storm in the Lower Des Moines
River (12,000 cfs from Saylorville Dam and 4,000 cfs from Raccoon River)
indicate a considerable mass loading of pollutants and, consequently, a
potential for water quality problems.
Other major sources of water quality and quantity problems have been
evaluated throughout the 208 planning process. Intermittent and non-point
sources such as urban and agricultural runoff, storm and combined sewer
overflows, and various point - non-point sources received engineering
considerations and computer modeling efforts to evaluate their impact on the
study area receiving streams. Results of these investigations are reported in
Work Elements 55, 56, 57, 59, and 70.
Under the intermittent point source control portion of the proposed
areawide plan, separated sewage will be removed from the combined sewer
system, thereby decreasing both flow and waste concentration from the
combined system. Also, flow separators would be installed at selected
combined and storm sewer discharge points. These control options will
greatly reduce pollutional loading to the Des Moines River. This would have a
substantial effect on improving water quality and reducing water quality
violation. It should be noted that the intermittent controls will not reduce
the overall quantity of wastewater generated.
Under the non-point source control portion of the proposed plan,
pollution loadings to all receiving streams will be greatly reduced. This
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V-7
control subplan, together with the point source and intermittent point source
control portions of the proposed plan, will eliminate all water quality
violations in major receiving streams in the study area.
Projections (year 2000) made with the SWMM model showed that future
development in the area would increase the quantity of non-point pollution
compared with present quantities and conditions (Table V-7, CIRALG, 1976a).
However, by modifying future development to minimize water quality impact
and by increasing measures to minimize agricultural runoff, projected
pollution was substantially reduced in all parameters.
In summary, the environmental impact of the proposed areawide plan on
water quality and quantity must be viewed with three main considerations.
First, modeling results indicate that the proposed plan will substantially
improve water quality in the study area when compared to existing
conditions. It will eliminate water quality violations which presently exist in
the area's receiving streams under both critical dry and -wet weather
conditions; this is one of the main purposes of the 208 planning process. It
will also tend to reduce the quantity of wastewater generated in the study
area to a limited extent.
Secondly, the proposed plan does not appear excessive in its control
requirements. Although water quality violations indicated by the modeling
and by existing data are eliminated, the plan does not require controls to such
an extent that excessively good water quality results, or that implementation
and operation costs are excessive.
Thirdly, the overall proposed areawide plan is a combination of three
source-specific subplans. In order to obtain the overall objectives of the 208
plan, all pollution sources (point, intermittent, and non-point) must be
addressed and controlled. Although overall implementation of the proposed
areawide plan will obviously be a phased project, the acceptable results with
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V-8
regard to improved water quality depend not on one source option control
alone, but implementation of all three source control portions of the plan.
Impacts on Air
There are two air pollutants for which maintenance plans have been
prepared for Polk and Warren Counties: carbon monoxide and suspended
particulates. In the City of Des Moines auto exhaust emissions account for
approximately 90 percent of the carbon monoxide (CIRALG, 1974). Auto
engines themselves emit only a small fraction of suspended particulates, but
they can generate a large amount of fugitive dust depending on roadway and
weather conditions. Urban and non-urban land surfaces in the study area
contain sources of fugitive dust - unpaved roads and parking lots. Industrial
air emissions are under good control in the study area at the present time
(Moss, 1975).
The proposed plan would have no major primary impact on the air
quality of the City of Des Moines or the region. No sludge incineration is
anticipated, and air emissions from the proposed collection and treatment
facilities will be minimal. Odors will be controlled to meet city standards.
During construction locally disruptive fugitive dust can be generated
depending on weather and soil-water conditions during excavation.
The proposed plan will have a positive impact on air quality mainte-
nance in the long run through its designation of permanent open space areas
and corridors in the intensity development pattern. These areas will serve as
sinks for a certain fraction of the air pollution in the vicinity and they also
serve to decrease the overall density of air-polluting land uses.
The form of growth anticipated in the area will require continued strong
reliance on the private automobile. This will cause the potential for carbon
monoxide pollution to rise; the potential will be held in check by the success
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V-9
of auto manufacturers to design and build low emission engines. The
development of an areawide mass transit plan could aid in controlling air
pollution, but no active planning is currently underway for this option.
Impacts on Land Use
The procedures followed in developing the areawide wastewater
management plan were designed to focus early In the study on the
interrelationships between land use and water quality. Thus an Intensity
Development Pattern (Land Use Plan) was utilized as the base for the future
point, intermittent point and non-point source plans which make up the
areawide plan.
In developing the Intensity Development Pattern (IDP), analyses of land
use relative to water quality, detailed soil capability and environmental
analyses were made for the area. In addition, local policies as represented in
each jurisdiction's comprehensive plan and policies were evaluated. Alterns-
tive IDP's were formulated and included: (1) Minimum Public Expenditures
Pattern, which was based on limited public expenditures for additional
utilities systems; (2) a Minimum Environmental Effect Pattern, based on land
use decisions to achieve minimum negative environmental effects; and (3)
Composite Pattern, based on present development plans for local govern-
ments adjusted to reflect regional population estimates. The IDP selected,
after public hearing, involved key parts from each. The Composite Plan was
adopted, with adjustments to include selected elements of both the Minimum
Public Expenditures Pattern and the Minimum Environmental Effects Pattern.
Thus, the IDP selected reflected environmental and cost considerations as
well as the political realities of the area.
The IDP was used as a basis for development of the Areawide
Wastewater Plan. Point source flows and run-off and intermittent flows were
developed, wherever possible, from the IDP. Many of the non-point source
areas of concern were an outgrowth of the environmental analysis.
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V-10
Because of the desirability of providing a regional treatment facility,
the final areawide plan includes serving suburban and satellite communities
such as Ankeny, Altoona and Bondurant through the extension of large trunk
sewer lines through undeveloped agricultural land in unincorporated areas.
(See Plate V-l.) The Management Plan calls for control of development
pressure along these trunk lines (which under the IDP are to remain in
agricultural use) by a coordinated program based on the construction permit
requirement by Iowa DEQ. Approval by DEQ of a permit to construct would
be based in part upon design capacity of the trunk line and the allocation of
wastewater treatment units for a jurisdiction as reflected in the IDP. The
AWA (through CIRALG) would have responsibility for local conformance with
the water quality portions of the IDP and would provide to DEQ the waste
treatment units allocated to each local jurisdiction. The procedure is
somewhat complex, and limiting development will be most difficult to
accomplish. It will require the desire and cooperation of the affected local
jurisdictions. This will be the major impact of the Areawide Wastewater
Management Plan on land use.
A major element of the non-point program could be the restriction of
development in unincorporated areas. This would be accomplished by
requiring very large lots (such as three to five acres) before a permit to use a
septic tank could be granted. This would direct urban growth into those areas
served by the sanitary sewer systems. This should not overload the sewer
systems because their capacities are designed to accommodate projected
growth and to allow reasonable flexibility.
The impact of the Areawide Wastewater Management Plan on existing
development will consist primarily on the disruptions and other problems
associated with new construction through developed areas, as well as the
improvement in value and desirability of land uses for which plan improve-
ments will reduce water quality problems (such as basement back-ups and
septic tank failures). Specific impacts would be:
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PLATE V-1
PRELIMINARY INTENSITY
DEVELOPMENT PATTERN
-YEAR 2000-
I 1 RESIDENTIAL - LOW DENSITY
I 1 (LESS THAN 1 D.U./ACRE)
I RESIDENTIAL - MEDIUM DENSITY
(1 TO SB D.U./ACRE)
••••• RESIDENTIAL - HIGH DENSITY
17 OR MORE D.U./ACRE)
Dlillil NON-RESIDENTIAL
HHIti LOW INTENSITY
WMMM NON-RESIDENTIAL
t&Smi LOW INTENSITY (SPECIAL)
H NON-RESIDENTIAL
MEDIUM INTENSITY
I NON-RESIDENTIAL
I HIGH INTENSITY
I | CROPLAND
I I PASTURE, FOREST i VACANT
PERMANENT OPEN SPACE
WATER
PROPOSED MAJOR TRUNK LINE
D
PROPOSED REGIONAL TREATMENT
FACILITY
OTHER TREATMENT FACILITIES
AREA SUBJECT TO DEVELOPMENT
PRESSURES FROM TRUNK LINE
LOCATION
PI [SCALE IN MILES!
KIRKHAM
MICHAEL
CENTRAL IOWA REGIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
KIRKHAM MICHAEL AND ASSOCIATES
HARLAND BARTHOLOMEW AND ASSOCIATES
AMERICAN CONSOITING SERVICES, INC.
TENECH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS,
INC. • CARLETON D BEH AND COMPANY
PIETAIATION Of THIS MAF WAS FINANCED THIOUGH A OIANT FIOM THt
US ENVIRONMENTAL MOTECTION AGCNCT UNDfX SECTION 201 Of THI
FEDERAL MATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT AMENDMENTS Of 1972
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V-]2
1. In the ICA the construction of sewer trunk lines through developed
areas will cause temporary disruption of land uses. In most
instances the trunk lines follow the stream valleys, where minimal
disruption to urban development occurs. However, the ecosystem
would be temporarily impacted in the natural areas.
2. Within the ICA, the interceptor system for segregating the
combined system through the developed areas will disrupt the urban
land uses that are adjacent to it. Where this involves location in a
street it will be particularly disruptive to residents and to street
traffic for a short period of time.
3. Construction of flow separators at points throughout the ICA will
have a disruptive impact during construction. The land area
required for a flow separator is relatively small {less than one
acre). They will be located either in the downtown area or along
trunklines following a stream. Construction in the downtown area
will be temporarily difficult and disruptive. When completed, the
flow separators will be totally underground and the land use can be
resumed without adverse impact.
4. Within the ICA, the construction and location of equalization basins
may have adverse impacts. An equalization basin could have as
much as 10 to 15 feet of the structure above grade and will be a
sizeable physical structure relative to other uses. In many cases,
these have been located in areas where abandoned lagoons exist and
where they are well separated from adjacent residential uses.
Surrounding land areas could be graded and landscaped to minimize
visual intrusion.
5. The .additional sewage capacity provided to the entire ICA by the
point source improvements (including trunk line extensions) will
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V-13
improve the overall health, desirability, and aesthetics of the urban
area, which now has marginal or less than satisfactory point-source
control.
6. The ability of the regional system to sewer homes presently on
septic tanks in the corridor between Ankeny and the City of Des
Moines would increase the quality and health conditions of that
area for residential development. Other areas which are presently
served by septic tanks and would be picked up in the southern part
of the ICA would be helped as well.
7. In the outlying communities there would be some disruption
associated with construction of new trunks or treatment facilities,
or expansion of existing treatment facilities. At the same time,
the ability of the new facilities to alleviate existing problems
would make each community a more desirable place to live.
8. The enforcement by local government of erosion controls for
construction sites would be particularly helpful to those existing
land uses in the areas where new development will take place.
With new construction required to meet erosion standards, the
property owners will be protected from damage to the storm water
system and sedimentation on their property.
The land use pattern which exists today would not be significantly
altered. Travel patterns and other service patterns such as solid waste
disposal would not change from the present pattern.
Land Use Impact on Anticipated New Development
Future development in the 208 study area would be greatly affected by
the location and timing of the Implementation Areawide Wastewater
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V-14
Management Plan. The projection of population for the study area calls for a
population growth to 400,000 by the year 2000. The development of the
utility system would help the region to meet the 400,000 population
projection by making the community more attractive to industry and to
residential growth than it has been during this moratorium period. The Des
Moines Area can market itself as a metropolitan area which has come to grips
with the problems of wastewater management. It would have instituted a
management system and the technical plans necessary to provide for its
future. Future industry and other investment will see this as an example of a
farsighted community and location in the Des Moines area will be much more
attractive to it.
Impacts of the plan on new development in the 208 area are listed
below:
1. Within the ICA the extension of trunk lines through undeveloped
agricultural portions of the unincorporated areas can be expected
to be the most critical land use problem resulting from the plan.
Easements would be required from land owners who in turn would
have to be told that they cannot tie on to the trunk line which
extends through their property unless the projected population and
land use is in conformance with the adopted IDP and technical
requirements. The value of the land surrounding this trunk line
would increase and the desire of those owning the land or land
around to subdivide or to develop would increase. Under any
circumstances it would be extremely difficult to keep involved
communities or counties from revising the intensity development
pattern and thus permitting development along the trunk lines. The
three to which this applies are those shown on Plate V-l: (1) the
area between Des Moines and the East Ankeny treatment plant; (2)
the area between Pleasant Hill and Altoona and between Altoona
and Bondurant; and (3) the area from Lakewood subdivision to south
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V-15
Des Moines, in Warren County. One of the outcomes of this
problem may be the annexation of portions of the unincorporated
area by adjacent cities and eventual revision of their allocation of
land use.
2. The development of the west trunk from Des Moines to the West
Ankeny plant would open up that corridor for development. This is
in conformance with the IDP and would allow such development to
take place with sewer service.
3. As a result of the development of satellite cities and suburban
cities, some agricultural land which might be kept in production
would be utilized for residential and commercial/industrial de-
velopment.
4. As a result of the expansion of the satellite cities, some additional
travel costs and increased travel patterns between these communi-
ties and the urban center can be expected. Only limited growth is
expected in the outlying communities; upgrading existing facilities
will have only minimal effects on growth of these cities. As in the
usual case, the wastewater system for smaller localized cities
follows development resulting from other influences.
(The proposed freeway through the eastern and southern sectors of the
central urban area was not included in 208 considerations because completion
was not considered likely prior to the year 2000.)
Biological Impacts
Rare/Endangered Species
The preferred plan has no identifiable, direct impact on the status of
rare/endangered plant or animal species in the study area. Land areas
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V-16
directly affected by proposed facilities construction have already been
disturbed by urban and agricultural land uses to the extent that potential
habitats of rare/endangered species are destroyed or irretrievably altered.
In order to protect habitat space in the study area where native plant
and wildlife species (including endangered ones) can persist or thrive,
permanent open space must be protected in the vicinity of Saylorville Lake
and Big Creek Reservoir, the old channel of the Skunk River and the Raccoon
River floodplain area - particularly the Dallas County and southeast Polk
County portions. These areas all offer wetland and wooded habitats. The
proposed Intensity Development Pattern, where applicable, provides this
protection. The Iowa State Conservation Commission is working for the
protection of additional prairie remnant sites, including one site in the
northern part of the study area now privately owned.
Wildlife Habitats
Wildlife habitat areas in the study area other than those just mentioned
are the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers and all their tributaries, Dale Maffit
Reservoir, Brenton Slough (Beaver Creek South of Granger) and the State and
County parks mentioned earlier in this report. Operation of the areawide
treatment plant proposed in the plan along with the proposed control of
combined and storm sewer overflow discharges to the Lower Raccoon River
and Des Moines River between Birdland-Union Park and the present
treatment plant will improve quality to the extent described in the Water
Quality section of this Chapter, beginning approximately two to four years
from now. Improvement in cropland runoff controls proposed in this plan will
also improve water quality in a significant way starting in about five years
from now. These improvements in water quality will gradually improve
conditions for fish and other aquatic animal species in the study area.
Perhaps the most significant positive impact of water quality on aquatic
animal habitat will come from reduced pollutant loadings on small tributary
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V-17
streams in outlying areas as a result of agricultural non-point pollution
controls The most important positive impact of the plan on terrestrial
wildlife habitats would be in protecting the floodway corridors along the
Raccoon, Walnut, Beaver, Des Moines, Four Mile, Middle and North Rivers
(Creeks) as called for in the Intensity Development Pattern. (See Plate V-l.)
In each case composites of aquatic, wetland, floodplain forest and gradations
toward upland forest habitats are protected to the long-term benefit of plant
and animal species.
The impact of the plan on eutrophication of waterways in the area and
its resultant impact on aquatic wildlife is not easily predicted. The operation
of Saylorville Dam and Lake will have a profound impact on the ecological
dynamics in the Des Moines River through the study area regardless of the
impact of the proposed 208 plan. Improved control of nutrient-rich runoff
from cropland may help slow eutrophication slightly, but the effect of
residual nutrients in lake and reservoir sediments (particularly phosphorus)
will continue for a long time even if there is a marked decrease in nutrient
inputs.
Crops and Managed Vegetation
The proposed plan recognizes the prime importance of agricultural
productivity to the study area and the Nation. There are approximately
351,000 acres (68 percent of the study area) now used for cropland, and
322,000 acres (63 percent) are projected to remain in cropland by the year
2000. Intensity Development Pattern alternatives calling for a smaller
decrease in cropland were considered socially and economically unfeasible.
Water and soil conservation measures recommended by the plan as non-point
source pollution control measures would contribute to the maintenance of
crop productivity with lower levels of fertilizer supplementation. These
measures are also critically important to the protection of long-term soil
fertility and agricultural potential.
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V-18
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Sources of Potable Water
The lower Raccoon River Valley is protected in the proposed plan by its
designation as permanent open space to the limit of the 100-year floodplain.
The floodplain of two major tributaries, Sugar and Walnut Creeks, are also
designated as permanent open space. This designation by the plan is a
minimum requirement for these areas; additional protective measures may be
required in the coming years to minimize the potential hazard brought by
contaminated runoff or contaminated groundwater moving in the watershed
toward the lower Raccoon. A limit on all direct discharges to the Raccoon
River for a five-mile zone extending upstream from the intake galleries
(approximately to 1-35) is also a minimum requirement (Johnson, 1976);
additional limitations may be advisable or required in the future, depending
on water quality received at the treatment plant. An area about which very
little is known but which may represent a potential health hazard is the
quantity, impact and protection against viruses in potable water intake.
It is critically important that all aspects of the water quality
management plan proposed here which directly or indirectly affect the
quality of water in the lower Raccoon River be reviewed carefully and at
regular intervals in relation to water quality data at the potable water intake
site(s).
Surface Waters
The short-term (approximately five-year) impact of the plan on quality
of surface water would result from controlling polluted discharge from
combined sewer systems discharging to the lower Raccoon (downstream of
the water treatment plant) and to the Des Moines River in the City center of
Des Moines. Longer term improvement (approximately 10-year) can be
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V-19
expected as a result of non-point source control in agricultural land areas.
Lake Red Rock would improve gradually as a result of these combined
positive impacts, but over a longer period of time.
Wetlands
The plan would prevent further degradation of wetlands in the study
area by curbing soil erosion through practices as non-point source controls in
agricultural land and by protecting the floodplain areas designated in Plate II-
4 from development.
Floodplains and Flood Retention Areas
The plan recommends that all 100-year floodplain areas be designated
as permanent open space. The policies for management and use of these
areas are being formulated or will be formulated by individual units of local
government and the Corps of Engineers during the next several years. Any
excavation or construction in the flood retention area of Lake Red Rock
decreases flood retention capacity must be compensated for by the creation
of an equal amount of new flood retention capacity nearby in the flood pool
areas.
Groundwater Recharge Areas
The most significant groundwater recharge areas coincide with the 100-
year floodplain designated in Plate II-4. The plan recommends retention of
these areas as permanent open space with specific use limitations as
designated by individual units of local government.
Prime Agricultural Lands
The plan calls for the retention of over 90 percent of the present
cropland through the year 2000.
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V-20
Public Outdoor Recreation Areas
There is potential conflict in several cases between proposed equaliza-
tion basins and existing or proposed outdoor recreation areas. (City of Des
Moines Plan and Zoning Commission, 1976.) In most, if not all, such cases the
conflict could be resolved by basin design and placement which would
minimize or prevent any interference with recreational land uses. In fact,
the basin surface may itself serve as a recreation area, for example, tennis
courts. There would, of course, be initial disruption during basin construc-
tion; periodic maintenance and repair would cause minor interference with
recreational land uses. Odor would be controlled by built-in abatement
systems.
The first area of possible conflict is at the proposed equalization basin
site north of S.W. 80th Street (County Line Road) near the southern extension
of Fleur Drive (Highland Hills). A neighborhood park proposed for this area
would serve residents south of Army Post Road, west of S.W. 9th Street and
north of S.W. 80th Street.
The second area of possible conflict is the proposed equalization basin
site near Prospect Road directly east of Broadlawns Hospital. This is part of
Prospect Park (now a community park - to be reclassified). The exact site
proposed for the basin is now used as a refuse dumping area, therefore, the
net result of placing the basin could be significant and positive for the area as
a whole.
The plan has a positive impact on recreational use of the Des Moines
River and riverfront areas. Improved water quality and increased access will
benefit recreation.
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V-21
Sensitive Geological Areas
The bedrock beneath the Pleistocene mantle of glacial drift, loess and
river deposits in the study area consists of shale with interbedded limestone,
sandstone and thin coal seams. While there had been extensive coal mining
activity in the Des Moines area earlier in the century, the prospects for
returning to commercial production in this area do not appear very high at
the present. A statewide inventory of coal resources now in progress will
shed more light on this matter (Avcin, 1975).
A potential problem caused by the extensive coal mining activity earlier
this century is that much of south-central Polk County is underlain by
shallow, mined out voids in the upper bedrock layers which represent possible
subsidence areas. The incidence of subsidence to date is low, however, and
the chance of major subsidence appears to be very low.
An underground (bedrock) storage area for liquid petroleum gas is
located in Pleasant Hill with substantial storage volumes at depths of 500,
900 and 1,400 feet (Dorheim, 1975).
Data on the distribution of recent earthquakes and the map of seismic
risk zones in the United States indicate that the probability of significant
earthquakes or tremors in the study area is relatively small (Spencer, 1972;
Cargo and Mallory, 1974). There are no known fault zones in the area along
which tremors are particularly likely to develop.
Environmental Impact of Facility Plans in Outlying Areas
Introduction
This section of the report summarizes the environmental impact of
proposed facility plans for each community for which it was found not cost-
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V-22
effective to include in an areawide treatment system. The primary reason
for excluding them from an areawide system was the required transport
distance.
Assessing the overall impact of a given facility plan on water quality in
rural areas is made particularly difficult because (1) baseline data on
upstream water quality in small, rural streams is generally not available; (2)
the impact of non-point sources of nutrients, BOD, suspended solids and
bacteria from agricultural land areas is highly variable with rainfall, season
of the year and agricultural management methods; (3) the impact of effluent
from existing treatment lagoons and from septic tank seepage beds also
varies considerably throughout the year - impact is generally not sought or
recognized except in extreme cases where gray, heavily contaminated
seepage is evident at the surface of waterways or saturated soils; and (4) the
efficiency of lagoon treatment systems is reduced during cold weather, when
the organic load is highly variable or when the water level in the lagoon is
poorly controlled.
All proposed plans for outlying communities have certain positive
environmental effects in common. By eliminating septic tanks, undersized
lagoons or poorly functioning mechanical plants, the proposed plans would (1)
improve public health aspects of each community by reducing the chance of
transmitting pathogens from waste systems to water sources and places of
human contact; (2) increase property values by eliminating waste disposal
problems or questionable situations; (3) increase opportunities for additional
housing in the community.
All communities confronting the change from septic tanks to a
collection system face two major problems in common - the high capital cost
and the community disruption caused by installing the pipes.
In all cases where new or expanded lagoons are proposed, the lagoons
would be built at elevations higher than that reached by the 100-year flood
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V-23
level of rivers and streams and the flood pool elevation of Lake Red Rock in
the case of communities in the southeastern portion of the study area.
Necessary precautions would also be taken to minimize erosion of the inner
and outer walls of the lagoon, that muskrats would be prevented from
burrowing in the lagoon walls, that the lagoon would be enclosed by fencing to
prevent access by young children, and that mosquito populations would be
controlled as needed during summer months.
All loss of flood retention capacity caused by construction in the Lake
Red Rock flood pool area must be compensated by an equal volume of newly
created flood capacity. This flood control requirement will apply in the
facilities proposed for Runnells, Hartford and Carlisle.
Alleman
Proposed Plan: Abandon septic tanks; build collection system and
treatment lagoon.
Impact on Water Resources. Alleman is 'located near the south edge of
a preglacial channel of the Skunk River. A buried aquifer (extending to over
200 feet below the surface in some locations) now lies along this channel. To
minimize any potential threat to the water quality of the buried aquifer by
contaminated seepage, the lagoon should be located as far south of the village
as practicable. (The proposed site is one-fourth of a mile south of Alleman.)
Effluent from the lagoon would be discharged twice annually to
Fourmile Creek under high stream flow conditions. The lagoon effluent would
be much higher in quality than the present discharge from collected septic
tank outfalls; therefore the overall quality on Fourmile Creek would be
substantial improvement in water quality.
Impact on Air Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
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V-24
Impact on Land Resources. Approximately seven acres of agricultural
land would be required for the treatment lagoon and supporting land area.
Necessary additions to the existing collection system would cause short-term,
local disruption of land corridors in the town and leading south to the new
lagoon site.
Impact on Biological Resources. The treatment lagoon would drasti-
cally reduce the pollution loadings now discharged to Fourmile Creek and
thereby significantly improve conditions for aquatic animals, including a
beaver colony downstream of the present discharge point.
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas. No significant impact
foreseen.
Impact on Socio-economic and Cultural Resources. There would be a
significantly enhanced sense of security provided by eliminating the polluted
discharge to Fourmile Creek and thereby improving its water quality.
Recreational value of the Creek would be restored.
The cost of making these improvements would be disproportionate to
the available financial resources of the community and private customers
served. Therefore, additional funding sources would be required to implement
the proposed plans.
Impact on Aesthetic Features. There would be occasional odor
generated in the vicinity of the treatment lagoon. Elimination of polluted
discharge to Fourmile Creek would increase the aesthetic value of the Creek.
Carlisle
Proposed Plan: Expand existing lagoon.
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V-25
Impact on Water Resources. The existing treatment lagoon is in the
flood pool area of Lake Red Rock. It overlies alluvial aquifers of the Des
Moines River, and it discharges to the North River, a tributary of the Des
Moines. Expanding the lagoon would decrease the probability of contamina-
ting one or more of the water resources named, but the probability would not
be eliminated altogether. The most important impact of this plan would be
that wastewater could be retained for longer periods of time during which the
lagoon is operating at reduced efficiency (winter months), thereby greatly
reducing the discharge of poorly treated wastewater. The proposed plan calls
for discharge twice annually (during high flow stream conditions), which
provides the minimum practical impact on the water quality of North River.
Impact on Air Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
Impact on Land Resources. An additional 13 acres of flood-prone
farmland would be required in addition to the 35 acres now used for lagoons.
Impact on Biological Resources. Upgrading the lagoon would improve
conditions for aquatic animals in the North River. Discharging treated
effluent only twice yearly under high flow conditions on the receiving stream
would greatly improve habitat quality.
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas. The land surrounding the
present and proposed future lagoons is flood prone by virtue of being in the
flood pool area of Lake Red Rock. This means that under wet weather of
flood conditions, the water table could rise close to or perhaps even above the
level reached by the zone of saturation formed by the lagoon. The potential
for contaminated seepage joining groundwater can be reduced but not
eliminated altogether under these conditions.
Impact on Socio-economic and Cultural Resources. There would be an
enhanced sense of security provided by more adequate wastewater retention
capacity during cold weather and the resulting improvement in water quality.
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V-26
The cost of the improvements proposed here would be relatively low,
approximately $40 per household per year. This is well below a reasonable
maximum of one-half of one percent of annual income for sewage treatment
expenditures.
The area in the vicinity of the existing lagoon may contain significant
archaeological resources, therefore more site-specific investigations would be
required prior to the development of any detailed plans.
Impact on Aesthetic Features. Doubling the present lagoon area would
detract visually from the natural landscape value in the area east of Carlisle.
Occasional odor problems would continue in the vicinity of the
treatment lagoons.
Gumming
Proposed Plan: Abandon septic tanks; build collection system and
lagoon.
Impact on Water Resources. Lagoon effluent discharge to the receiving
stream (a tributary to North River) twice yearly would cause minor increases
in suspended solids, BOD nutrients in the receiving stream. The overall
impact of the effluent on North River would be very small.
Impact on Air Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
Impact on Land Resources. Approximately six acres of farmland would
be required for construction of the lagoon and supporting land area.
Additional land corridors would be disrupted temporarily as the collection
system is constructed.
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V-27
Impact on Biological Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas. No significant impact
foreseen.
Impact on Socio-economic and Cultural Resources. The cost of making
these improvements would be disproportionate to the available financial
resources of the community and private customers served. Therefore,
additional funding sources would be required to implement the proposed plans.
Impact on Aesthetic Features. There would be occasional odor in the
vicinity of the lagoon.
Elkhart
Proposed Flan: Expand existing lagoon.
Impact on Water Resources. Expanding the treatment lagoon would
significantly increase the quality of the effluent discharged to South Skunk
River. The most significant aspect of this improvement would be that
wastewater flows could be retained during winter months, when treatment
efficiency in the lagoon is very low, and during low flow conditions in the
receiving stream.
Impact on Air Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
Impact on Land Resources. Approximately two acres of farmland would
be required in addition to the 3.1 now in use for the lagoon.
Impact on Biological Resources. A decrease in BOD of the lagoon
effluent would greatly improve conditions for aquatic animals in South Skunk
River.
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V-28
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas. The present lagoon site is
close to the southwestern edge of the buried aquifer formed by a pre-glacial
channel of the Skunk River, although the threat to its water quality from
seepage is small due to the glacial overburden protecting it.
Impact on Socio-economic and Cultural Resources. There would be an
enhanced sense of security provided by the improved quality of treated
effluent discharged to South Skunk River.
The cost of making these improvements would be disproportionate to
the available financial resources of the community and private customers
served. Therefore, additional funding sources would be required to implement
the proposed plans.
Impact on Aesthetic Features. No significant impact foreseen.
Granger
Proposed Plan: Expand existing lagoon.
Impact on Water Resources. The existing lagoon system lies over the
alluvial aquifer associated with Beaver Creek and borders on its floodplain.
Expansion of the lagoon system into or along the floodplain would increase
the hazard of contaminated seepage penetrating the aquifer.
Treated lagoon effluent is now discharged to Beaver Creek. Upgrading
the lagoon system would allow more efficient treatment and retention during
cold-weather periods and periods of low flow in the receiving stream. Twice
yearly discharge is proposed.
Impact on Air Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
Impact on Land Resources. Upgrading the lagoon would require
approximately 13 acres in addition to the six now used.
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Impact on Biological Resources. (See "Environmentally Sensitive Areas"
below.)
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas. The existing lagoon is
located just upstream from one of the few wetland sites in the study area. It
is a shallow depression in the landscape extending for nearly two miles along
the Beaver Creek. Brenton Slough is located in the southeast portion of this
wetland complex.
The wetland contains an abundance of emergent vegetation, which
provides cover and food sources for ducks and other birds as well as small
mammals. As a shallow water system, it is particularly sensitive to changes
in surface and near-surface ground water quality.
Expanding the lagoon into or along the floodplain would increase the
hazard of ground water contamination and therefore the hazard to the
wetland system as a whole. Special precautions during construction and
periodic inspections for leaks or faults in the lagoon system are required to
minimize hazard to the slough.
Impact on Socio-economic and Cultural Resources. The wetland system
provides recreation for persons interested in hunting and wildlife in general.
Upgrading the lagoon system would also enhance the sense of security
provided by improved water treatment.
The cost of proposed improvements would be approximately $105 per
household per year.
Impact on Aesthetic Features. Occasional odor would be generated in
the vicinity of the treatment system.
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Grimes
Proposed Plan: Improve existing mechanical plant.
Impact on Water Resources. Effluent discharge to Walnut Creek would
take place only during high stream flow conditions. The net impact of this
plan would be to improve water quality in Walnut Creek.
Impact on Air Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
Impact on Land Resources. The land area now used for the treatment
facility would be increased by two to five acres.
Impact on Biological Resources. Improving effluent discharge would
contribute to improved conditions for aquatic animals in Walnut Creek.
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas. No significant impact
foreseen.
Impact on Socio-economic and Cultural Resources. There would be an
enhanced sense of security provided by cleaner water.
The cost of proposed improvements would be approximately $100 per
household per year.
Impact on Aesthetic Features. No significant impact foreseen.
Hartford
Proposed Plan: Abandon septic tanks; build collection system and
lagoon.
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Impact on Water Resources. The lagoon effluent would be discharged
twice yearly to Butcher Creek, the lower reaches of which are located in the
flood pool of Lake Red Rock.. This discharge may, contain elevated levels of
suspended solids, BOD and nutrients in relation to those levels in the
receiving stream, and thereby cause a small decrease in the quality of a
downstream portion of the stream. However, discharge during high flow
conditions would minimize any negative water quality impact.
Impact on Air Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
Impact on Land Resources. Approximately 16 acres of farmland would
be used for the lagoon and supporting areas. Construction of the collection
system would temporarily disrupt additional land corridors throughout the
service area.
Impact on Biological Resources. The lagoon effluent is likely to have a
nutrient level which may be greater than that of the receiving stream.
However, only twice yearly discharge from the lagoon is proposed; therefore,
the impact of the effluent, if well treated, would be trival.
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas. No significant impact
foreseen.
Impact on Socio-economic and Cultural Resources. The cost of making
these improvements would be disproportionate to the available financial
resources of the community and private customers served. Therefore,
additional funding sources would be required to implement the proposed plans.
Impact on Aesthetic Features. The land area used for the lagoon
system would be degraded visually by the structure. Occasional odor would
be generated in the vicinity of the lagoon system.
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MitcheUville
Proposed Plan: Abandon existing plant; construct interceptor to new
lagoon downstream on Camp Creek.
Impact on Water Resources. Discharging higher quality effluent to East
Branch Camp Creek further downstream than at present would substantially
improve the water quality of the stream. Discharge will take place only
during high flow stream conditions when the effluent water quality meets the
prescribed limits.
Impact on Air Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
Impact on Land Resources Approximately 15 acres would be required
for the lagoon. All available land in the vicinity is farmland.
Construction of the interceptor would temporarily disrupt a corridor of
approximately 1,500 feet.
Impact on Biological Resources. The improved water quality would
result in a small but significant decrease in conditions for aquatic plant
growth and a similar increase in conditions for aquatic animals.
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas. No significant impact
foreseen.
Impact on Socio-economic and Cultural Resources. The Thomas
Mitchell County Park begins approximately one mile downstream of the
proposed facility. The impact of the proposed facility would be to reduce the
public health hazard in the Park by improving the water quality of Camp
Creek.
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The cost of the project would be approximately $75 per household per
year.
Impact on Aesthetic Features. No significant impact foreseen.
Nor walk
Proposed Plan: Expand existing lagoon.
Impact on Water Resources. The existing lagoon discharges to the
North River. Expanding the lagoon would improve the quality of its effluent
and thereby improve the quality water in a downstream portion of the North
River. Discharge would take place only twice yearly - during high stream
flow -conditions.
Impact on Air Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
Impact on Land Resources. Approximately 15 acres are now used for
the lagoon. An additional 42 acres would be required to fully upgrade it.
Most of the land available for expansion is farmland. Expanding the lagoon
system to the south or southeast would destroy valuable protective vegetation
bordering the North River.
Impact on Biological Resources. Conditions for aquatic animals in the
North River would be improved by upgrading the existing lagoon system and
by retaining treated wastewater during low flow conditions.
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas. No significant impact
foreseen.
Impact on Socio-economic and Cultural Resources. There would be an
enhanced sense of security provided by cleaner discharge to the North River
and by a facility that could adequately accommodate the projected growth of
the community.
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The cost of the proposed improvements would be approximately $43 per
household per year.
Impact on Aesthetic Features. A threefold increase in lagoon area
would visually degrade the landscape along the North River. Occasional odor
would persist in the vicinity of the treatment system.
Polk City
Proposed Plan: Expand existing lagoon.
Impact on Water Resources. Twice yearly discharge to the Big Creek
would be improved substantially, and this would cause an improvement in the
overall water quality of the stream by eliminating discharge during low flow
conditions.
Impact on Air Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
Impact on Land Resources. Approximately 17 acres would be required
in addition to the eight now used for the lagoon. All available land (excluding
some steep slopes) is farmland.
Impact on Biological Resources. Conditions for aquatic animals in Big
Creek would be improved greatly by controlled discharge and by improved
wastewater treatment.
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Expansion of the lagoon
system to or near the steep slopes could cause surface seepage and/or slope
failure.
Impact on Socio-economic and Cultural Resources. Improving the
quality of water treatment would enhance the value of Big Creek as a local
recreational resource. The cost of improvements would be about $72 per
household per year.
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V-35
Impact on Aesthetic Features. No significant impact foreseen.
Spring Hill
Proposed Plan: Abandon septic tanks; build collection system and
lagoon.
Impact on Water Resources. Treated effluent would be discharged to
Middle River, 16 miles above its confluence with the Des Moines River, but
the threat to its water quality is small because of Spring Hill's population in
relation to the total discharge of Middle River and because no discharge
would be made during low flow conditions.
The lagoon would be located over an alluvial aquifer lining the River,
therefore, seepage would be a hazard without special protective measures.
Impact on Air Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
Impact on Land Resources. Approximately three acres of land would be
required for the lagoon and supporting land area. Additional land corridors
would be temporarily disrupted in connection with the construction of the
collection system.
Impact on Biological Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas. No significant impact
foreseen.
Impact on Socio-economic and Cultural Resources. The cost of making
these improvements would be disproportionate to the available resources of
the community and private customers served. Therefore, additional funding
sources would be required to implement the proposed plans.
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Impact on Aesthetic Features. Occasional odor would be generated in
the vicinity of the lagoon.
Waukee
Proposed Plan: Expand existing lagoon.
Impact on Water Resources. Lagoon effluent would be discharged to
the Upper Sugar Creek, thereby posing an ongoing, small hazard to its water
quality, primarily during low flow conditons in the stream and/or during times
of reduced treatment efficiency in the lagoon.
Upgrading the lagoon would improve the quality of its effluent and
decrease the overall hazard to the water quality of Upper Sugar Creek.
Impact on Air Resources. No significant impact foreseen.
Impact on Land Resources. Approximately 45 acres would be required
in addition to the eight acres now in use by the existing lagoon. All available
land is farmland.
Impact on Biological Resources. With an overall improvement in the
quality of treated effluent, conditions for aquatic plants would decrease
slightly and conditions for aquatic animals should improve slightly.
Impact on Environmentally Sensitive Areas. No significant impact
foreseen.
Impact on Socio-economic and Cultural Resources. There would be an
enhanced sense of security provided by improved water quality in Sugar
Creek.
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V-37
The cost of the proposed improvements would be approximately $41 per
household per year.
Impact on Aesthetic Features. No significant impact foreseen.
Energy Requirements
The major energy-demanding activities required to implement the
proposed plan are electrical energy to operate the lift stations in the
collection system (approximately 130,000 kilowatt-hours per year); electrical
energy to operate pumps and control equipment in the areawide treatment
plant (approximately 17 million kilowatt-hours per year); approximately
30,000 gallons of fuel (probably diesel fuel) to operate sludge-hauling trucks;
and approximately 130,000 gallons of fuel oil or its equivalent to heat
buildings associated with the areawide treatment facility.
Impact on Historic/Archaeologic Sites
The 208 Study committee is coordinating review of the potential
impacts of proposed projects on cultural resources with the Division of
Historic Preservation (DHP), State Historical Department.
When specific project sites are identified, they will be reviewed by the
Division. Recommendations made by DHP concerning potential impacts of
the proposed projects, i.e., surveys, intensive investigations, and procedures
for mitigating adverse impacts, will be given consideration and will be
implemented as early as possible in project planning.
Evidence currently available indicates that the Des Moines River Valley
was rather intensively occupied (Gradwohl, 1974). It may be possible to
identify materials indicating cultures- as early as 5,000-10,000 years B.C.
There is a considerable amount of material associated with cultures dating
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from around the first century A.D. When all of the sites now identified are
thoroughly studied and catalogued, it should be possible to derive important
ecological, cultural-historical, and ethnographic conclusions about early
occupants of this region.
Nearly all of the sites presently identified are within approximately two
miles on either side of the Des Moines River. Many sites have already been
covered by the Red Rock Reservoir or will be covered by the Saylorville
Reservoir. One known site is on the south side of Walnut Creek in the
southwest portion of the study area.
The distribution of known archaeological sites is, of course, strongly
biased toward the projected flood areas of the Saylorville, Big Creek and Red
Rock Reservoirs. Therefore, it is impossible to say that other areas,
particularly along the Des Moines River, do not contain significant archaeolo-
gical sites.
It is the policy of the Division of Historic Preservation, State of Iowa,
not to disclose the location of individual sites, but rather to disclose general
areas where such sites exist. For this reason, only general areas have been
identified, and specific sites would have to be investigated during Step 1
portions of construction projects.
Economic Impact
The 208 plan and program for the improvement of water quality in the
Des Moines area is designed to serve the area through the year 2000. To
appraise the economic impact of a plan, which is to be flexible and which is
subject to many modifications, on a community, which is heterogeneous in
character and then dynamic and changing, necessarily involves a number of
assumptions if it is not to become so complex as to be meaningless. The plan
consists of a number of interrelated elements which must be considered in
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V-39
total even though put together as separate elements. These include the Land
Use Intensity Plan showing the arrangement of the community with a
population of 400,000 in the year 2000, the plans for reduction of point,
intermittent and non-point sources of pollution some of which, such as trunk
sewers and treatment facilities, are quite definite and specific and others of
which, such as regulatory systems for erosion control, may be of uncertain
effectiveness. Finally the plan includes a management program showing the
administrative arrangements, the legal measures, and the financing required
to carry out its recommendations.
It is all of these that make up the 208 plan and program and it is the
economic impact of all of them that is being estimated.
For convenience, in many cases, it is the average situation and the
average population (i.e., that for 1990) that is measured. These measure-
ments must be related to the economic baseline projections incorporated into
the 208 program. Cost estimates for the 208 program are in 1976 dollars.
Economic projects included herein to be consistent are also in terms of 1976
dollars. No attempt has been made to anticipate the extent of continued
inflation.
Economic Baseline Projections
The population of the 208 area was estimated to be 315,000 in 1975 and
to increase to 325,000 in 1980, 367,500 in 1990, and 400,000 in the year 2000.
This estimate is predicated on an increase in employment from 142,000 to
180,500 over this 25-year period. (See Table 11-11.)
Economy Generally
The Des Moines economy is noted for its diversity and for the
steadyness of its growth - 1.5 percent per year for the period 1940 to 1970.
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V-40
The community is a government center (the state capital), has a wide-ranging
industrial base, serves as a retail and cultural center for virtually the entire
State of Iowa, has a major complex of insurance and finance corporations, and
is surrounded by some of the most productive farm land in the world. "Survey
of Buying Power" in its 1976 edition (Sales and Marketing Management, 1976)
estimated that Des Moines was the 42nd most affluent market among U.S.
metropolitan areas in 1975 and that its ranking would be even more favorable
in 1980, rising to 23rd! This was based on estimates of effective buying
power per household.
The employment forecast indicated that manufacturing would not have
a significant growth over the next 25 years, a growth of 14 percent, from
26,000 to 29,700. Employment in transportation and utilities would hardly
change at all and there would not be much change in construction
employment, i.e., from 6,700 to 7,900, a growth of 18 percent.
However, employment increases in the other four categories would be
substantial:
Retail and wholesale trade 27 percent
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 32 percent
Services and Miscellaneous 50 percent
Government 26 percent
It is clear from these estimates that the economic character of the
community is changing. It is becoming less of a manufacturing center and
much more of a financial service, trade and government center. These trends
inject an even greater measure of stability into the economy.
Income
In 1967 the Offices of Business Economics and Economic Research
Service of the Department of Commerce (OBERS) made projections of
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V-41
population and family income for the United States and its major political
subdivisions These estimates when expressed in terms of 1976 dollars
indicated Des Moines Metropolitan Area per capita income at -
$6,600 for 1970
$9,000 for 1980
$11,500 for 1990, and
$15,000 for 2000.
Applying these per capita estimates to population estimates results in
total income for the 208 area of -
$2,520,000,000 in 1976
$3,051,000,000 in 1980
$4,255,000,000 in 1990, and
$6,000,000,000 in 2000.
Family Income
Because of decreases in births and changes in life styles, the average
family size has been decreasing. This makes the number of households grow
more rapidly than total population. In the Des Moines Metropolitan Area, the
average number of persons per family decreased from 3.10 in 1960 to 2.98 in
1976. It is likely that this decrease will continue and it is estimated to be 7
2.86 in 1980
2.75 in 1990, and
2.67 in 2000.
By multiplying projected per capita income by the respective projected
family sizes, one obtains an estimate of family income as follows:
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V-42
$19,200 in 1976
$25,700 in 1980
$31,600 in 1990, and
$40,000 in 2000.
The total disposable income ("Effective Buying Income") in the Des
Moines metropolitan area for 1975 was estimated as being approximately
$16,300 per household (1976 Survey of Buying Power, 1976). The 1980
projection of disposable income made by the same group is $23,770 per
household.
Distribution of total income among families is quite uneven. If
improvement of water quality is financed by user charges, poor families who
use as much water as rich families must pay a considerably higher percentage
of their income. The most recent data on family income (1969) showed that
45 percent of Des Moines area families had incomes under $10,000 for that
year; 32 percent between $10,000 and $15,000; and 19 percent between
$15,000 and $25,000.
Wastewater Treatment Expenditures
While no hard and fast rule may be involved to determine a reasonable
level of expenditures for wastewater treatment or for improvement of water
quality, some guidance may be obtained by examining past levels of
expenditure.
The, Des Moines Metropolitan Area may be compared with seven other
middle west metropolitan areas (see Table V-l) for the 1971-1972 fiscal year.
The Des Moines area total sewerage expenditure per capita was $13.49 the
mean of the eight cities was $18.35. Des Moines expenditures were 0.28
percent of gross personal income in comparison with an average of 0.43
percent for the eight metropolitan areas. This study indicates that 0.50
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Table V-l
PERCENT OF PERSONAL INCOME SPENT ON SEWAGE TREATMENT
1970-1971
Des Moines and Seven Other Midwest
Metropolitan Areas
Area
Des Moines
Omaha
Peoria
Madison
Appleton
Duluth-Superior
Evans ville
Fort Wayne
Mean
Total
Per Capita
Sewerage
Expenditure
$13.49
21.89
6.04
25.85
20.38
15.77
15.51
23.02
18.35
Per Capita
Income
$4,747'
4,367
4,821
4,497
3,980
3,834
4,036
4,550
4,354
Sewerage
as a Percent
of Income
0.28
0.50
0.13
0.57
0.51
0.41
0.38
0.50
0.42
Sewage expenditures from U.S. Census of Governments,, Local Govern-
ment in Metropolitan Area, Vol. .5, Table 12.
Per Capita Income derived from Area Economic Projections, 1990,
U.S. Department of Commerce. Income derived from 1967 dollars.
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percent of personal income may be a reasonable upper limit of an acceptable
expenditure for sewage treatment. While the "metropolitan area" (SMSA) and
"208 area" are not coterminous, SMSA data comes closest to indicating
conditions in the 208 area.
In 1976, in the 208 area, 285,000 persons were served by municipal
sewerage facilities having a present worth of approximately $105 per capita.
Capitalized at 20 years at six percent interest, this represented an annual
cost of $8.50 per capita. Operation and maintenance costs were $3,442,000
or $12.08 per capita, making a total of $20.58. This was 0.26 percent of the
estimated 1976 per capita income. Approximately 104 persons were
employed in sewage treatment in 1975.
General Impact of Water Quality on Economy
"Clean Water" is an important element in the environment and to
eliminate most water pollution will improve living conditions. With industries
and business enterprises (such as insurance companies) having a wide range of
choice as to location, clean water would give the community a competitive
edge in this economic competition. The secondary impact in enhancing water
recreation opportunities would be of equal importance.
A similar result would come from the ability of the area to organize and
coordinate 26 units of local government toward a common purpose. This
could not help but be an attraction also.
One of the greatest difficulties in industrial operation stems from
uncertainty concerning governmental actions. If an industry can be certain of
the requirements that are to be placed upon it in regard to water quality,
what it will need to do and what it will cost for example, it is better able to
plan its operations and their financing. A reliable program for water quality
improvement consistently carried out would provide an important factor of
certainty for industrial operations.
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Financial Aspects of the Plan
Economic impact, of the 208 program will result from its costs and its
benefits and these in turn will vary in their effects depending upon the means
used to finance the program.
Financing Mechanisms Generally. Three general methods are utilized in
financing wastewater management. These are:
1. Financing the wastewater treatment and management by the
utilization of conventional taxation.
2. Imposition of fees such as building permits or, particularly,
connection fees. By making a fee for connection of a new building
to a sanitary sewer sufficiently high, the new building may be
required to pay its proportionate share of previous investments in
the system.
3. User charges. Wastewater collection and treatment may be looked
upon the same way as any other utility and charges made to each
individual user or discharger based upon the volume of waste that
he contributes.
User charges may have many variations. The Environmental Protection
Agency has regulations concerning these where there is Federal funding of
the system. EPA regulations forbid the lowering of rates (decreasing step-
rates) for the larger water users but demand that the rates be imposed on a
per-gallon formula. Sometimes user rates are varied to take into account the
quality of the wastewater going into the system (amount of treatment
needed) or to take into account the distance that the wastewater has to be
transported from its source to the treatment plant. It is also possible to use
several types of user charges such as a flat charge for administration and
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then a per-gallon charge for operation and maintenance, for treatment and
for capital expenditures.
A "fourth method", which may or may not be available in the future, is
to seek Federal and State construction grants for financing of capital
improvements through EPA. Where these are available they can finance 80
percent of the cost of the improvement (75 percent Federal, five percent
State). Applications are submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency
which distributes funds (available partly at least from federal taxes collected
locally) appropriated by Congress on a nation-wide basis. Distribution within
Iowa is determined by a priority system administered by the State
Department of Environmental Quality. These funds have played a very
important part in recent construction. Some improvements may be financed
by loans and grants from the Farmers' Home Administration for smaller
communities or from grants from the Community Development Program of
the Housing and Urban Development Department.
Capital costs of building a system may also be financed by a number of
local methods. One of these, of course, is to impose additional taxes, fees or
charges and to finance capital improvements on a "pay-as-you-go" plan. A
second method is to issue general obligation bonds and to retire these bonds
from a tax against either the entire community or against a special district
benefiting from the particular improvement. Special assessments are
frequently used for the laterals and collector elements in a sanitary sewer
system. A final method of financing the improvements is through issuing
revenue bonds. Where revenue bonds are used, the user charges must be
sufficient to pay for the administrative, operation and maintenance costs of
the agency and for the amortization of the bond issue itself. Bond ordinances
may require that reserve funds be established to make the bond issue more
attractive. Finally the bond "coverage" for the amount of income pledged to
the bond issue should be 1.2 to 1.5 times the annual amortization costs of the
bond issue.
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General obligation bonds which are backed up toy a real estate tax may
be issued for a lower interest rate (sometimes one-half of one percentage
point less) than the revenue bonds. Over ft 20-year bond-issue period,
utilization of the general obligation bond results in a rather considerable
saving of interest costs. A particularly desirable financing method is to issue
general obligation bonds at the lower interest rate and then to utilize the user
charges to retire them.
At the same time, user charges are not deductible from personal income
taxes. These charges are deductible from commercial and industrial taxes
because they are a business expense. The average income tax is 17 percent.
Assuming an annual per capita cost of $25.00 for wastewater purposes with 40
percent or $10.00 for capital improvements, the 80 percent federal and state
grant would "save" $8.00 while the tax saving that would result from a real
estate tax rather than a user charge would be $4.25. Thus utilization of the
EPA and DEQ grants and the imposition of the user charges would be very
much to the advantage of the taxpayer.
Estimated Costs
Point Source construction costs for the 1C A (Integrated Community
Area) are estimated at $112,114,000 for Alternate Plan VIII - the chosen plan.
Point source costs for the 13 outlying communities total $4,120,000 but each
outlying community is to be considered individually. Of the ICA point-source
construction costs, $84,100,000 would be financed by an EPA grant and
approximately $5,600,000 by a OEQ grant leaving $22,423,000 to be financed
locally. Annual operation and maintenance for trunk sewers and sewage
treatment would be $5,341,000 and for the lateral sanitary collection system
$1,327,000, a total of $6,668,000. In addition the present indebtedness
incurred by the communities in the ICA is $9,884,000. Adjustment would also
be made for industrial cost recovery charges. Thus the annual cost would be:
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Point source construction (revenue bonds) $2,825,000
Point source operation and maintenance 6,668,000
Annual cost assumption of present debt 890,000
Adjust for industrial cost recovery - 71,000
$10,312,000
Intermittent source pollution mitigation measures would include
segregating the sanitary flow from northwest Des Moines, Camp Dodge,
Lovington, Urbandale-Beaver Creek, Johnston, Saylor Township and West
Ankeny by routing the flow through a new interceptor sewer (force main) to
be constructed parallel to the Westside Interceptor which presently received
flow from combined sewers. Flow from the combined system would enter the
main outfall to the treatment plant up to a point where the dilution ratio is
five to one. Flows in excess of five to one would be diverted to the combined
sewers with flow separators constructed at each of the combined sewer
overflows and at strategic storm sewer discharges. Total construction cost
for this program is $3,487,000. Operation and maintenance is estimated at
$56,000 per year and total annual costs at $385,000 per year.
Non-point pollution source mitigation proposed would include:
1. Promotion of cropland runoff central options;
2. Construction site erosion controls; and
3. Reductions in urban development in unincorporated areas.
Within the 208 area cropland runoff central expenditures are about
$125,000 per year. The program calls for an increase of $1,000,000 per year,
half of which would be provided by the state and federal governments and
half by the individual farmers participating in the program.
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Construction site erosion controls are estimated to add $250,000
annually to the cost of construction in the Des Moines 208 area. Administra-
tion and enforcement would be carried out by existing personnel as would the
program to reduce urban development in unincorporated areas.
Cost Per Capita
The estimated cost of the 208 program on a per-capita or per-family
basis will vary in different parts of the 208 area. These costs should not be
confused with user charges which may be considerably reduced by the
commercial and industrial cost-sharing corrections.
For the integrated community area, annual costs (exclusive of the non-
point program total $9,127,000 per year), the 1990 (average) ICA population is
estimated at 331,700, the cost per capita per year would be $45-50; the
average cost per family would be $130. The cost for wastewater treatment
would be approximately $1.00 per gallon.
For the outlying communities, the annual costs per capita and per
family would be:
Community
Alleman
Carlisle
Cumming
Elkhart
Granger
Grimes
Hartford
Mitchellville
Norwalk
Polk City
Runnells
Spring Hill
Waukee
Annual Cost
30,000
50,000
23,000
16,000
42,000
70,000
77,000
56,000
58,000
30,000
50,000
22,000
40,000
1990
Population
270
3,500
260
325
1,100
'2,000
700
2,100
3,700
1,080
585
150
2,700
Per
Capita
Cost
111
14
88
49
38
35
110
27
16
28
85
147
15
Per
Family
Cost
307
39
244
135
105
97
304
74
43
77
236
405
41
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The wide disparity in these per capita costs makes financing of these
systems by some of the communities most questionable. Annual costs shown
are exclusive of state and federal grants.
Cost as a Percent of Income
Exclusive of the non-point program local costs of the 208 program for
the ICA of $45-50 per capita amount to 0.41 percent of total income.
In the following outlying communities the estimated per capita costs
are disproportionate to income: Alleman, Gumming, Elkhart, Hartford,
Runnells and Spring Hill. Financing of the program by these communities
with each one "on its own" would be most difficult unless further assistance
from state or federal grants would be obtained.
The outlying communities and the agricultural areas would assist in
financing their part of the administrative, planning, coordination and priority
setting activities. These costs are expected to amount to roughly $300,000
per year. The assessed value of the 208 area is not known. The Polk County
assessed value totals $3,591,968,000. If financed by a real estate tax, the tax
rate would be .00835 percent to raise the $300,000 in administrative expenses
based on Polk County assessed value alone. The assessed value of the
unincorporated areas of Polk County is $454,523,000; there are about 1,350
farms.* With an assessed value of $200,000, the administrative cost of the
208 program per farm would amount to about $16.70.
Employment Generated
The water quality improvement program is anticipated to have an
employment of about 150 by 1990, or 0.6 percent of the public employment of
23,500 anticipated for the 208 area for that date.
* 1,374 in 1969 Census of Agriculture.
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V-51
The total amount of construction anticipated in the 208 program is:
$130,827,000 point sources 1C A
6,057,000 point sources outlying communities
3,487,000 intermittent sources
5,000,000 construction erosion control
$145,371,000
This is an average of $7,269,000 over a 20-year period. Based on a
construction work year of 1,400 hours and the generation of 35,000 man hours
of work for each $1,000,000 of construction, the 208 construction program
would result in the employment, on the average, of 182 persons. This is 2.4
percent of the estimated 1990 employment in the construction category.
The non-point program for the agricultural areas would require an
increase in the number of persons skilled in soil conservation and manage-
ment, but the exact number is not determined.
Summary
The 208 program would not involve a significantly increased level of
expenditure for water quality purposes in the area or any great increase in
employment in either administration or construction. Any economic impact
is more likely to be found from a more detailed examination of the program.
Conclusions
General. There would be very little impact from increases in public
employment resulting from the 208 program. However, federal financing of
the construction program would support 130 of the 182 construction workers.
With such "outside" financing, each of these would support at least an
additional service employee and the resulting population increase thus
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V-52
occurring would be an addition of about 700 persons, hardly a significant
"impact".
Industry. The impact of the 208 program on industry can be significant
because of the industrial cost recovery requirements of EPA. These
necessitate arrangements that recover from industries their proportionate
part of that part of the capital expenditures for waste treatment and
collection facilities financed by EPA. These requirements are complex and
their exact impact on an individual industry would require a long and detailed
study. Industrial cost recovery is not required for any enterprises discharging
only domestic wastes into the treatment facility. Nor are these charges
made against direct discharging industries unless these connect to an EPA
financed treatment facility.
Seven major industries discharge cooling water only. Ten industries
discharge directly and nine of these could connect with the new treatment
plant in which event industrial charges would be required. There are 20
industries discharging to the Des Moines main treatment plant that pay a
special sewage charge today. Special surcharges are imposed when the
sewage discharged is particularly strong in BOD or suspended solids. These 20
industries have a total employment of about 4,750, about 18.3 percent of the
current industrial employment of 26,000. The total industrial payments to
the City of Des Moines in 1976 were $288,000. However, additional charges
are being imposed in 1977 that will add $306,000 making the total charge
$594,000.
The new wastewater treatment plant is estimated to cost $47,890,000.
New trunk sewers, equalization basins, pump stations, etc., are estimated to
cost $51,971,000, a total of $99,861,000. The EPA grant is estimated at
$73,379,000. An industry would pay the usual user charge of about $1.00 per
1000 gallons of water used. Then it would pay its part of the EPA grant for
the treatment plant and the trunk sewers. With a recovery period of 25
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V-53
years, the annual cost of the EPA grant would be $293,516. With industry
using four of the 50 mgd average flow of the plant, the annual cost recovery
charge would be $23,500. With the industrial discharges averaging three
times the strength of domestic sewage, the total annual industrial cost
recovery charge would be about $70,500 per year. This would add about ?5
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V-54
percent of the income of a family making $25,000 per year while it is two and
one-half times as high a percentage of the $10,000 a year family.
Unfortunately family income data is too far out of date to enable an analysis
of these impacts. Studies in larger metropolitan areas have shown that per
capita water use increases as family income increases although not in exact
proportion. With the user charge on a per-gallon basis irrespective of the
total quantity used, there will be a tendency for the charge vs. family income
to even out somewhat although it is not possible to determine just how much.
Outlying Communities. The 208 area includes 13 outlying communities.
Four have no sewer system at all. Four have estimated 1990 populations of
less than 500, two of between 500 and 1,000 and only four more than 2000.
Data on family income is lacking but the average family income in these
communities is probably less than the average for the remainder of the 208
area. Assuming that the average income in these communities would be the
same as the $11,700 average for 1990 and that a reasonable maximum for
sewerage expenditures is roughly one-half of one percent of income, then any
program that costs more than $58,50 per capita per year could not be self-
financed. On this basis the following programs could be self-financed:
Carlisle Norwalk
Granger Polk City
Grimes Mitchellville
Waukee
The remainder would require additional Federal, State or local
assistance.
Unincorporated Areas and Communities Without Collection Systems.
There are nine communities, five incorporated and four unincorporated that
have no collection systems at all. The unincorporated areas would have to be
annexed or the counties would have to be given the power to build the
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V-55
collection systems in the unincorporated areas. Financing of the collection
systems would be by benefit assessments against the area served. Because of
the characteristics of these areas, 10-year assessment bonds bearing an eight
percent interest are assumed to be required. These collection systems are
needed as soon as possible in order to eliminate the septic tank difficulties in
these areas. Capital costs have been estimated. The result would be:
Cost
624,000
147,100
3,025,000
592,500
1,664,500
405,750
4,685,000
166,400
Annual
Cost
87,360
20,595
423,490
82,950
233,030
56,805
655,890
23,295
1980
No. of
Families
950
76
900
220
1,120
420
1,575
50
Annual
Cost Per
Family
for 10 years
92
271
471
377
208
135
416
466
Service Area
Bloomfield Twp.
Gumming
Delaware Twp.
Hartford
Johnston
Lovington
Saylor Twp.
Spring Hill
W. Bloomfield Twp. 130,000 18,200 185 98
In most instances these charges would severly deteriorate the value of
the area for residential purposes and would inhibit further residential
construction within them. This program would thus have an impact on the
general growth trends in the metropolitan area. It would have to be
accompanied by stringent regulations of the use of septic tanks such as a
minimum five or ten acre lot, otherwise the problem areas would just move to
new locations.
Agriculture. As previously noted administrative, planning, priority and
coordination activities of the AWA would cost the average farmer $16.70 per
year. A major element of the non-point program would be reduction in
pollution from cropland runoff. This program would have a major impact on
the agricultural areas.
The soil and water conservation programs, as administered by existing
agricultural agencies, are reducing the effects of cropland runoff on the
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V-56
water quality of streams and lakes. A program administered by the Soil
Conservation Districts considers the use of all available conservation
practices in an overall farm resource management program. For each farmer
who agrees to become a SCD cooper at or, SCD personnel develop alternate
conservation systems to bring soil losses for the farm within tolerable limits.
Each participating farmer then has the opportunity to select a system for
implementation. In this way, to become eligible for funding, farmers must
agree to become cooperators in whole with their respective Soil Conservation
District.
If the control options considered in the 208 Program were implemented
over the entire 208 Study Area, the waste loads transported from croplands to
receiving surface waters would be reduced by at least 60 percent. Problems
associated with complete implementation of conservation programs include
the availability of sufficient funds for cost-sharing programs, a lack of land
contractors to do all the needed land reshaping such as installing terraces,
and need to follow several deviations from conventional farming practices
which have been in existence for several decades. If these problems could be
overcome, the trend towards the adoption of conservation farming practices
may be increased. Such an increase would result in significant improvement
in surface water quality within the 208 Study Area.
For the entire Study Area, approximately 180,000 acres of cropland
should be terraced to reduce the pollutional potential and to maintain the
productive capacity of the associated land. Within Polk County there are
presently 900 acres of cropland with tile outlet terraces and 3,200 acres of
cropland with graded and parallel broad base terraces which will eventually
be converted to tile outlet systems. Within the Dallas and Warren County
sections of the Study Area, the number of acres presently terraced are also
negligible as compared to the total number of acres which should be terraced.
Most, if not all, of the terraces which will be constructed in the future will be
tile outlet terraces.
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V-57
Approximately 8,300 additional acres of terraced land will be construc-
ted by the year 2000 under the existing programs. With the equivalent
number of acres of tile outlet terraces presently being approximately 3,000
acres and assuming that approximately 8,000 acres of cropland which need
terracing will be developed to urban IDP categories by the year 2000, a
subsidy program would need to promote the construction of approximately
161,000 acres of terraces.
In addition to terraces, many grade stabilization structures need to be
constructed within the Study Area for the stabilization of stream banks.
Within Polk County, the existing 158 grade stabilization structures represent
approximately one-third of those needed. Therefore, approximately 300
grade stabilization structures need to be built within Polk County. If this
figure is extrapolated based upon cropland acreages, approximately 470
additional grade stabilization structures need to be built within the Study
Area. By the year 2000, under existing programs, 125 additional grade
stabilization structures will have been built. Therefore, the construction of
approximately 350 grade stabilization structures would have to be promoted
through a 208 program. If it is again assumed that a funding program will
begin in 1978, approximately 15 grade stabilization structures would need to
be built yearly, if all the needed structures are to be installed by the year
2000.
The 208 program contemplates a more than 10-fold increase in the soil
conservation subsidy program to $1,125,000 annually in the 208 area. This
assumes 50 percent cost sharing, terracing to cost $300/acre terraced, and
grade stabilization structures to cost $10,000/structure. The calculations are
based upon a 23-year program which is to begin in 1978 and end in the year
2000. Seven thousand acres are to be terraced yearly or 161,000 acres by the
year 2000, and 15 grade stabilization structures are to be built yearly or
approximately 350 by the year 2000.
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V-58
The cost of a subsidy program represents 50 percent of the construction
cost. The other 50 percent of the construction cost must be provided by the
property owners. In addition, the design cost incurred by SCS has not been
accounted for in the 208 program. Certainly, additional manpower would be
required by SCS to design terraces under a subsidized program. Manpower
requirement.'; may increase as much as twenty-fold.
There should be an economic incentive if farmers are to install
terraces. The present construction cost to the farmer for terracing is
$ ISO/acre. This present cost is equivalent to a 20-year uniform annual cost
of approximately $14/year at seven percent interest. Therefore, if the
combined effects of reduced farming costs or increased yields can produce an
additional $14/acre/year for the farmer, there should be an economic
incentive for the farmer to install terraces. There may be some maintenance
costs associated with terraces; however, these are generally regarded to be
very minor. The combined effects of decreased power costs due to contour
farming, decreased fertilizer losses, moisture conservation, increased yields,
and topsoil conservation provide such an economic incentive.
With the agricultural run-off program being voluntary, its true scale and
scope will depend upon the participation of the individual farmer. He will
determine its economic benefit as he will pay one-half the cost.
Summary. The economic impact of the 208 program appears limited
primarily because of the extraordinary health of the general economy of the
208 area. The program itself would be well below the amount the area could
afford to spend on water quality. Negative impacts would appear to be
limited to:
1. A few industries (with a total employment of about 1000) affected
by industrial cost recovery or by the necessity to install pre-
treatment systems. The 208 program as such is not expected to
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V-59
generate any removals or abandonment of such industries particu-
larly when some of them (the dairies) are of a service nature.
2. Requirements for additional financing assistance for sewage sys-
tems for some outlying communities.
3. High costs of installing lateral sewers in certain unincorporated
areas and outlying communities which again may require additional
financing assistance.
Adverse economic impacts have been virtually eliminated by the
proposed management plan and its proposed areawide wastewater agency and
its areawide financing systems. If such a system is not used, financing by
local governments no matter in what combination cannot help but interject
economic variables that would help certain cities and hurt others and by so
doing artifically change the relative positions of different parts of the 208
area for different purposes. The proposed management system which
generally treats everyone alike will have an economic benefit.
Economic benefits frpm the 208 program include a superior environment
and a certainty regarding long-range wastewater requirements that will assist
in attracting new industry to the Des Moines area, at least to the extent
previously predicted and perhaps to an even more rapid growth rate.
Social Impact
General
The economic impact study included projections of populations, families
and individual and family income over the planning period. Anticipated
changes in the age distribution of the population are also significant to the
social impact. (See Table V-2.) Between 1970 and 2000 the 30 to 39 age
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V-60
Table V-2
ANTICIPATED CHANGES IN AGE GROUPINGS
OF POPULATION
Des Moines, Iowa 208 Area
Age Group
0- 9
10-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-64
65 and
older
total
1970
55,500
58,100
45,800
33,600
35,000
42,600
29,400
300,000
1980
53,400
55,900
59,500
50,400
34,000
48,000
34,300
335,500
1990
62,100
51,800
55,500
62,300
50,100
46,300
39.400
367,500
2000
67,600
56,300
60,400
67,800
54,500
50,400
43,000
400,000
Percent
Change
1970-2000
+21.8
- 3.1
+31.6
+102.0
+55.6
+18.4
+46.3
+33.3
Projection is an adjustment and extension of those made for the Des Moines
SMSA by Real Estate Research Corporation.
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V-61
category is expected to more than double. The next highest increase would
be in the 40 to 49 age category, a growth of 56 percent. There would be a
significant increase in the elderly (46 percent) and a small decrease in the
number of persons 10 to 19 years of age. These projections are relevant to
estimates of persons per household, number and size of housing units required,
etc.
Community Cohesion and Identity
The 208 area has an interesting organization. The population of 315,000
in 1975 is expected to increase to 400,000 by 2000, a growth of 85,000. The
number of families would increase from 108,250 to 150,000.
Des Moines and the six immediately adjacent suburbs are expected to
grow from 253,000 in 1975 to 293,000 in 2000, accommodating a little less
than one-half the expected growth. In the more outlying parts of the 208
area, there are 13 "satellite" cities, separated from the central urban
complex. These have been growing rapidly in recent years and, as a total, are
expected to almost double in population by 2000, going from 33,500 to 65,700
and accommodating three-eights of the new growth. This is expected for the
following reasons. The small towns were originally service areas for the
agricultural areas around them. They have an attractive "small town"
character. Living in them is cheaper than living in the urban center. They
have their own school systems. "Big-city" problems are gone. In order to
keep the benefits of such an arrangement, the individual community identity
needs to be preserved.
Other growth is anticipated for seven major unincorporated areas, to
increase from 12,700 persons to 32,900 persons, and for the rural non-farm
population, to increase from 7,500 to 11,800 persons. Basic difficulties result
from both these trends. There are serious economic problems in providing
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V-62
lateral sewers to the unincorporated areas. Further additional scattered
rural non-farm development cannot help but displace agricultural land. Both
trends are inimical to optimum development of the 208 area.
The facilities plan, however, imposes some adverse effects insofar as
community identity is concerned. These are the result of the long trunk
sewers that would connect Altoona and Bondurant with the central treatment
plant, and two long trunk lines connecting to the two Ankeny treatment
plants. These tend to partially destroy the identity of these three
communities and serve extensive areas that should remain in agricultural use.
These trunk sewers and the new trunk line south of the City of Des Moines
that serves the Lakewood area will generate serious land use control problems
if the Land Use Intensity Plan is to be maintained.
Public Participation
Effective public involvement in the water quality improvement program
should be a result of the more decentralized management system. This will
require the participation of the local public officials and is designed to
generate more public interest by maintaining the maximum amount of
community identity.
Housing Conditions
The 208 program would be a major element in the improvement of
housing conditions.
Sewer Back-ups. The growth pattern of the Des Moines area in recent
years has resulted in development of lands at fairly high intensity at the outer
limits of watersheds. Sewer capacity has been "stretched" to accommodate
this growth. Foundation and roof drains have found their way into sanitary
sewers. The result has been sewer back-ups that plague rather large parts of
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V-63
the urban area. These cause health hazards and loss of confidence in the
neighborhood. (See Plate V-2.) Many of the sewer back-up areas correspond
with areas occupied by the lower income groups.
The 208 program proposes construction of 13 "equalization basins" at a
cost of $10,000,000. These basins would relieve the overloaded sewers at
critical times and eliminate the basement back-up problem. A program to
remove foundation and roof drains and to lessen water use would be of
assistance also.
Foundation and Roof Drains. The only practical solution to removing
foundation and roof drain flows from the sanitary sewers is by ordinance
and/or by making a separate charge for those that discharge to the sanitary
collection system. Such charges (for existing buildings) would have to be high
enough to discourage the continuation of this practice. Costs related to
rehabilitation on private property are not eligible for Federal or State grant
funds under EPA and would have to be paid by the Owner or in conjunction
with a locally financed program. However, it is possible that Community
Development or Public Works funds could be used or that property owners
could give the city a sufficient easement to make the activity eligible for
public funds.
The options available include the following:
1. Identify and locate all roof drains and foundation drains and require
by ordinance one of the following:
(a) Disconnection by the Owner at his expense.
(b) Disconnection by the Owner at Owner's and local government's
expense (a maximum limit could be established).
-------
{•• •*.
..... : ......
^ti-." «*
If
• f vL /
-
>l
.*
• I
A
t -------
PLATE V-2
SEWER BACK-UPS
LEGEND
REPORTED SEWER BACK-UPS
PRIME SERVICE AREAS AS ESTAB-
LISHED BY THE CITY OF DES MOINES,
IOWA FOR COMMUNITY DEVaOP-
MENT PROGRAMS.
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V-65
(c) Disconnection by the Owner (with prior approval) at local
government's expense.
(d) A charge could be added to the sewer use fee for the service
based upon the size of the area drained if the flows could not
be economically disconnected.
2. Evaluate the sewer capacity required and/or construct equalization
basins to handle the increased flow from these sources and
rehabilitate the collection system where necessary. Leave all
foundation and roof drains connected.
(a) Increase the sewer use fee.
(b) Make a charge to those Owners with foundation or roof drains.
The above alternatives appear severe; however, flows from these
sources create economic hardships to individuals who experience basement
flooding as well as representing a higher cost to the entire population due to
increased capital and operation costs necessary to transport and treat these
extraneous flows.
The removal of foundation drains and roof connections is being
addressed separately under Sewer System Evaluation Surveys being conducted
by individual communities where excessive infiltration/inflow or clear water,
such as that emitted from foundation drains and roof connections, has been
determined.
With adequate education and participation and with imaginative
financing, it should be possible to make a major improvement in these
conditons.
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V-66
Water Conservation. Water can be conserved in the home, commercial
establishments and industries by various control techniques. A substantial
reduction can be realized through the use of flow restrictors on water faucets
and shower heads. Devices such as these can result in water savings of 50 to
70 percent and have been termed "effective" by EPA studies. Water-saving
toilets can conserve water by improved float assemblies, reservoirs which
hold less water (3.5 to 2.5 gal), dual-flush-cycle - that is one cycle for solids
and one for liquids (2.5 and 1.25 gal.) and vacuum system type toilets which
recycle a portion of the wastewater.
Other water conserving devices include a premixed hot and cold water
fixture which delivers water at a preset temperature, pressure reducing
valves and waterless toilets. With the use of the above mentioned flow
controls an average household could expect a water savings of approximately
30 percent.
The primary use of these devices is in future building construction and
it is doubtful if a significant impact could be made on existing homes and
buildings.
A natural trend is occurring in industry and manufacturing companies to
conserve water. In some cases, the quantity of water wasted is not known to
management and industrial water and wastewater surveys can be helpful in
locating possible areas where significant savings can be realized. Such
surveys could become a service provided by either the water or wastewater
management utility in conjunction with either the gas or electrical utility.
An important aspect of water conservation is the voluntary willingness
of the public to use less water than they now use. This can be accomplished
through public education programs which are aimed at changing established
habits. The consumer should be aware of water supply, treatment,
transmission and storage costs as well as wastewater collection and
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V-67
treatment costs incurred by wasteful use of water. Awareness of pollution
resulting from wasteful use of water can be accomplished through interested
voluntary organizations, pamphlets inserted with the sewer bills and a
variation of posters for schools, buses, billboards, etc.
Mobile Homes. In the United States in 1976 of the 1,500,000 new
dwelling units provided 270,000 or 18 percent were mobile homes. These have
become an important means of providing owner-occupied housing for
moderate and lower income families. In the Des Moines area generally,
mobile homes are required to be located in a mobile home "park". For the
most part these parks have located in unincorporated areas and have provided
their own sewage treatment. Of the ten "parks" in the 208 program, eight
employ one or two-cell lagoons and two utilize extended aeration package
treatment plants. Placing these "parks" in outlying, rural environments is
socially undesirable. Adverse effects may be mitigated by better site
planning. Locations in urban areas where they may connect to municipal
wastewater treatment facilities should be chosen.
Recreation
A major social benefit from the 208 program will be the recreation
benefits from improved water quality. "Outdoor Recreation in Iowa" (Iowa
Conservation Commission, July, 1972) indicated that approximately 80
percent of lowans over 12 years of age picnic, 30 percent boat, 20 percent
fish, and 10 percent hunt. Significant increases are observed in the use of
almost all outdoor recreation facilities. The 1972 report estimated 1980
activity days for Central Iowa (Region VII) as follows:
Family picnicking 4,300,000
Fishing 2,800,000
Pleasure boating 1,700,000
Swimming 1,100,000
Camping 1,100,000
Water Skiing 300,000
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V-68
This study noted severe deficits in facilities provided for picnicking,
swimming and camping.
The City of Des Moines is notable for the extensive parks along the
Raccoon River. The city with the assistance of grants from the Bureau of
Outdoor Recreation is vigorously pursuing a program providing public parks
along all of the Des Moines River. The Land Use Intensity Plan specifies such
an arrangement and, in addition, proposes public open space or permanently
reserved open space along all of the major streams and drainageways.
Major recreational opportunities are provided at Lake Red Rock and
will be provided at Lake Saylorville. A major benefit to be derived from the
Des Moines 208 Program is improvement in water quality at Lake Red Rock.
Reduction of suspended solids and sediments would be of material assistance
in improving the water quality and hence the usefulness of this reservoir.
Improved water quality on the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers would
enable them to be used extensively for such purposes as boating and fishing in
addition to enhancing their aesthetic value. Within walking distance or a
short driving distance of the metropolitan population, these rivers can provide
needed recreation and reduce energy use. With hiking, bicycling and riding
trails along the rivers, streams and major drainage areas an entire new
transportation and recreation system may be provided interconnecting all
parts of the urban area. Such a system could not even be considered if the
water quality is poor and the environment unpleasant. These green areas
along the rivers and streams would provide excellent wildlife habitat as well.
With good water quality, all of these possibilities for recreation may be
realized. Without good water quality none are possible.
Aesthetics
For the most part, the facilities required for water quality improvement
would be buried underground, hidden away in unobtrusive locations or
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V-69
screened, or located in industrial areas-such as the new central treatment
plant. New trunk sewers that would have to be built along streams or
drainage ways would be located to do the minimum damage to the natural
environment. (See Chapter VI.)
Summary
Social benefits of the 208 program would come from:
1. The management prpgram which would encourage retention of
community identity.
2. Greatly enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities.
3. Aesthetic benefits from open space along rivers, streams, and
drainageways with water of good quality.
4. Removal of basement back-ups and renewal of neighborhood
confidence in areas where these have occurred.
5. Provision of recreation areas close-at-hand requiring minimum
.energy expenditure.
6. A management system providing for the maximum in public
participation and response.
The 208 program could be expected to result in the following social
problems or costs:
1. Difficult land-use control problems along trunk sewer lines trav-
ersing areas that should remain in agriculture.
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V-70
2. A possible increase in land use controls such as minimum lot areas
for septic tank use that will be difficult to enforce.
3. Lateral sewer systems in certain outlying communities and in
certain unincorporated areas that will be extremely expensive on a
per-family basis and that would require financial assistance to an
extent greater than that previously provided.
4. A management system requiring a greater awareness of areawide
needs and approaches than may be possible to attain.
Economic and Social Impacts of Alternate Plans
Economic Impacts
The annual costs of areawide plans varied from a low of $11,719,000 to
a high of $12,353,000, a difference of only 5.4 percent, probably less than the
probability of error in such preliminary estimates of plus or minus ten
percent. Generally the economic impacts can be considered to be the same.
The variability in economic impacts will depend much more on the
methods of financing chosen. For example, if general bonds can be issued and
retired from user charges, substantial savings would be made. In the 1C A
area particularly, the consolidation of effort and financing into a single area-
wide agency would smooth out disparities and provide the advantage of a
larger unit issuing bonds in larger amounts.
If any of the "Family I" group of management alternatives is used to
manage the 208 program, there will be varied economic impacts in different
parts of the 208 area. The "Family I" group provide an areawide agency that
is charged with planning, programming, priority setting and coordination. It
would do no construction or operation. Under such an arrangement, there
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V-71
would be difficulties in financing some of the improvements called for in the
plans.
However, the economic and other problems cited above would be
identical for all alternatives.
Social Impact
Variations in social impact are likely to result more from the
management than from the facility alternatives, The proposed management
plan would provide an areawide agency that would represent the 26 cities and
counties, all of which wpuld participate in its government. This unique
arrangement would foster participation of local officials and, through them,
participation of the public.
If the areawide agenqy.is created as'a' sewer district under Chapter 358
of the Iowa statutes, it would be gqyerned by an elected board of three and
.such a board might not be so responsive to the individual communities or to
the public.
If the areawide agency does only the planning, priority setting and
coordination leaving the financing to the individual communities or various
combinations of them, it 13 possible to envision long periods of delay as the
financing of each project is worked out. A more powerful areawide agency
would be better able to carry out the plan.
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VI-l
CHAPTER VI - ADVERSE IMPACTS WHICH CANNOT BE
AVOIDED SHOULD THE PLAN BE IMPLEMENTED AND
STEPS TO MINIMIZE HARM TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Air Quality Impacts
The Intensity Development Plan adopted by the 208 Policy Committee
will continue the trend of expansion of the urbanized area and thereby
continue the trend of increasing use of private automobiles. This will have an
adverse effect on air quality (primarily carbon monoxide) in some parts of the
denser urbanized areas, particularly under atmospheric conditions which
disperse pollutants slowly.
The success of current air quality maintenance plans will rest heavily on
the success of auto manufacturers in building low-emission engines without
increasing fuel consumption. Other means of minimizing harm would be to
increase car pooling, to place certain restrictions on private cars on traffic
thoroughfares well served by public transportation or to expand the scope of
public transportation throughout the metropolitan area.
Impact on Land and Land Use
Approximately 200 acres of land (much of it agricultural land though
not all Class I and II) will be required in outlying communities for
construction and expansion of wastewater treatment lagoons. Based on
recent agricultural statistics in the area, it would be reasonable to expect
those 200 acres to produce approximately 8,000 bushels of corn per year,
2,000 bushels of soybeans per year, 500 bushels of oats per year with
approximately 50 acres remaining for pasture and other crops.
Approximately 25,000 acres of cropland will be used over the next 20
years for urban development, according to the Intensity Development
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VI-2
Pattern. This land could produce 1,260,000 bushels of corn per year, 285,000
bushels of soybeans per year and 56,000 bushels of oats per year.
To minimize the impact of these land takings on agricultural produc-
tion, lagoons and urban development should be located wherever possible on
land that is marginal in productivity.
Disruption by Sewer Alignments
Semi-natural Floodplain Habitats
Temporary disruption of vegetation and wildlife habitats would result
from construction and placement of sewer pipes along approximately 2-1/2
miles of the lower Beaver Creek; approximately 3-1/2 miles of the Des
Moines River near the northern City limits; approximately 12 miles along the
Lower Fourmile Creek and approximately nine miles along the Lower East
Branch of Fourmile Creek. Excavation for placement and covering of the
sewer pipes would result in the loss of shrubs and trees for much of these
distances as well as herbaceous vegetation which provides cover for many
birds, rabbits, squirrels and amphibians.
Steps required to minimize harm include cutting the minimum necessary
swath of vegetation for trenching and pipe placement; final alignments which
minimize the taking of intermediate and mature trees; filling and regrading
of backfill material as quickly as possible after trenching; special provisions
to ensure that the final cover material over trenched areas is soil equal in
quality to the topsoil removed during excavation; replanting excavated areas
with materials that are native to the disturbed areas or otherwise well suited
to it; provision for several post-construction inspections to identify and
remedy areas where special erosion control and/or replanting are advisable.
Urban-Suburban Areas
Approximately four miles of pipe construction are required through the
urban center of Des Moines along the Des Moines River; approximately 9-1/2
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VI-3
miles downstream of the urban center along the Des Moines; and approxi-
mately 10-1/2 miles along Yeader Creek and Middle Creek. These alignments
will interrupt traffic and other urban activities to varying degrees depending
on exact location; they will be disruptive because of construction noise; and
they may generate substantial amounts of fugitive dust during construction,
depending on weather and soil moisture conditions.
To minimize harm in these settings, it will be necessary to plan
adequate auto and pedestrian traffic re-routing in advance for each
excavation step along the alignment; special traffic signaling and/or police
patrol may be required; protective shields may be required in certain areas to
minimize safety hazards to pedestrians; and in the event of high dust
generation, spraying earth mounds with water may be required from time to
time.
Within urban and suburban areas there are also more localized pockets
of trees and mixed vegetation which provide scenic relief and some wildlife
benefit. Wherever possible, alignments should be selected which minimize
the taking of trees and severing of semi-natural areas of vegetation. Where
taking of such areas is inevitable, all steps described above for semi-natural
floodplain habitats should be followed.
The Areawide Wastewater Agency (AWA) will be required to communi-
cate with the Des Moines Section Office of the Federal Aviation Administra-
tion (FAA) prior to the initiation of construction or maintenance activities
near FAA installations for the purpose of preventing damage to buried cables
and preventing interference with electronic instrumentation used in aviation.
Construction of Facilities over Surficial Aquifers and Floodplain Areas
Much of the sewer alignment along the Des Moines River and Fourmile
Creek would lie over surficial aquifers (where substantial groundwater
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VI-4
recharge takes place) and in floodprone land areas. The new treatment plant
would also lie over a surficial aquifer, and part if not all would be reached by
the 100-year flood level.
To minimize the potential environmental hazard of these placements,
all materials used for sewer construction should meet the strictest reasonable
specifications for material strength, quality of joint welds, reliability of
pumps at lift stations including back-up systems, and stability of earth
materials used in securing the placement of the pipes underground.
Protective dykes should be used around the treatment plant to at least meet
the 100-year recurrence flood level. Test wells should be used in the vicinity
of the treatment plant to monitor groundwater quality on a regular basis
after the plant is operating.
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VII-1
CHAPTER VII - RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM
USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE OF
LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY
In this discussion, "local short-term uses" of the environment means
uses of land, water, air and other natural resources (including those required
for generation of necessary electrical and mechanical power) to collect, treat
and dispose of wastewater in the Des Moines 208 study area and those
resources required to prevent or minimize the impact of rural and urban non-
point sources of water pollution in the study area. "Long-term productivity"
means the on-going, more or less stable operation of the natural and man-
modified ecosystems which make up the study area, namely river ecosystems,
agricultural ecosystems, conserved natural ecosystems (such as upland and
lowland terrestrial forests, lakes and wetlands) and the urban ecosystem.
More detailed descriptions of each ecosystem type were developed in an
earlier phase of this study.
The long-term productivity of all river ecosystems and all wetland
ecosystems in the study area depend critically on reaching the water quality
goals set forth in the first phase of this study. Fish, the food and breeding
grounds they depend on, and aquatic organisms that mineralize organic waste
products all require levels of water quality not achievable without the
improvements in wastewater treatment recommended here. Uncontrolled
runoff from agricultural lands and feedlots would eventually overburden the
capacity of nearly all streams and rivers to assimilate the waste products and
nutrient and sediment loadings received. The proposed plan would protect
water quality in the study area from further degradation and in many cases
allow slow, steady improvement in water quality, thereby improving condi-
tions for aquatic animals and the stability of the ecosystem of which they are
a part.
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VII-2
Long-term productivity of the agricultural ecosystem depends on
conservation of soil fertility, which requires runoff control to hold soil
moisture and applied organic and inorganic fertilizer supplements. It also
requires protection of groundwater quality for outlying residents using
shallow wells as sources of potable water. In addition, cost-effective
methods of soil tillage and protection of soil fertility are important in view of
rising fertilizer, fuel and machinery costs. Long-term objectives should
include maximum use of agricultural and other organic wastes for soil
conditioning and maintenance of fertility, tillage methods which minimize the
number of machine trips over cultivated lands per growing season, and the
maximum use of vegetation buffers and other non-structural techniques for
conservation of soil water in well-drained areas.
The conserved natural ecosystems require protection from other uses
except those consistent with the conservation management objectives and the
water-related ecosystems depend on good water quality in the same way river
ecosystems do. They harbor most of what remains of wildlife populations,
they protect water quality in many cases by allowing efficient natural
recharge of groundwater; they protect air quality by direct assimilation of
certain pollutants and by decreasing local densities of air-polluting land uses;
they aid in noise abatement in the same way as in air pollution abatement and
they provide visual and aesthetic relief from a sometimes monotonous
landscape.
Long-term productivity of the urban ecosystem relates most critically
to the short-term uses discussed here in that it requires a safe, reliable and
affordable source of potable water to support a growing number of people.
This component of the urban ecosystem is particularly sensitive to the quality
of storm runoff from rural and urban surfaces. While effective treatment
methods are available for minimizing hazards associated with pathogenic
bacteria, dissolved minerals and suspended particles, adequate protection
against viruses and stable organic compounds less easily filtered or
precipitated is less sure. The first line of defense in potable water
procurement is a watershed which generates a minimum of hazardous
compounds.
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VIII-1
CHAPTER VIII - IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE
COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES RESULTING FROM THE PLAN
Land and energy (primarily electrical) are the two greatest areas of
resource commitment resulting from the plan. Facility plans for outlying
areas will require approximately 200 acres for construction of new and
enlargement of existing waste treatment lagoons. Between 35 and 40 acres
of urban land1 are required for construction of the equalization basins
throughout the urbanized area designed to prevent sewer back-ups during
storm flows. Approximately 5-10 acres will be required for flow separators.
A strip of land roughly 50 miles in length and 50-150 feet in width depending
on pipe size and specific land form will be excavated for placement of sewer
pipes. The new arcawidc treatment plant will require approximately 70 acres
of land now zoned for industrial use.
The land commitment having the greatest long-term impact is the
agricultural land required in outlying areas for waste treatment lagoons.
Wherever possible agricultural takings should be minimized in the siting of
these lagoons.
Total estimates of energy required per year to operate all transport and
treatment facilities are in the range of 17 million kilowatt-hours per year of
electrical energy, roughly 30,000 gallons of fuel to operate sludge-hauling
trucks and approximately 130,000 gallons of fuel oil or its equivalent to heat
buildings associated with the areawide treatment facility.
Disposable supplies required for treatment plant operation are primarily
chlorine (roughly 300 tons per year) and polymers to aid coagulation and
settling (roughly 250 tons per year).
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CHAPTER IX
COMMENT ON DRAFT EIS AND RESPONSE
(Complete comment letters shown in Appendix C)
Federal Agencies
Federal Aviation Administration
Comment: We can, in general, express concern that large machinery or
disruption of the earth's surface, especially mounding, near some of our
electronic aids such as VOR, ILS, and radar will cause them to be unreliable.
Loss of these aids could create unsafe conditions.
Also, it has been our experience that digging near many of our facilities
can result in loss of power and control cables from cutting. When this
happens to critical facilities such as radar and communications, near panic
situations can develop.
Response: Consultation with the Planning and Appraisal Staff of the
Federal Aviation Administration in Kansas City has led to an agreement to
include in the Final EIS provisions for coordination between the FAA Sector
Office in Des Moines and the Areawide Wastewater Agency (AWA). Such
coordination will be required prior to all major excavations and disruptions to
the earth's surface and the use of large machinery. The Sector Office will be
able to inform all concerned as to the location of electronic aids such as
microwave cables and radar equipment and thereby insure their protection
and reliability.
Federal Highway Administration
Comment: Although these two freeways (Routes 500 and 592) are not in
the Iowa DOT'S current five-year plan, portions of these freeways will
probably be complete by the year 2000. The Final EIS should address impacts
or anticipated impacts related to these transportation improvements and
associated developments.
Response: Highway planning and development must be implemented in
such a manner so as not to preclude the goals of the Des Moines 208 Water
Quality Plan. Any highway routing must be consistent with the provisions of
the plan. Therefore, to minimize secondary impacts of the highways'
locations (e.g., noise, infrastructure strains, end population shifts and
changes), they should be routed in a manner which is consistent with expected
growth as described in the Intensity Development Pattern. (See also letter
from Central Iowa Regional Association of Local Governments in Appendix
D.)
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IX-2
Department of the Interior
Comment 1: Neither the maps nor the text in the document provide
sufficient information to determine the precise location of the proposed
facilities and, therefore, their impact on recreational, cultural, and mineral
resources. Where sites are known we recommend that maps of larger scale
and a revised text be employed in the final environmental statement to
describe the geographical location and its immediate surroundings.
Response: The plan whose impact was discussed in the Draft EIS was
developed after an inventory and analysis of recreational, cultural, and
mineral resources (as well as other natural and cultural resources) present in
the study area. One of the primary goals of the plan was to achieve specified
water quality goals in such a way that negative impact on physical, biological
and cultural resources was at a minimum. This goal was achieved with
possible exceptions as noted throughout Chapters V and VI of the Draft EIS.
For example, there is potential conflict between proposed equalization basins
and several outdoor recreation areas (exact locations noted). In each of these
cases, design options are readily available which would minimize conflict to
acceptable levels.
It must be added, however, that the plan as presently developed does
not specify precise locations of facilities, therefore, an accurate map
designation of the facility and an accurate assessment of each facility on
local resources is not possible. The plan anticipates the need for certain site-
specific investigations of possible impact after more precise facility locations
are selected.
Comment 2: Where precise construction locations are not presently
known, adequate maps and textural descriptions must be included in the'
subsequent site-specific environmental documents.
Response: According to EPA's Final Regulations for preparing
Environmental Impact Statements (40 CFR, Part 6) for wastewater treatment
facilities funded under Section 201 of Public Law 92-500, environmental
assessments must be submitted to EPA by its grantees and contractors. An
assessment must include a description of both the existing and future
environments without the project.
Also, when the plan of study is submitted for a project, the proposed
planning area must be described in detail and usually includes accurate
mapping. The more detailed map would be submitted with the Facilities Plan.
No grant for construction of treatment facilities is awarded until the State
Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) has had the opportunity to survey and
approve the project area. Even after this approval, if the contractor
uncovers an archeological find, construction must be stopped until the SHPO
has allowed for construction to continue.
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IX-3
Comment 3: Three areas were identified within the document as being
sites of possible conflict between recreational use and projected construction.
The planned enlargement of the existing lagoon near Granger is described as
being a "hazard" to an upstream wetland area presently utilized by hunters
and other recreationists. (and) In Des Moines, two equalization basins.... 10
to 15 feet above the ground, are planned for Prospect Park and another
proposed neighborhood park near County Line Road and Fleur Drive. We
believe that the mitigation of construction impacts on recreation should be
addressed directly and should avoid phrases like "could be resolved" or "may
serve". The final statement should set forth specific mitigation measures
which will be carried out as part of the construction projects...(and) the loss
of recreation land to construction of these and other structures should be
quantified for each structure as far as practicable.
There may be conflicts with recreation lands within the study area
which cannot be ascertained without larger scale maps and more detailed
text. The equalization basin planned for the proposed neighborhood part in
the vicinity of Fleur Drive and County Line Road is near Fort Des Moines.
Three tracts of this federally-owned property, totaling 244.27 acres, have
been conveyed to the Polk County Conservation Board (two parcels) and the
City of Des Moines Department of Parks (one parcel) for park and recreation
purposes. The provisions of the Instrument of Transfer specify that the
property shall not be sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of except with the
consent of the Secretary of the Interior. Substitution of properties of at least
equal fair market value and reasonably equivalent usefulness and location for
the recreational lands to be taken would be required.
Response: It is impossible to specify what is required in the way of
mitigation and what will be done in the case of a particular construction
project before final proposed plans and facility designs have been completed.
In the case of possible conflict between recreational use and projected
construction, no decisions can or should be made at this stage of planning
which would determine the exact size, shape, depth in the ground, height
above the ground, flow through the facility, and exact location of the facility
in a general area. It is therefore inappropriate to speculate on the precise
impact on cultural, biological or physical resources of the environment.
However, the overall strategy for wastewater management as described in
the plan anticipates the need for site-specific investigations at the stage of
facility design. As noted in the response to Comment 2, existing law makes
specific requirements concerning environmental protection as it relates to
facility design.
Comment 4: In addition, the outlying communities of Alleman,
Mitchellville, Norwalk, and Carlisle have recreation areas which have
received matching assistance monies from the Land and Water Conservation
Fund (L&WCF). In the Des Moines metropolitan area, numerous projects have
also received such funding. The following recreation resources in the
metropolitan area may be of particular interest in the preparation of future
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IX-4
documents: (1) the Des Moines Riverfront Bikeway, a Federal Highway
Administration Bikeway Demonstration Project; (2) a bikeway between
McHenry and Union Parks, partially funded through L&WCF monies; and (3)
the proposed Des Moines River. Any temporary or permanent disruption of
parklands, including but not limited to the above, and appropriate mitigation
should be addressed in subsequent documents.
Response: Comment noted.
Comment 5: Encroachments on properties that have received L&WCF
assistance would constitute a conversion of recreation use under Section 6(f)
of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, as amended. Section 6(f)
requires that any change from recreational land use be approved by the
Secretary of the Interior and also requires the substitution of other properties
of at least equal fair market value and reasonably equivalent usefulness and
location for the recreation lands to be taken. Any request for approval should
be directed to Mr. Fred A. Priewert, Director, Iowa Conservation Commis-
sion.
Response: Comment noted.
Comment 6: We concur that the plan will indirectly benefit recreation
through the improvement of water quality, but suggest that more direct
benefits could be incorporated into the plan. It would be possible, for
example, to acquire and develop lands adjacent to proposed construction sites
which could serve both as buffers and as recreational resources in their own
right. Another possibility would be to incorporate bikeways or trails on the
rights-of-way of sewer trunk-line construction, especially since these will
follow stream valleys in most instances. Technical assistance for including
recreation planning in the areawide 208 plan is available from the Bureau of
Outdoor Recreation, Mid-Continent Region.
Response: EPA agrees that multiple easements can be beneficial to
both the environmental and recreational components of a 208 planning area.
We have, in the past, consulted with the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
regarding these possibilities for the Des Moines 208 area.
Comment 7: A national historic landmark, the Fort Des Moines
Provisional Army Officer Training School, appears to be located close to the
proposed facilities near the Warren-Polk County line. We have enclosed a
boundary map of the landmark for your information.
Response: Comment and map noted. (See letter from Department of
Interior in Appendix C.)
Comment 8: We note that you are working with the State Historical
Department in assessing impacts of the undertaking on cultural resources (p.
V-37). It is not clear whether the State Historic Preservation Officer has also
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IX-5
been consulted. His participation is required by the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation's "Procedures for the Protection of Historic and
Cultural Properties" (36 CFR 800). The results of the proposed "surveys",
intensive investigations, and procedures for mitigating adverse impacts"
should be in accordance with the Council's "Procedures" and, along with
pertinent documentation included in the final statement.
Response: The State Historic Preservation Officer has been consulted
since the early stages of the 208 planning process.
Comment 9: The final statement should also reflect procedures to be
followed if previously unknown archeological resources are encountered
during project development.
Response: See second paragraph of response to Comment 2.
Comment 10; The statement adequately addresses impacts on fish and
wildlife resources and the related natural, environment. The plan is a big step
in right direction and we endorse it wholeheartedly.
Response: Comment noted.
Comment 11. Although one of the primary objectives of the intended
sewage disposal system is to prevent increasing contamination of waterways,
reservoirs, and aquifers, there are no illustrations in the report that clearly
show the drainage pattern or the location of the dams. For a better
understanding of their interrelationship, a correlation is required for the
drainage basins, aquifers, waterways, and reservoir locations. A statement
giving the capacity of the main reservoirs also would be helpful.
We suggest that more specific baseline data on streamflow characteris-
tics of the Des Moines River and its principal tributaries should be obtained.
Such data would be useful in evaluating amelioration of hazardous concentra-
tions of pollutants in the river, especially during low flows.
Among the strict specifications to protect ground water, such as those
discussed on pages VI-3 and VI-4, linings should be included where lagoons
must overlie alluvium or other appreciably permeable materials; downgrad-
ient monitoring of ground water should also be standard practice for such
situations.
Response: The drainage basins and sub-areas of the study area are
shown in Plate II-l (page II-7) of the Final EIS. Descriptive text on
"Reservoirs" includes locations and other facts regarding Saylorville and Red
Rock reservoirs (Final EIS page 11-14 and 11-15). The text has been amended
in the Final EIS to show reservoir capacities in units of acre-feet. Plate II-4
(Final EIS page 11-59) shows the location of surficial and buried channel
aquifers.
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IX-6
Additional information on streamflow characteristics has been added to
the Final EIS under "Hydrology" in Chapter II. It should be noted that all
assessments of water quality impact of the proposed plan were carried out
with respect to low-flow conditions.
The need for linings in lagoons which overlie alluvium or other
permeable earth materials is recognized and is fully consistent with the
proposed plan. Similarly, the need for downgradient monitoring of ground-
water quality in cases where lagoons overlie permeable materials is
recognized and is consistent with the proposed plan.
Comment 12: Large volumes of both excavation and fill would be
required in constructing lift stations, some 13 equalization basins that have
capacities up to 7.72 million gallons, and 9 treatment facilities, plus a
regional treatment facility. Moreover, grade stabilization structures and
terraces, estimated to cost $50 million, also would require fill or excavation
as would many miles of trunklines. The source of fill material and the area
for disposal should be mentioned in the text.
In the final statement, the section on geology should include summary
results of the statewide inventory of coal resources and the impacts on coal
in the area if minable reserves are indicated. Further, the text should state
whether the underground liquid petroleum gas storage is being utilized now
and whether its future use would be impaired if the proposed project is
constructed.
The coverage on geology does not mention occurrences of building
stone, sand and gravel, limestone, road rock, or other minerals that normally
are mined near densely populated areas such as Des Moines. Closure or
curtailment of any such enterprise would cause environmental changes'
requiring evaluation in the study.
Response: For reasons noted in response to Comment 3 above,
estimated volumes of excavation and fill material are not yet available.
Wherever possible, facilities will be designed and located so as to minimize
cut and fill activities, since both are very costly. Where these are necessary,
the selection of source and disposal sites and the environmental impact of
this phase of construction will be addressed in the facilities plan.
Based on information available at the present time, the prospects for
commercial production of coal in the 208 study area are not high. It is
possible that small-scale mining could develop at distances greater than 20
miles west and northwest of the City of Des Moines at some time in the
future, but coal deposits more distant from urbanized areas will be much
preferred by mining interests. The prospects for coal mining in Jasper
County (east of the study area) appear higher than any in the study area
itself.
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IX-7
There is no evidence of acid drainage from areas of past coal mining.
Apparently most of the previously mined areas have been effectively sealed
by water and/or silt in such a way that pyritic materials are not exposed to
air. The water quality hazard associated with acid mine drainage is therefore
very small.
Hazard associated with subsidence of old mines in the study area is
small and manageable. Engineers familiar with construction and excavation
in the Des Moines area know that old shafts are found occasionally and that
minor adjustments are nearly always sufficient to reduce hazard (conversa-
tion with Matt Avcin, July 5, 1977). Those responsible for future construction
will need to check for the possibility of abandoned mines under or near each
proposed construction site. Information on many such mines is available to
the public for planning purposes through the Iowa Geological Survey.
The underground liquid petroleum gas storage caverns are currently in
use as components of a distribution system. The continued use of these
storage facilities is not inconsistent with the proposed plan.
While there is considerable mining of sand and gravel along the Raccoon
and Des Moines Rivers in the 208 study area, there is very little mining of
building stone, limestone, clay, gypsum or other minerals that are available in
Iowa and were mined earlier in the study area. The plan as presently
formulated will not require the closure or curtailment of any mineral
extraction enterprise.
Department of Health, Education and Welfare
No response necessary.
Department of the Army
Comment; Future coordination is desired when individual implementa-
tion of the proposed actions is taken.
Portions of the proposed plan will require Section 10 and/or Section 404
permits. The draft statement does not address these actions. A discussion of
the impacts anticipated in relationship to these requirements should be
incorporated in the final statement. I recommend that you contact
Mr. Monte Hines, Permits and Statistics Branch, for direct coordination in
determining the permit requirements.
Response: Consultation with the Permits and Statistics Branch, Corps
of Engineers, Rock Island District, has led to an agreement to include
coordination with the Corps during the planning stages of the wastewater
treatment facilities required under Section 201 of Public Law 92-500,
whether an EIS or negative declaration is prepared for a given facility.
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IX-8
Permits issued under Section 10 of the River and Harbors Act of 1899 are
required for any activities in the "Navigable Waters of the United States."
Section 404 of Public Law 92-500 requires permits related to "....the
discharge of dredged or fill material into the navigable waters at specified
disposal sites."
The terms of the agreement just described are consistent with the
intent of the 208 plan. Whereas the plan as presently formulated guides the
general development of areawide wastewater management policy and
facilities, the plan anticipates the need for site-specific investigations
related to Section 10 and/or Section 404 permits.
Soil Conservation Service
No response necessary.
State Agencies
Office of Planning and Programming
No response necessary.
Iowa Conservation Commission
Comment 1: The Iowa Conservation Commission has a deep-seated
concern for Iowa's water quality. We wish to express our support of upgrading
water quality to the 1983 "fishable and swimmable" standards, which the
Commission believes is a must for quality recreation and fish and wildlife
habitat.
Response: Comment noted.
Comment 2: The Commission urges that growth impacts on resource
utilization be thoroughly assessed. We do not support the extension of
utilities into those areas of the metropolitan region that promote urban,
commercial or industrial development at the expense of natural areas with
potential for outdoor recreation, scenic open space and fish and wildlife
habitat. We therefore suggest that these sewer extensions be coordinated
with a metropolitan land use plan in which growth is accommodated in areas
of low natural resource value.
Response: EPA agrees that sewer extensions and other agency initiated
projects can induce secondary development and that this development may
have deleterious effects related to strains of other infrastructures, services,
wildlife and recreation potential, and open space. This is exemplified by a
memorandum dated June, 1975 (PRM 75-26), from the EPA Administrator to
all Regional Administrators. The memorandum requires that the Agency give
particular attention to secondary environmental impacts during review of
plans for the construction of publicly-owned treatment facilities with Federal
monies.
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Land use was an important consideration during the 208 planning
process for Des Moines. According to the Central Iowa Regional Association
of Local Governments (CIRALG), (Des Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment
Management Plan, Condensed Report. March, 1977, page 5). "growth in the
unincorporated areas that are not now urbanized would be limited, although it
is expected that a slight shift in population will occur from rural farm
residence to rural non-farm residence." One of the goals of the plan is to
"develop and adopt programs for the control of land use, as it relates to water
quality." (CIRALG, Des Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment Management
Plan, Final Report, April, 1977, Page 1-1). According to the plan,
development will be regulated by conformance with the Intensity Develop-
ment Pattern (IDP), whereupon the Policy Committee will be responsible for
annually updating the IDP for the consideration of changing conditions and,
reviewing and approving or denying local governments' requests for deviations
from the plan. Zoning and subdivision regulations will be used to achieve
development control. Erosion and soil loss programs and ordinances will also
be used to provide for necessary growth controls. Finally, development
restcicti'fcns along regional trunklines may help in achieving these goals by
including1 a statement in the easement that "condemnation of the easement or
the construction of the trunkline does not imply any right of use or access to
the trunkline." (CIRALG, Final Report, pp. VIII-10 and 11).
The plan calls for passage and adoption of ordinances and other
measures as required to protect against development which is inconsistent
with the Intensity Development Pattern.
Comment 3: In addition, the Conservation Commission would like to
support the multiple purpose utilization of lands and easements acquired for
the Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plan. These lands and
easements offer the metropolitan region the opportunity to secure open space
for recreation and recreational access to area water bodies.
Sewer easements often parallel our communities, rivers, streams, and
attractive water bodies; treatment plants often lie near water. Careful
preplanning, design, and acquisition of these easements and land with
recreation uses clearly in mind will give many benefits (see letter).
Response: Refer to the Department of Interior Comment 6.
Local Agencies
City of Des Moines, Department of Public Health
Comment 1: Des Moines and Polk County air pollution chapters contain
restrictions on emissions of odors. Pages V-8 and VI-1 of the draft EIS discuss
impacts on air (particulates and carbon monoxide) but do not mention odor
emissions from the new sewage treatment plant.
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Response: EPA's review of the facility's design will insure that the
requirements of Chapter 3B (Air Pollution) of the City Code, including odor
limits, will be met. The odor limit (3B-20) requires that an objectionable odor
should not be emitted such that the odor can be detected beyond the property
line when diluted with seven volumes of unscented air.
Comment 2: On page IV-4 under Sludge Disposal it is indicated that
grease collected would be landfilled or burned in an incinerator but page V-8
says no sludge incineration is anticipated. Thus, what, if any, impact grease
incineration might have on air quality should be at least mentioned on V-8.
Response: The reference in the Draft EIS to possible incineration of
grease noted above is an incorrect one. Incineration of sludge and grease was
ruled out earlier in the panning process.
Comment 3: On page V-8 it says that, "The proposed plan would have
no major primary impact on the air quality of the City of Des Moines or the
region." This department anticipates indirect negative impacts on air
pollution due to concentration of new industrial growth along the limited
number of trunklines. The draft EIS goes on to say that, "The Proposed plan
will have a positive impact on air quality maintenance in the long run..." This
department anticipates that the indirect negative impact could be greater
than the positive impact derived from open space areas and corridors. In any
event, these issues should be mentioned in the draft EIS.
Response: EPA poncurs that indirect negative impacts are associated
with new industrial concentrations along trunklines. Refer to the response to
the Iowa Conservation Commission, Comment 2, for the mitigative and
impact minimization measures to be employed to prevent such development
along trunklines. While air quality benefits can be expected from the
preservation of open space throughout the urbanized area, EPA also concurs
that the indirect negative impact mentioned could be greater than the
positive open space impact. In that event, special measures may be necessary
to further control air emissions from appropriate sources. In the meantime,
however, EPA has extensive, ongoing programs to monitor, anticipate,
prevent and/or correct violations of air quality standards through air quality
maintenance area (AQMA) plans, state implementation plans (SIP), and
transportation control plans (TCP).
City of Des Moines, Office of the City Manager
Comment: The area of economic impact has not been addressed
completely. The Des Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment Management
Plan targets 1983 as the date for completion of all proposed trunk line sewer
extensions and wastewater treatment facilities. With the completion of the
trunk sewer extensions, unincorporated undeveloped land will have a
significant economic advantage which will result in direct competition for
development with the incorporated areas of the central cities. The
Environmental Impact Statement should have addressed, in more detail, the
negative impact that sprawled development will have on the central cities.
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IX-11
Response: The attached letter from Harland Bartholomew and
Associates to Mr. Irv Samec of CIRALG, addresses the economic effects and
redistribution impacts of the 208 Plan.
Private Agencies
Iowa Power and Light Company
No response required.
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».i~m,'i'LB,,oc! LOVBACt cm.iis p. ci.vic.. FracM «»'«»» I."galJ*»«.
IX-12
April 5, 1977
Mr. Irv Samec
208 Project Director
Central Iowa Regional Association of
Local Governments
104| East Locust Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Dear Mr. Samec:
At .Mr. Pryor's request we have prepared the following
letter report concerning the impact to local governments in
the 208 Area of allowing access to segments of the regional
trunk sewers through unincorporated portions of Polk County,
in contradiction to policies of the Intensity Development
Pattern.
The Intensity Development Pattern estimates Des Moines
and the suburban communities will increase in population by
30,000 persons between 1980 and 2000. Satellite communities
are estimated to increase 17,200 persons in the same period.
Overall a total increase of 47,200 persons is estimated for
the 20 year period with distribution of development as shown
on the enclosed table.
It is difficult to estimate the strength of the various
factors which could determine the distribution of these
additional 47,200 persons in the 1980-2000 period; however,
we believe the following factors will be crucial: (1) avail-
ability of land for development along the trunk (2) the
school situation and (3) county vs. city taxes and other market
considerations. Given the substantial development taking
place in Ankeny and Altoona at this time, we would expect
areas along the trunk to receive similar development pressures.
Depending on the above factors we estimate that between
20 and 40 percent of projected growth would be vulnerable to
being attracted to the trunkline rather than as shown on the
intensity development pattern. For statistical purposes we
have utilized 30 percent to show the relative impact such a
redistribution would have.
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IX-13
Page Two
Mr. Irv Samec
A thirty percent attraction would mean that approximately
14,000 persons or 4700 dwelling units would be diverted to
locations along the trunkline. Utilizing an average of $45,000
per dwelling unit, an investment of some $21 million dollars
in residential development would be located in the unincorporated
area. The satellite cities, suburban communities and Des
Moines would probably all share in this loss. Commercial and
industrial development could be diverted as well. Employment
gains of 20,625 persons are projected for the 1980-2000 period.
Again utilizing a figure of 30 percent diverted, industrial
and commercial development with employment of 6200 persons would
take place along the exposed trunks. Based on general standards,
we estimate this to approximate $52 million dollars of commercial
development and $56 million dollars of industrial development.
Overall we estimate a total of $129 million dollars of
new development could be redistributed to areas along the
trunklines over the 1980 to 2000 period if access of the
trunkline is not controlled.
Should you have any further questions please advise.
Very truly yours,
HARLAND BARTHOLOMEW AND ASSOCIATES
tar*
ULnS^/rU^
SCthep
Encl.
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IX-14
Des Moines
West Des Moines
Urbandale
Windsor Heights
Clive
Pleasant Hill
Subtotal
Ankeny
Altoona
Bondurant
Subtotal
TOTAL
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
1980 - 2000
DES MOINES AREA 208
Estimated
Est.
1980
202,000
25,200
19,200
6,600
6,700
3,300
263,000
15,900
3,200
1,700
26,300
Est.
2000
215,000
32 , 000
26,000
7,000
8,000
5,000
293,000
22 , 000
7,500
3,000
43 , 500
Population Gain
1980 - 2000
13 , 000
6,800
6,800
400
1,300
1,700
30,000
6,100
4,300
1,300
17,200
289,300 336,500
47,200
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CHAPTER X - PUBLIC HEARING ON THE DRAFT EIS
-------
BEFORE THE
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
FOR THE DES MOINES 208 AREAWIDE WASTE
TREATMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN
7:35 o'clock p.m.
June 1, 1977
Room 113
Federal Building
210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa
ARGIE REPORTING SERVICE
(DAVID 81 KAY ARGIE)
1000 West 70th Terrace
Kansas City, Missouri 64113
Teleohone 363-3657
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1 INDEX
2
Opening Remarks by Hearing Officer Reavis 3
3
Dan Vallero 5
4
James Ferrell 11
5
Jean Willims 21
6
Marilyn Staples 23
7
Bryan Wadsworth 26
8
Jim Hall 30
9
10 QUESTION & ANSWER PERIOD 31
11 Paul Hoi
12 Bryan Wadsworth
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
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2 HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: Good evening,
3 ladies and gentlemen.
4 Let the record show that this hearing is
5 convened at approximately 7:35 p.m., on June 1, 1977. The
, purpose of this hearing is to provide an opportunity for
7 public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
8 for the Des Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment Management
9
Plan. And it is held pursuant to Section 208 of the Public
10 Law 92-500, the Clean Water Act and Section 102 of Public
n Law 91-190, the National Environmental Policy Act.
12 It is also held in accord with a Notice of
Public Hearing published in the Des Moines Register on
14 May 8, 11, 12 and 13, of this year.
I am Richard Reavis. I'm the Hearing Office}:.
I am also the Deputy Director at the Water Division of the
17 Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII, Kansas City.
I would like to introduce other repressnta-
,„ tives of the Environmental Protection Agency that are with
20 me tonight.
2, On my right, Dan Vallero; Donald Draper
22 toward the back of the room; Dick Ziegler, sitting next to
23 him; Pete Johnson sitting next to him; and at the registra-
tion table, Edward Vest.
25 I'd like to establish a framework in which
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1 this hearing will be held. The order of presentations that
2 will be given will be in the order that you registered at
3 that desk, and at the door as you cane in.
4 If any of you have not registered, why, we
5 would like for you to do so. And if any of you intend to
6 make a presentation and you have not indicated that, why,
7 we'd like for you to do so.
9 The length of the presentations—we really
9 don't have very many that have indicated that they would
10 like to present material and in view of that, I would think
11 that 20 minutes would be ample for most of you.
12 If you have presentations that run slightly
13 longer, I don't think it will give us much trouble, but if
14 you can, try to stay within that framework of time.
15 I think it would be best, those of you who
16 might have questions that you would like to address to the
17 speaker that's making the presentation, that you wait until
13 after all of the formal presentations have been made. And
19 I am sure we will have ample time to address questions.
20 I think you'll find that during the pre-
2i sentations, subsequent presentations, that many of your
22 questions might be answered and save us some time.
23 For the record, I would like for you as
24 you stand to make your presentation to identify yourself,
25 state your address and also the organisation with which you
-------
are affiliated, if any. That does not preclude any of you
2 making presentations on your own behalf, it is npt.necessary
3 that you make a presentation for an organization.
4 One last comment—and I think it is probably
unnecessary, but I would like for us to stick to the subject
6 that we are here to discuss tonight. Your statements should
7 be relevant to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement . Anc
8 it is not in the best interest of the hearing to stray too
9 far from that. And I would ask you just to make sure that
!0 your statements do address the subject that we are here to
!) discuss.
!2 Before we begin the presentations from the
13 floor, Mr. Vallero will make a preliminary statement that
14 gives the basis for the Environmental Impact Statement,
15 the rationale behind it,the purpose of the document. And
16 I think it will probably help us better understand what we
17 are here for tonight.
18 Dan?
19 MR. VALLERO: I am Dan Vallero from the
20 Environmental Protection Agency in Region VII. I am the
2i Project Officer for the Des Noines 208 Plan in preparing the
22 document,
23 Section 208, as Dick said, is a section
24 which encourages and facilitates the development and imple-
25 mentation of Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plans. And
-------
1 it's done so according to guidelines published in the
2 Federal Register by the Environmental Protection Agency,
3 EPA«
4 The Governor of Iowa has determined that
5 the Des Moines,Iowa Area has substantial water problems
6 and therefore it has been designated as such. And he has
7 also designated the Central Iowa Regional Association of
8 Local Governments, CIRA, to be the representative organi-
9 zation which will be capable of developing effective, an
10 effective management plan for the area.
n The development of the plan has been funded
12 by EPA and includes or will include the identification of
13 required treatment works, construction priorities, regula-
14 tory programs, agencies which are necessary to implement
15 the plan's provisions, requisites for fulfilling acts, goals
16 and objectives and residual solid waste. The primary sectior
17 is to achieve the overall quality control specif led ..in the
18 Act as to have protection and propagation of fish, shell
19 fish and wildlife. And it provides for recreation in and
20 on the water by July 1, 1983.
21 Some of the additional goals, as you had a
22 chance to look at the document, which were laid out by
23 CIRA I'll read to you:
24 "To maintain the surface and ground water
25 quality for the optimum beneficial use of the resources.
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7
j "To implement and carry on araawide waste
2 treatment plan process which will assure the adequate and
3 orderly control of polution.
4 "To develop an intensity development
5 pattern for the metropolitan area which will provide for
6 water quality projections and provisions for controls.
7 "Plan and rejuvinate adequate waste water
g and drainage facilities in accordance with the intensity
9 development pattern which is laid out in the document for
10 the purpose of providing growth and giving direction to
n development.
J2 "Develop programs for the control of land usr
13 as it relates to water quality.
14 "Develop a management system with the
15 capability and authority to construct and operate a high
16 quality waste treatment system for the whole metropolitan
17 area.
ig "Encourage and solicit public participation
19 in waste water management planning.
20 And finally, "To maximize cost effective-
2] ness and utilization of available funds."
22 And important consideration that we thought
23 you might be interested herein is tnat—and I'm sure most
24 of you know it—but this plant will not only serve for the
25 integrated community area, the ICA, the—but it also serves
-------
8
for the—for all of the outlying communities within the 208
2 Area.
3 ClRA's work has come in four phases.
Phase No. 1 was aimed at the inventory and
5 evaluation of the elements required to complete the plan
6 first off.
7 And then Phase No. 2 consisted of developing
8 screening for managements technical alternatives
9 Phase No. 3 was directed toward developing
10 screening of selected areawide alternative plans.
And Phase No. 4 consisted of developing
12 details which will be necessary to implement the final plan
13 The reason we are here tonight is another
,, law which is known as the National Environmental Policy Act
14
15 of 1969, the particular section in that law. No. 102-C
16
which requires that all federal agencies prepare some type
17 of statement, document, with regard to any federal actions
18 which will have a significant impact on the quality of the
19 human environment.
And this would be prepared by the responsibl
21 official;in this case, Mr. Charles Wright, the Acting Region
al Administrator, has determined that this 208 Plan is a
major federal action which will have a significant impact
24
23
on the human environment.
This statement which we refer to ae the
25
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9
Environmental Impact Statement or EIS must address by law
the following:
It must address the environmental impact
of the proposed action.
4
Any adverse environmental effects which
cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented.
Alternatives to the proposed action.
Relationships between local short-term uses
8
of man's environment and the maintenance and enhancement
9
of long-term productivity.
And finally, any irreversible and irretriev-
able commitments of resources occurring should the proposed
action be implemented as planned„
You may notice going throughthe document
14
that it is broken down in that particular order in chapters
to make it a little easier for you to determine which part
16
of law%e are fulfilling at any certain time.
This Section 102 also requires that copies
18
of the statement and comments from appropriate federal,
state and local agencies shall be made available to the
20
President, the Council on Environmental Quality and to the
21
public.
22
Incidentally, we are in the process now of
receiving comments on the Draft Environmental Impact State-
24
ment. He will receive comments up until June 6 which is
25
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10
1 ,| next Monday.
2 If you want to make any statenant and have
3 it included in the initial publication, please do. Also,
4 we are closing the hearing date for June 15. So if you have
5 something you want to have in the hearing record, you know,
have it in by June 15. And it will also be included in the
6
7 final EIS.
_ This public hearing is one means by which
9 EPA is trying to receive information which will influence
our planning and our particular decision making in this
exercise and project. And it will make most use of the
citizens and organizations like yourself who would like to
have some type of input into the planning process.
I %3
A public hearing, as Mr. Reavis said, was
held on April 6, 1977. That particular public hearing was
... held for the Plan itself. This public hearing is aimed
I
at receiving input on the EIS for the Plan now. There's a
difference there. Although anything to do with the environ-
mental impact from this Plan we'll receive and we will
welcome any comments you have.
Another goal of this hearing is to receive
information about the individual waste treatment facilities
22
proposed for the No. 208 Area. Some of them are mentioned
in the EIS and some are mentioned in the phase reports.
24
„ Information that is received by the time
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11
i!
II
1 it"s necessary to be received will Le included in the final
2 environmental impact statement and will be used in our
3 decision making for this particular project.
4 HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: Thank you. Dan.
5 We will now proceed with the formal pre-
6 sentations by the people that have indicated they desire
7 to make such presentations. I think that the speakers will
8 find it more comfortable to come to the rostrum where you
9 have a place to put your papers if you have them.
10 So as I call your names, again, I would like
,l for you to come up here, identify yourself, give your
12 address, the organization, if any, that you are affiliated
13 with and then make your statement.
14 Mr. Hoi? And again, we are going in order
15 of people who have signed up at the door.
16 MR. HOL: I would like to pass at this time,
17 sir. I have a question later on.
18 HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: It's quite all
19 right, Mr. Hoi.
20 Mr. Ferrell?
21 MR. FERRELL: This is a statement from
22 the Central Iowa Regional Association of Local Governments,
23 the designated planning Agency that was responsible for the
24 preparation of the 208 Plan. And it is addressed to the
25 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII, in Kansas
-------
12
! City, Missouri.
2 And it states:
3 "The Central Iowa Regional Association of
4 Local Governments, CIRALG, has reviewed the Draft Environ-
5 mental Impact Statement prepared for the Des Moines 208
Areawide Waste Treatment Management,Plan prepared by the
0
7 Region VII office of the U.S. Environmental Protection
8 Agency.
9 "Accordingly, review comments on the Draft
10 EIS have been developed and are transmitted herewith. The
n comments are, in general, an overview of the 208 Plan with
respect to other current trends and relationships within
13 the State and specifically the eight county area represented
14 by CIRALG. With respect to the contents and conclusions of
15 the Draft EIS, we are in agreement with the analysis and
16 urge that the Draft EIS be given a favorable determination.
"The 208 Plan for the designated area of
18 Polk, Dallas and Warren Counties and the municipalities with
19 in the above area have developed an Intensity Development
„. Pattern for land use intensity and distribution. Even
20
though the specific areas do not coincide, the Des Moines
Urban Area Transportation Policy Committee had adopted the
Intensity Development Pattern for use in transportation
&O
planning with the urban area which is portions of Polk
County,and Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, Johnston, Urbandale,
-------
13
West Des Moines, Windsor Heights and Clive. This inter -
relationship and common denominator between planning
3 functions will provide conformity between the goals and
end-products of these two vital areas of concern.
. "In addition to transportation planning,
ClRALG's Regional Housing ana Land Use Poljcy Committee
6
elected to assume the 208 Plan's Intensity Development
Pattern and to continue regional land use considerations
8
and planning efforts for the eight county area in a manner
compatible with the 208 IDP. Again, this demonstrates
compatability of the Des Moines 208 Plan with regional
policy and goals.
Based on the implied intent of the 208
Intensity Development Pattern with respect to regional and
subregional land use planning efforts, it is urged that
Federal and States Agencies make a concerted effort to con-
16
sider the regional and subregional intensity development
concepts in their planning functions. This would result
in a more uniform and locally acceptable approach than has
been historically conducted in the past with respect to
federal and state programs and planning functions.
"The Des Moines 208 Plan proposes specific
controls for nonpoint sources of pollution within the study
area. Specifically these controls include increases in
cropland conservation measures, erosion contro] practices
-------
14
1 for construction sites and a reduction in the rate of
2 development in unincorporated areas.
3 "These controls were developed based on an
4 identification of critical water quality impacts within the
c area receiving streams. In order to achieve the level of
_ I water quality predicted within the 208 Area from institution
6
of the above control measures, there will have to be a
8 coordinated effort between the Iowa Department of Environ-
9 mental Quality, which is responsible for statewide 208
10 Planning, and the designated Des Moines 208 Management
Agencies. This effort must be directed at achieving a
I mutually beneficial control program for nonpoint sources of
13 pollution tnat affect the water quality in the major Des
14 Moines 208 Area receiving streams, which primarily, are
ii
impacted to a greater degree from nonpoint sources located
16 outside of the Des Moines 208 Area.
"Failure to achieve this mutual level of
18
nonpoint source control will result in a discontinuity of
overall goals and efforts between t ne state and Des Moinns
208 Planning Areas and frustration nf the efforts within the
Des Moines Metropolitan Area to control nonpoint sources of
pollution.
"With regards to nonpoint source pollution,
resulting from urban and construction site runoff in
developed areas, within the Des Moines 208 Study Area, there
-------
15
1 has been developed alternative control measures that may
2 be applied to specific areas or sites having localized water
3 quality impacts. These control strategies are not intended
4 to be applied on an areawide level, but could be utilized
5 for specific instances and locations thus allowing an
6 overall flexibility within the area for control of urban
7 runoff.
8 "Development impacts from conversion of
9 agricultural-open spaces to a higher intensity use are
10 proposed to be controlled from two aspects:
n "On, through nonpoint source controls
12 which are outlined above.
13 "And,two, through regulation of sewer
14 connections to the major interceptor sewers where the
15 sewers pass through presently underdeveloped areas.
16 "With respect to Item No. 2, regulation of
17 sewer connections in underdeveloped areas, there are
18 adverse socio-economic iapacts ttat could result if no
19 control was exercised.
2Q "Namely these impacts are:
2| "One, movement of development in the area
22 from presently developed areas with an associated first
23 cost economic loss of $129 million to the presently in-
24 corporated areas.
25 "In addition, loss of population and a
-------
16
1 decrease in the tax bases associated with the movement to
2 outlying areas.
3 "In addition, loss of allocated sewer capa-
4 city due to a redistribution of flow generators from that
5 used initially for the design and siaing of facilities.
6 "The control of these potential develop-
7 mental impacts can only be effectuated through use of
8 present or future regulations of the U.S. Environmental
9 Protection Agency, the Iowa Department of Environmental
10 Quality and the Des Moines 208 Management Agencies.
"It is therefore inherent that control mech-
12 aniams be coordinated and adhered to by and between the
three levels of regulation. Federal State and Local, to
14 achieve the desired final product as well as achieve the
goals of the locally instituted 208 Plan.
"The areawide technical plan proposes im-
17 provements for control and treatment of pollution resulting
from point and intermittent point sources. The major points
concerning the implementation of the technical plan are:
20 "One, reduction in the number of point
21 source discharges within the area.
22 "Two, cost savings in capital and operating
23 costs resulting from a reduction of point source facilities.
24 "And,three, cost savings in the selection
of flow separators fro combined sewer overflows versus
complete separation or treatment of combined Mwers.
-------
17
1 "Four, the determination on an areawide
2 level of the most cost-effective combination of treatment
3 systems and effluent limitations which new facilities must
4 be designed for.
5 "With respect to treatment facilities, the
, final areawide plan for sewage treatment will result in a
7 cost savings both in first cost capital expenditures and in
8 annual operation and maintenance costs. Capital cost saving
9 will result from construction of a centralised facility
10 versus upgrading and expansion of each individual treatment
n facility within the integrated community area to meet
12 effluent wasteload limitations.
13 "Due to the fact that many of the existing
14 treatment facilities will be phased out with treatment being
15 centralised at the new main plant, effluent limitations
16 on the new plant will be less stringent. The estimated annua
17 cost savings in operation and maintenance costs of the new
18 plant with theless stringent wasteload allocations is
19 approximately $190,000.00 per year.
_0 "Construction of a new treatmeifc facility
21 instead of upgrading the existing main treatment plant will
22 result in an annual cost savings and operations cost of
23 approximately $311,000.00 per year.
24 "As part of the technical plan implementatio
25 it is proposed that collector sewer systems be constructed
-------
18
1 in areas presently served by septic tanks. The estimated
2 cost for providing these collection systems is approximately
3 $10.5 million. Under current grant funding policy, the Iowa
4 Department of Environmental Quality does not make grants for
5 construction of collector sewer systems. It is recommended
6 that this policy be changed in allocation of funds for the
7 Des Moines 208 Area.
8 "The impace on ground and surface water
9 quality, as well as potential health hazards resulting
10 from the reas with septic tanks, should be a prime considers
n tion in establishing priorities for grant eligibility.
12 "Additionally, the grant funding of flow
13 separators for combined sewer overflows should also be
14 given priority funding with the Des Moines 208 Area. Lack
15 of grant funding for the above improvements may result in
16 a continuation of water quality problems within the area du<
17 to a lack of local financial capabilities and resources.
18 "The Des Moines 208 Plan proposes a plural
19 management system consisting of local units of government
20 responsible for the implementation of functions pertaining
2i to Section 208 requirements of the Federal Hater Pollution
22 Control Act Amendments of 1972. Through an intergovern-
23 mental agreement, the local jurisdictions agree to jointly
24 and acting through CIRALG and the Sewer Policy Committee
25 to implement the requirements of Section 208 of the law.
-------
19
1 "The Section 208 requirements specified
2 . are namely priority setting, annual update of the 208 Plan
3 and coordination of the activities on an areawide basis.
4 "This proposal for assignment of management
5 responsibilities resulted from several factors:
"One, the time required to establish a new
management agency to assume all wastewater management
functions.
9 "Two, the critical period of implementation
1(j of the technical plan to meet 1983 water quality goals
jj could have been delayed while the management system was
12 being established.
13 "And, three, all participating units of
14 government presently have the authority and institutional
15 arrangements for implementing most of the Section 208 re-
16 quirements. However, an areawide planning, coordinating
17 and priority-setting mechanism was lacking.
18 "Recognizing the above philosophy and
19 decisions of the local units of government, the Des Moines
20 208 Management System is in the process of being established
21 and implemented at the present time. The plural management
22 structure is proposed to extend for a two year period until
23 a final management system is selected by the local govern-
24 merits. During the two year period, analysis of other manage
25 ment structures will be made as well as testing of the p\iral
-------
20
1 management system to determine its capabilities for areawide
2 waste treatment management. Utilizing this implementation
3 approach for management of areawide waste treatment will
4 result in the immediate implementation of the technical plan
5 elements which are vital in achieving the 1983 water quality
6 goals within the Des Moines 208 Area.
7 "A direct and immediate result of implemen-
g tation of the management system will be the continued fund-
9 ing of sewer system evaluation surveys within the areas
10 having excessive infiltration inflow. As stated in the
jl EIS concerning the problem of excessive clear vater entering
12 the sewer systems:
13 'The result has been sewer back back-ups
]4 that plague rather large parts of the urban area. These
15 cause health hazards and loss of confidence in the neighbor-
16 hood. Many of the sewer back-up areas correspond with areas
17 occupied by the lower income groups.'
18 "Continued and immediate funding of these
19 studies along with rehabilitation projects within the next
20 two year period will greatly improve current conditions
21 within the areas experiencing sewer back-up problems.
22 "In conclusion, the results of the two-year
23 planning process have resulted in a workable plan for manage
24 ment of water quality problems in the Des Moines Area and
25 represents effective cooperation among local governments in
-------
21
1 developing sound approaches for solving mutual problems.
2 In this regard, it is considered that tne Des Moines Areawide
3 Waste Treatment Management Plan will have a very positive
4 effect on the quality of the environment with the Des
5 Moines Area."
6 Signed by, Clarence Millsay, Chairman of
7 the Des Moines Metropolitan Sewer Planning Policy Committee
3 and Dennis Harney, the Executive Director of CIRALG.
9 HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: Thank you, Mr.
10 Ferrell.
n Jean Williams?
12 MS. WILLIAMS: My name is Jean Williams and
13 I'm Chairman of the Des Moines Advisory Committee on
14 Environmental Quality. I am delivering a statement that—
15 a resolution that we passed in April. And it was delivered
16 to the areawide hearing, but there are parts of it that
17 do apply to the Environmental Impact Statement. So I will
13 just read it. It is just a resolution.
19 I forgot to give you my address. Jean
20 Williams, 314 42nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa.
2i "At the formal 208 waste treatment hearing
22 on April 6, the Des Moines Advisory Committee on Environ-
23 mental Qaulity present the following resolution:
24 "The Des Moines Advisory Committee on
25 Environmental Quality supports the basic Des Moines 208
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22
l Areawide Waste Treatment Management plan as an urgently
2 needed activity to preserve water quality and protect public
3 and private properties and it encourages implementation of
4 the Plan as quickly as possible.
5 "In conjunction to DMACEQ's support, however
6 the Committee strongly recommends the following:
7 "One, that citiaen's be informed and involv-
8 ed at hearings in addition the the one tonight. One good
9 time would be when the improvement design is completed so
10 the public will be informed as to who and what will be
n affected.
12 "Two, that along trunk lines, at equaliza-
13 tion basins, at separator sites and at the main plant site,
14 the natural environmental elements, that is, trees; wildlife
15 cover, rare plant life, etc. be carefully considered and
16 protected whenever possible, including using as little as
17 actual construction space as feasible and leaving sites as
18 good as or better than they were originally.
19 "Three, that a high priority be placed on
20 considering use of the land space consumed by trunk lines
2i and equalization basins as recreational facilities such as
22 bike-hike trails, tennis courts or small park-picnic
23 facilities if location justifies it.
24 "Four, that the control strategies for non-
25 point pollution sources mentioned in the proposal as listed
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23
1 below be agressively corrected:
2 "(a) Construction site erosion.
3 "(b) Promotion of cropland run-off control
4 through the Soil Conservation Commission.
5 "(c) Reduction of urban development in the
6 unincorporated areas."
7 HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: Thank you very much
8 Ms. Williams.
9 The next person who has indicated a desire
JQ to present a statement is Marilyn Staples.
n MS. STAPLES: I am Marilyn Staples, 3509
]2 Calder, League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Des Moines.
13 My statement is the same one we made on
14 April 6 in response to the Environmental Impact Statement
,5 which was carefully read, we do believe that the technical
16 one is the best one that will improve the environment and
17 that it should be approved and then implemented.
19 We do have some areas of concern not so
19 much in the plan but as in the implementation.
2Q We see a need for the cities within the
21 Integrated Communities Area to develop policies that will j
22 control their growth so that it conforms with the adopted
23 Intensity Development Pattern for the year 2,000.
24 The counties which now permit development
25 in unincorporated areas so long as legal restrictions are
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24
II met will have to develop guidelines that conform with
II the Section 20B Intensity Development Plan. Under the
nonpoint source pollution portion of the Section 208 Plan
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
urban development in currently unincorporated areas is to
strongly discouraged. Increased communication and coordina-
tion is needed between agencies, departments and local
governments.
The cities and counties should formulate
and adopt the same construction site practices policy s> as
10 to reduce costs for developers as they try to reduce
sediment losses.
Waterworks boards should become familiar
with the Section 208 Plan so that their independent actions
,, enhance coherence to the Intensity Development Plan and
II
15 should communicate their actions to the areawide agency
,. when water lines are to be extended.
The Iowa Department of Transportation also
needs to consult with the Section 208 Plan so that highway
development does not encourage growth in conflict with the
Intensity Development Plan.
Existing unincorporated areas, whether with
or witnout sewer service, need aid in determining which
institutional practices,that would be incorporation,
annexation or formation of a sewer district, will best allow
them to assume the necessary financial obligations to
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25
connect with the waste water treatment system.
Whatever the final form of the areawide
agency, it will become on more in a series of special
J
service agencies, and I refer now to the MTA, Solid Waste
4
Agency, it should have its own elected board so as to have
maximum responsiveness to the citizens. The fragmentation
6
of policymaking among the various local governments and
special service agencies may need to be addressed in the
9
8
near future.
Ordinances and policies consistent with 208
10
planning should be formulated and adopted by the local
governments as soon as possible to allow the 208 Plan to
12
move forward.
I O
The interim areawide agency has been charged
14
with many responsibilities, including the politically
hasardous creation of a final areawide agency with capabil-
16
ities for controlling growth and for owning, operating and
financing the waste-water system. Communication and cooper-
18
ation among the cities and counties in the 208 Area is
19 '
essential if the goals of improved water quality in the
area are to be achieved.
Thank you.
HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: Thank you.
Our next speaker is Bryan Wadsworth, Mr.
24
25 Wadsworth?
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26
1 MR. WADSWORTH: I am Bryan Wadsworth, 425
2 Main, Bondurant. And I am Mayor of Bondurant.
3 The biggest reason I am here is I spent 20
4 years in school business. People sit around and say this is
5 the way it has got to be done, you know, so we dig right in
and go hog wild and do it whether it was not having phonics
7 in the reading program, which they told us for years until
8 we got a bunch of dollards who could not read and found out
9 maybe English is a little phonetic. Then I remember the
10 modern math craze that made everybody so they couldn't
n figure.
12 Now my situation is not so much the end.
13 I think all of us look down at the end of the line and say,
14 hey, we want pure water. Now this is great. It is like
15 God and motherhood, you can't oppose it. And a guy that
16 is opposing maybe what you are doing might agree with you
17 more than ever on what is to be done in the end. But he
18 might disagree with you about some of the methods of doing
19 it;-
2Q I think that sometimes a person has got to
say, all right, maybe the fellow does not want to go from
22 Bondurant to, say, Nevada to get to Ames. Maybe he wants
23 to go the other way. But he still wants to get to Ames.
24 And I think if you keep this in mind, as I go through this.
25 we will have a little agreement even though we are going to
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27
1 have a good deal of disagreement along the way.
2 Number one, if you'll look at Bondurant up
3 here, you will notice we have a pretty large city in ground
4 and it has been that large since 1975. Now the illustrious
5 people in otner towns sit around and tell us, well, hey,now
6 we ain't even gonna put no houses there. In other words,
7 it is not considered as residential area. Their map does
8 not even designate it as such. If you look at the differences
9 between the yellow and what is up above, now I wonder if—
10 are we going to put—maybe we want to save the city. All
n right, save the city, but save it by making it good enough
12 that people will want to live in it not set up passport
13 places around the edge and have them have a passport from
14 the Mayor before they can move in, EPA, CIRALG and everybody
15 else, before they can move to an outlying community.
16 Maybe you don't look at is this way. But it
17 is that way. Because if you don't let anybody build anyplac^
18 else except in Des Moines, what is it but control of where
19 people can live?
20 Ar»d I happen to have—let's see what is it-
21 13th generation of Americans in my family in this country.
22 And I don't think that this is what America is where we can
23 sit down and say, if you want to buy a house, you buy it in
24 Des Moines or in an area that's already there. I think if w
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28
1 is what our ancestors did. We did not restrict them to
1 Connecticut and say the rest of it has got to be hunting
3 area for the Indians or anything like that. And I don't
4 think we should do that now.
5 But yet, in effect, this is what we are
6 doing.
7 I would like to charge EPA and all of the
8 other government agencies, DEQ and CZBALG and all the others
9 all the other various eschelons we have, try not to impose
10 such great expenditures on cities that we have to spend so
11 doggone much money doing the paperwork and going to meetings
12 and keeping up with what the heck is going on that we don't
13 have any money left to do anything else with. And this is
14 what they are doing to us. We have got to hire 15 people
15 to do a job that five could do. Yet because of all the
16 Government's strata and so forthand so on, they make a lot
17 more work.
18 Now if they would pay us money, for instance
19 if the EPA would come out and say, all right, Bondurant, you
20 are going to have all of this. And if you will notice
2i the difference here in the area (indicating), you see, this
22 is in our city limits, this is something that was done in
23 the past year. This is not something that was forced. This
24 is not something that Bondurant asked for. You see, this
25 is something that people in those areas wanted. It was
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29
. voluntary annexation, the American Way. really. It was not
done by edict.
And I think that should be residential area
. is the schematic. We grew from 1970, a population of about
4
400 to where we are about 1,400 to 1,500 at the moment. In
other words, in five years, we more than tripled our growth.
6
But we stopped because we did not want any more development
until we knew what was going to happen with the sewer.
8
Now for the next 22 years, our growth has
been projected to 3,000. Now I think EPA should be inter-
ested in freedom of thought, in freedom of choice as well
as quality of water. We try to do it within the framework
of what people want to do and where people want to live
because I hope at least that we still have a free society.
14
And if we don't, God help us.
Now if we have some sort of a criteria for
16
water being discharged, volumes times the air and this sort
of thing, I think they should be set up and then I think tha
ib
people in the towns or wherever they may be should abide by
20 *•
It has been inferred that EPA, in order to
make this control type situation, is going to come out and
say to Bondurant, well, you've got to do this. But you
i tj
down here can get away with this because you can't W.p it
(indicating) or something like that. Now if they have a
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30
1 criteria and a standard and it is equal and they can support
2 it in court, I think they are going to be all right. But
3 there is a tremendous ground swell of people who are start-
4 ing to look upon this as something that Hitler might have
5 done. And I sure as hell hope he is not coming here in the
. form of anybody.
o
Thank you.
. HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: Thank you, Mr.
o
9 Wadsworth.
1Q That concludes, or at least completes, the
list of people who indicated that they wished to present
12 statements.
And before we go back to you, Mr. Hoi, are
there any people here who have statements that they wish
to present that have not signed the list that I have?
Will you come forward?
MR. HALL: I'm Jim Hall and I'm here repre-
18 senting Pioneer Hi-Bred International. And I guess all I
19 have really is a letter that I will present you. And I
2Q won't read it unless you insist.
HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: No, that won't be
22 necessary Mr. Hall.
23 We will enter this letter into the record
and it will be made a part of the proceedings.
(The document above-referred to
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31
1 was received into the record.)
2 HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: Are there any other
3 statements that anyone wishes to present at all?
4 (No response.)
5 HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: All right.
6 Are there any questions then?
7 Will you come forward, please?
8 MR. HOL: My name is Paul Hoi. I live at
9 4250 Northwest 9th in Saylor Township.
10 I have two or three questions to ask. But
11 first. I would like to state that I am a senior citizen
12 and very much concerned about what the cost is going to be
13 and what the cost is going to be to the other senior citi-
14 zens that live in Saylor Township.
15 Now we have some very poor people that live
16 in this area. Say lor Township, even though they are workinc
17 younger people, they are still not able to go and spend a
18 lot of money of this. Now we have a septic tank. I would
19 have to go approximately 75 foot to go from the road to
20 hook on to my sewers. I paid approximately $.,000.00 for th«
21 septic tank.
22 Now we was involved in a water district
23 that cost me just—we are in the process of starting to
24 pay for it—$1,210.00. Now with the added cost of this,
25 what are these elderly people supposed to do? Go into
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32
nursing homes or stay in the homes the way they are and go b
1
the process that they have been able to go on in the past?
2
Now we are talking about the environment.
3
The City of Des Moines has set into the Red Rock District
4
millions of gallons of waste of raw sewage and I have heard
5
nothing that—nothing about what is being done about it.
6
Now these—somebody said that would be
7
1983 before this was started.
8
All right. In 1983. I will be 80-some years
9
old. Now living on a fixed income, my wife is on a fixed
10
income, and if anything happens to one of us, what is going
11
to happen to us to be able to pay that cost of that water
12
sewer system?
13
Now these are the things that I think some
14
of the people have not taken into consideration, under con-
15
sideration. I know that Altonna,West Des Moines and Urban-
16
dale, Clive, Carlisle, have got a problem. But I do not
17
think that we—the people of Saylor Township should be
18
compelled to join in this water think when we cannot afford
19
to do it.
20
That's all. Thank you.
21
HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: Thank you, Mr. Hall
22
MR. WADSWORTH: If this thing had an inten-
23
sity pattern of such a nature that would prevent people
24
from going out of boundary and into Des Moines, I would
25
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33
1 oppose it just as strongly. In fact, I probably own more
2 property and pay more taxes in Des Moines than I do in
3 Bondurant. But I am not anti-Des Moines, I am just anti
4 the idea.
5 I want to make that clear.
6 HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: Very Weil, Mr.
7 Wadsworth.
8 Does anyone have a comment or perhaps an
9 answer to the questions Mr. Hoi raised?
10 You were concerned about the cost in Saylor
11 Township. I am not really sure whether anyone can really
12 address the specific subject of cost in the Plan.
13 Is there anyone who would like to address
14 it?
15 MR. WADSWORTH: I think there's a means in
16 some of those federal programs whereby those who are on
17 Social Security or other means of retirement, if it is their
18 only income, I think tney do have a way that they will help
19 you or pay for it for you.
20 MR. HOL: Do you have to be below a certain
2i level?
22 MR. WADSWOROH: I don't know what the
23 specifics are. but I know there is a program.
24 MR. HOL: Yes, it is just below the level
25 of where we are.
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34
1 MR. WADSWORTH: Just got your nose above
2 that one? O.K.
3 HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: At least you have
4 the comments that you wished to make entered into the
5 record.
6 MR. HOL: What I am trying to get at is the
7 fact that these are people of—these are older people, not
8 only ourselves, but there is a majority of people in Saylor
9 Township that are not only on the fixed income of Social
10 Security and their pension plan and things, but they are
11 also, some of them are on ADC. What is going to be the
12 help for those people?
13 HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: I appreciate the
14 problem, Mr. Hoi. And I am sure others appreciate it fully
15 as well. And I am sure also that it will be addressed.
16 Certainly the comments, the questions, the statements that
17 have been presented here, all this will be considered in
18 the implementation of the 208 Plan. I want all of you to
19 be assured of that.
20 The comments, the questions, the statements
2i that you raised are not simply things that go into a record
22 to be ignored. They will be considered. They will be read
23 and considered very carefully. That's the purpose of the
24 hearing. It would be a waste of all of our time if that
25 were not true.
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35
] Are there any other comments, general
2 questions, that you want to raise at this time?
3 (No response.)
4 HEARING OFFICER REAVIS: If not, I want to
5 thank all of you for being here.
6 You have exercised a right that I think is
7 very, very important, very fundamental.
8 I would suspect that you are not the only
9 ones in this entire community that have comments or ques-
10 tions about this Plan. And it grieves me to think that
11 there are people that perhaps have questions that could
12 have been answered or at least their feelings put into a
13 record that will be read and considered that did not come
14 tonight.
15 And I would like to thank you and I would
16 like to congratulate you for the exercise of that right.
17 If there are no other comments or questions-
IB I might again remind you of the fact that you still can
19 offer comments on this up until June 15 and that you can
20 address any further comments that you care to make to the
2i Acting Regional Administrator of the Environmental Protection
22 Agency, Region VII, in Kansas City, Missouri.
23 MR. WADSWORTH: If we cannot afford a
24 secretary to write the notes up, would there still be
25 in the record that you people look over—will our comments
-------
still be a part of the record?
HCARING OFFICER REAVIS: They most certainly
will. Everything that was said here tonight is a part of
4 the formal record that will receive very careful considera-
5 tion I guarantee you.
If there is nothing else,again, thank you
6
very much for coming„
. This Hearing stands adjourned.
o
9 (Whereupon, at 8:35 o'clock p.m.,
June 1, 1977, the hearing in the above-entitled
matter was closed.)
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
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37
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 CERTIFICATE
9
I, DAVID L. ARGIE, do certify that I appeared
10
at the time and place first hereinbefore set forth;
n
that I took down in stenomask the entire proceedings
12
had at said time and place, and that the foregoing
13
thirty-six pages constitute a true, correct and
14
complete transcript of my said stenomask notes.
15 "
16
17
18
19
20 ,.
REPORTER
21
22
23
24
25
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The following comment was made separately in writing.
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PIONEER HI-BRED INTERN AT I O N A l_. INC
PIONEER.
May 31, 1977
PROPERTY PLANNING AND
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
5BOO MERLE HAY ROAD
JOHNSTON, IOWA 8OISI
PHONE (Bl» I*8-3«IO
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region VII
1735 Baltimore
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
RE: Des Molnes 208 Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plan
Gentlemen:
Pioneer Hi-Bred International is developing land within the City Limits of
Johnston, which will be known as Green Meadows. This development
includes a new Sewage Treatment Plant to be operated by a subsidiary of
Pioneer. Service will be furnished to all residences and commercial
development within Green Meadows.
The Plant construction is now 60% complete, with operation of the Plant
scheduled to begin in the Fall of 1977. The capacity of the initial con-
struction will accommodate approximately 3200 people within the devel-
opment. Provisions have been made to expand the Plant approximately
four times the initial size to accommodate future development.
All funding for the construction of this Plant will be through use of private
money including all costs for capital expenditure, operation, and main-
tenance. No public funds will be used on the project.
The design of the Plant includes the activated sludge method for treating
sewage. All effluent will flow directly into holding lakes until the water
is needed for irrigation within the development area,,or on other land
owned by Pioneer Hi-Bred International. This Plant meets all design and
operations standards of Iowa Department of Environmental Quality, Iowa
Natural Resources Council, and the City of Johnston. No pollution will
be directed into Beaver Creek or the related Flood Plains.
We object to any requirement as a part of the 208 Program, which would
require us to phase out our plant. This is a Plant which meets all envi-
ronmental standards. The holding lakes will be used as recreational
facilities. The Plant does not draw from public funds and will remain a
HBt-PING AGRICULTURE GROW THROUGH GENETIC RESEARCH
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United States Environmental Protection Agency
May 31, 1977
Page 2
a tax producing entity throughout its operation. Integration of this facility
into your program should be considered an asset.
We feel the information contained in this letter will be of value for your
continued planning of the 208 Program. Your response to our letter will
be appreciated.
Sincerely,
PROPERTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
ile D. Belknap
Project Manager
DDB/ps
-------
Response to Comments Made at the Public Hearing
Response to comments presented by Mr. Ferro on behalf of CIRALG:
We understand the comments to be consistent with the proposed 208 plan.
Response to comments made by Ms. Williams: We understand the
comments to be consistent with the proposed 208 plan.
Response to comments made by Ms. Staples: We acknowledge the
comment supporting the plan and note areas of concern raised by Ms. Staples
regarding implementation. Each of these areas was addressed in the planning
process, and we believe that the plan as presently formulated directs and/or
enables appropriate agencies to deal with the potential problems discussed by
Ms. Staples.
Response to comments made by Mr. Wadsworth: One of the starting
points in the 208 planning process was the development of the Intensity
Development Pattern (IDP) to which Mr. Wadsworth refers. This Pattern is
based on the comprehensive plans prepared by cities in the 208 study area, on
water quality goals esablished by participants in the planning process, on
goals affecting the preservation of agricultural land and other natural
resources and on areawide growth patterns. All these elements and their
relationship to the IDP were fully discussed by the Land Use and Policy
Committees during the early stages of 208 planning. The IDP was
unanimously endorsed by these committees. We feel that the process used to
arrive at the IDP was comprehensive and fair. We also acknowledge that it is
not perfect and will require periodic review and possible adjustment in the
future based on realized growth patterns and achievement of water quality
and related goals.
Response to comments presented in the form of a letter from Pioneer
Hi-Bred International, Inc. by Mr. Belknap: Integration of sewage effluent
from the Green Meadows development into the areawide collection and
treatment system was based on discussion and agreement between Pioneer
Hi-Bred International, Inc. and Iowa Department of Environmental Quality.
This agreement was expressed in correspondence between DEQ and Pioneer
Hi-Bred prior to the granting of the facility construction permit, and it was
expressed in a letter from Pioneer Hi-Bred to CIRALG dated August 27, 1975,
which included the statement, "It is our hope and intention that Pioneer will
cease operating this facility for sewage treatment as soon as treatment is
available by the City of Johnston or a metropolitan agency." It is the position
of DEQ that regional water quality goals can best be met by minimizing the
number of effluent discharge points.
Response to comments made by Mr. Hoi: One objective throughout the
entire planning process was to develop a plan which was effective but
affordable for those who would use it. We recognize that almost any scheme
for cost distribution may be unfair or at least difficult for some individuals.
Practical solutions to this problem were explored and should continue to be
explored during the implementation phase of the plan.
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G-l
GLOSSARY
Activated Sludge - generally refers to the sewage treatment process by
which biologically active sludge is mixed with raw, incoming sewage in the
presence of air or oxygen.
Aerobic - living or acting in the presence of air or oxygen.
Anerobic - living or acting in the absence of air or oxygen.
Areawide Wastewater Agency (AWA) - the Agency in the proposed
Areawide Wastewater Management Plan which would have responsibility for
managing areawide treatment facilities and coordinating local facilities as
needed and described in the plan.
Best Management Practices (BMP) - those practices that are deter-
mined by a State (or areawide planning agency) after appropriate studies to
be the most effective, practicable means of preventing or reducing pollution
from non-point sources to levels compatible with specified water quality
goals.
Best Practicable Waste Treatment Technology (BPWTT) - the level of
municipal sewage treatment which is to be achieved by July 1, 1983, based on
a careful review of alternative advanced treatment processes and systems
including consideration of treatment and reuse of wastewater, spray
irrigation or other land disposal as well as the more conventional treatment
and discharge to receiving waters. This standard is based on the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (PL 92-500) Section 201(b).
Biological Process - the process of breaking down large, complex
organic molecules in sewage into simple, inorganic molecules by the action of
biological organisms (bacteria, fungi, microscopic invertebrates).
Breakpoint Chlorination - chlorination of wastewater to the extent that
all of the ammonia is converted to trichloramine or oxidized to nitrogen gas
or other gases.
Combined Sewer - a sewer which carries both sanitary sewage and
surface runoff from rainfall or snow melt.
Cost-Effective Analysis - economic analysis of a program or project
which shows the anticipated costs of that project in relation to its
effectiveness or level of goal attainment.
Dissolved Oxygen - the quantity of dissolved or freely available oxygen
in a specified volume of water. An important indicator of water quality.
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G-2
Easement - the right of one person or group to use land owned by
another for specified purposes.
Efficiency - the measure of work done in relation to the energy
supplied; inversely related to waste.
Effluent - a fluid discharged from a facility or natural system.
Flood Plain - land bordering a river or stream which periodically floods
the land.
Flow-Equalization Basins - basins which temporarily contain excess
wastewater flow from sewer systems for later discharge and treatment.
Force Main - a pipe which carries waste water under pressure, i.e., it
carries pumped sewage.
Infiltration - flow of a fluid into a material or a system through pores or
small openings. Used both in relation to "infiltration" of surface water into
the soil and to "infiltration" of surface or ground water into cracks, defective
joints, etc., in a sewer system.
Infiltration/Inflow (I/I) - the combined entry of water into a sewer
system through infiltration and service connections.
Inflow - entry of water into a sewer system through service connec-
tions.
Integrated Community Area - that part of the Des Moines 208 study
area which includes the City of Des Moines and adjacent or near community
areas but not including more distant outlying community areas.
Intensity Development Pattern - the pattern of anticipated growth in
the Des Moines 208 study area based on the comprehensive plans of individual
governmental units, projected to the year 2000.
Intermittent Point Source - a non-constant source of waste water flow
in the sewer system, principally storm water runoff entering either storm or
combined sewers.
Land Application - the placement of liquid or solid waste materials on
land for the purpose of waste disposal, land fertilization and conditioning, or
both.
Lift Station - an installation of two or more pumps in a sewer system at
which sewage is pumped to a higher elevation for subsequent gravity or
pumped flow.
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G-3
Nitrification - the conversion of ammonin to nitrites (which do not
generally accumulate) and nitrates, usually by micro-organisms. Occurs both
in waste treatment systems and in soil.
Nonpoint Source - a source of pollution which discharges in a diffuse
manner over a land area sufficiently large so as to make collection difficult
or impossible, such as runoff from agricultural land areas, seepage from
mines or spoil mounds, sediment discharge during construction, etc.
Outfall Sewer - a sewer which discharges treated waste water to the
receiving stream. (May also be used for a sewer which conveys sewage to the
treatment facility.)
Physical-chemical Process - a sewage treatment process using chem-
ical, mechanical or other non-biological methods.
Point Source - a source of pollution which discharges in one or a
manageable number of locations, such as in municipal sewage treatment
plants, combined sewer overflows, industrial waste water discharges, etc.
(See also nonpoint source in this glossary.)
Population Equivalent - an expression for the amount of organic
material in a specified volume of sewage in terms of the number of people
required under normal conditions to produce that amount.
Potable Water - water suitable for drinking or cooking purposes, both
from health and aesthetic considerations.
Primary Treatment - the first stage of sewage treatment in which most
floating or settleable solids are removed mechanically by screening and
sedimentation.
Sanitary Sewpr - a sewer that carries domestic or commercial sewage.
Satellite Cities - those cities in the Des Moines 208 study area which
are located more than several miles from the City of Des Moines and
adjacent and near communities (Integrated Community Area).
Secondary Impacts - those impacts which act through an intermediate
factor or factors. For example, improved water quality through more
effective sewage treatment may improve conditions for fish and other
aquatic wildlife, which may have the secondary impact of improving
recreational opportunities along the receiving stream.
Secondary Treatment - sewage treatment beyond primary treatment
(defined in this Glossary) in which bacteria and other micro-organisms
decompose organic materials carried in the sewage.
-------
G-4
Septic Tank - an underground tank used to deposit domestic wastes.
Much of the solid contents settle and accumulate in the bottom, bacteria and
other micro-organisms decompose organic materials, and partially treated
effluent is discharged - generally to a soil infiltration bed via porous piping.
Accumulated sludge must be removed periodically.
Sewer Segregation - the provision of separate trunk sewers for sanitary
and for combined sewage. Sanitary sewage can be given highest priority at
the treatment facility, and combined sewage can be treated as capacity
allows.
Sewer System Evaluation Survey (SSES) - a systematic examination of a
sewer system to locate all infiltration and inflow sources. It is performed on
those systems considered to have excessive infiltration/inflow and is done to
arrive at a decision to repair the system or provide capacity to treat the
excess flows.
Sewer Separation - the removal of storm sewer inlets to a combined
system and the provision of separate storm sewers throughout a service area.
Storm Sewer - a sewer that carries storm runoff or snow melt and does
not carry sanitary sewage.
Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) - a comprehensive mathemat-
ical model capable of representing stormwater runoff and predicting quality
and quantity of flows generated, within the limits of input data accuracy and
precision of the model itself.
Tertiary Treatment - treatment which generally follows secondary
treatment (defined in this glossary) and may utilize a wide variety of
techniques depending on the pollutants still present and on water quality
objectives.
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen - nitrogen which is present either as ammonia
or in organic compounds in a sample. Does not include nitrite and nitrate
(oxidized) forms.
Trickling Filter - a bed of coarse rock or other medium over which
sewage is sprayed for biological (secondary) treatment. Bacteria lodged in
the scum adhering to the rock breaks down organic matter in the sewage.
Urban Runoff - surface water flow generated during storms or from
snow melt in urban areas.
Zoning - the designation of land areas for specified uses or classes of
use.
-------
LC-1
LITERATURE CITED
Avcin, M. 1975. Personal Communication, July 15, 1975. Iowa Geological
Survey, Iowa City.
Baumann, E.R. and J. DeBoer. 1972. Pre-impoundment Water Quality Study,
Saylorville Reservoir, Des Moines River, Iowa. Engineering Research
Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Baumann, E.R. and S. Kelman. 1970. Pre-impoundment Water Quality Study,
Saylorville Reservoir, Des Moines River, Iowa, August 1, 1964, to
July 31, 1970. Engineering Research Institute, Iowa State University,
Ames, Iowa.
Baumann, E.R. and C. Oulman. 1973. Water Quality Studies - Red Rock and
Saylorville Reservoirs, Des Moines, Iowa. Engineering Research
Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Bellrose, Frank C. 1968. Waterfowl Migration Corridors East of the Rocky
Mountains in the United States. Illinois Natural History Survey
Biological Notes, No. 61.
Braun, E. Lucy. 1950. Deciduous Forests of Eastern North America. The
Blakiston Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Cargo, David N. and Bob F. Mallory. 1974. Man and His Geologic
Environment. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc.
Central Iowa Regional Association of Local Governments. 1974. The Des
Moines Urbanized Area Transportation Air Quality Report for 1974.
CIRALG, Des Moines, Iowa.
Central Iowa Regional Association of Local Governments. 1976a. Des
Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plan Phase 1
Interim Report, January 19, 1976. CIRALG, Des Moines, Iowa.
Central Iowa Regional Association of Local Governments. 1976b. Des
Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plan Phase 2
Interim Report, November, 1976. CIRALG, Des Moines, Iowa.
Central Iowa Regional Association of Local Governments. 1977. Des Moines
208 Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plan Phase 3 Interim
Report, February, 1977. CIRALG, Des Moines, Iowa.
Curtis, John T. 1959. The Vegetation of Wisconsin. The University of
Wisconsin Press, Madison, Wisconsin.
-------
LC-2
Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission. 197fi. 1990/200 Public Park and
Open Space Plan. Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission, Des Moines,
Iowa.
Dorheim, F.H. 1970. Mineral Resources Map of Iowa. Iowa Geological
Survey (1:500,000 scale).
Dorheim, F.H. 1975. Personal Communication, July 15, 1975. Iowa
Geological Survey, Iowa City.
Fernald, M.L. 1950. (editor). Gray's Manual of Botany, Eighth Edition.
American Book Company, New York.
Gradwohl, David M. 1974. Archaeology of the Central Des Moines River
Valley: A Preliminary Survey. Aspects of Upper Great Lakes
Anthropology, Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul.
Haars, Dr. Ellen. 1976. Personal Communication, February 23 and 24, 1976.
(Iowa DEQ).
Iowa Conservation Commission. 1972. Outdoor Recreation in Iowa. Iowa
Conservation Commission, Des Moines, Iowa.
Iowa Crop and Livestock Reporting Service. 1975. Acreage and Production
Reports. USDA and Iowa Department of Agriculture, Des Moines, Iowa.
Iowa Department of Environmental Quality. 1973. (Air Quality Management
Division). Iowa Air Quality Report. Iowa DEQ, Des Moines, Iowa.
Iowa Department of Environmental Quality. 1975a. Iowa Water Quality
Report. Iowa DEQ, Des Moines, Iowa.
Iowa Department of Environmental Quality. 1975b. Water Quality
Management Plan, Des Moines River Basin, Part II. Planning and
Analysis Section, Iowa DEQ, Des Moines, Iowa.
Iowa Department of Environmental Quality. 1975c. Des Moines River Basin
Plan. Iowa DEQ, In press.
Iowa Department of Environmental Quality. 1975d. Water Quality
Management Plan - Des Moines River Basin, Part I. Planning and
Analysis Section, Iowa DEQ, Des Moines, Iowa.
Iowa Natural Resources Council. 1953. An Inventory of Water Resources and
Water Problems, Des Moines River Basin. Bulletin No. 1.
Iowa (State) Department of Health. 1934. Report on the Investigations of
Pollution of the Des Moines River from Estherville to Farmington,
1928-1934. State Department of Health, Des Moines, Iowa.
-------
LC-3
Iowa (State) Hygienic Laboratory. 1970. Water Quality Survey of the Des
Moines River, Des Moines, Iowa Area. Laboratory Report No. 71-13,
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
Iowa (State) Hygienic Laboratory. 1974. Des Moines River (Fort Dodge to
Des Moines). Laboratory Report No. 74-19. University of Iowa, Iowa
City, Iowa.
Johnson, D. 1976. Personal Communication, April 26, 1976. Des Moines
Water Works.
Kilkus, Stephen P., J.D. LaPerriere, and R. W. Bachmann. 1975. Nutrients
and Algae in Some Central Iowa Streams. J. of the WPCFed 47(7):
1870-79.
Moss, R. 1975. Personal Communication, July 21,1975. (City of Des Moines
and Polk County Air Pollution Control Board, Des Moines, Iowa.)
Real Estate Research Corporation. 1973. Economic and Market Analysis of
Des Moines, Volume II: City and Metropolitan Area Trends and
Projections. Real Estate Research Corp., Chicago, Illinois.
Sales and Marketing Management. 1976. 1976 Survey of Buying Power (in
two parts). SMM, New York.
Spencer. 1972. The Dynamics of the Earth.
The Editor and Publisher Co. 1976. 1976 Editor and Publisher Market Guide.
The Editor and Publisher Co., Inc., New York.
Twenter, F.R., and R.W. Coble. 1965. The Water Story in Central Iowa.
Iowa Geological Survey Water Atlas, No. 1, Iowa Geological Survey.
U.S. Army Engineer District (Rock Island). 1975. Draft Environmental
Impact Statement, Red Rock Dam and Lake Red Rock. U.S. Army
Engineer District, Rock Island, Illinois.
U.S. Army Engineer district (Rock Island). 1975. Effects of Alternative
Release Rates from Saylorville Dam. Prepared for the U.S. Army
Engineer District Rock Island, Corps of Engineers by Roy F. Weston,
Inc., Wilmette, Illinois.
U.S. Army Engineering Division (Rock Island). March, 1974. Saylorville Lake
Flood Control Project, Des Moines River, Iowa. Final Environmental
Statement.
Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Basin Study Coordinating Committee.
1970. UMRCBS, Volumes III and IV.
-------
APPENDIX A
CHARACTERISTICS OF SOILS IN MAJOR SOIL GROUPS
-------
A-l
Table A-l a
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPONENT SOILS IN GENERAL
SOIL AREA # 1
Clarion Loam Nicollet Loam
Color
Parent Material:
Dark Brown
Glacial Till
Native Veg.: Prairie
Typical Slope (%): 2-9
Landscape Posi- Upland
tion:
Drainage Class: Well Drained
Permeability:
Depth to Water
Table (feet):
Available Water
Capacity:
Flooding Poten-
tial:
Corn Suitability
Rating (max. ):
Soil Loss Factors
Moderate
> 5
High
Produces Run-
off
87
4,0.32
Dark Brown
Glacial Till
Prairie
1-3
Upland Inter-
mediate Highs
Somewhat Poorly
Drained
Moderate
2-4
High
Produces Slow
Runoff
90
4,0.32
Silty Clay
Webster Loam
Dark Brown
Glacial Till &
Sediments
Prairie
0-2
Upland Flats &
Swales
Poorly Drained
Moderately Slow
to Moderate
1-3
High
Produces Slow
Runoff
85
-------
A-2
Table A-lb
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPONENT SOILS IN GENERAL
SOIL AREA # 2
Color:
Parent Material:
Native Veg.:
Typical Slope (%):
Landscape Position:
Drainage Class:
Permeability:
Depth to Water Rable (feet):
Available Water Capacity:
Flooding Potential:
Corn Suitability Rating
(Max.):
Soil Loss Factors (T,K):
Hayden Loam
Light
Glacial Till
Forest
2-25
Upland Ridges &
Side Slopes
Well Drained
Moderate
> 5
High
Produces Runoff
72
4,0.37
Lester Loam
Moderately Dark
Glacial Till
Prairie and Forest
2-25
Upland Ridges &
Side Slopes
Well Drained
Moderate
>5
High
Produces Runoff
77
4,0.32
-------
A-3
Table A-lc
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPONENT SOILS IN GENERAL
SOIL AREA # 3
Color:
Parent Material:
Native Veg.:
Typical Slope
(%):
Landscape Po-
Drainage Class:
Permeability:
Depth to Water
Table (feet):
Available Water
Capacity:
Flooding Poten-
tial:
Corn Suitability
Rating (Max. ):
Soil Loss Fac-
tors (T, K):
Colo Silty
Clay Loam
Dark
Alluvium
Prairie
0-2
First Bot-
tomland ,
Foot-
slopes
Poorly
Drained
Moderate-
Slow
1-3
High
Subject to
Standing
Water
80
-
Waukegan
Silt Loam
Dark
Silty Allu-
vium over
Sand with
Little Gravel
Prairie
1-5
Downstream
Terrace &
Glacial
Outwash
Plains
Well Drained
Moderate
. (Upper 24-
40"), Ra-
pid Below
>5
Moderate
Produces
Runoff
73
3,0.32
Dickinson
Fine Sandy
Loam
Dark
Dominantly
Aeolian
Sand
Prairie
2-9
Uplands &
Stream
Terraces
Somewhat
Excessive-
ly Drained
Moderately
Rapid
>10
Low
Produces
Runoff
60
-
Dorchester
Silt Loam
Light to Mod-
erately Dark
Calcareous
Alluvium
Grass & Scat-
tered Trees
0-1
Bottomland
Well to Moder-
ately Well
Drained
Moderate
Generally
Below 5
High
Frequent Floods
of Short
Duration
85
-
-------
A-4
Table A-ld
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPONENT SOILS IN GENERAL
SOIL AREA # 4
Color:
Parent Material:
Native Veg.:
Typical Slope (%):
Landscape Position:
Drainage Class:
Permeability:
Depth to Water Table
(feet):
Available Water
Capacity:
Flooding Potential:
Corn Suitability
Rating (Max.):
Soil Loss Factors
Fayette Silt Loam
Light
Loess
Forest
2-5
Upland ridges and
sideslopes
Well drained
Moderate
> 5
High
Produces runoff
85
4,0.37
Downs Silt Loam
Moderate-dark
Loess
Prairie and Forest
2-5
Upland ridges and
sideslopes
Well drained
Moderate
>5
High
Produces runoff
90
4,0.32
-------
A-5
Table A-le
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPONENT SOILS IN GENERAL
SOIL AREA # 4a
Color:
Parent Material:
Native Veg.:
Typical Slope (%):
Landscape Position:
Drainage Class:
Permeability:
Depth to Water Table
(feet):
Available Water
Capacity:
Flooding Potential:
Corn Suitability
Rating (max.):
Soil Loss Factors
Ladoga Silt Loam
Moderate-dark
Loess
Prairie-forest
2-5
Convex upland rid-
ges and sideslopes
and stream benches
Moderate-well
drained
Moderate-slow
>5
High
Produces medium
runoff; bench
phases receive
surface water from
higher areas
85
4,0.37
Lindley Loam
Light
Loamy Glacial Till
Forest
14-25
Dissected uplands,
sideslopes and nar-
row ridgetops
Moderate-well
drained
Moderate-slow
>5
High
Produces rapid
runoff
50
3,0.43
-------
A-6
Table A-lf
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPONENT SOILS IN GENERAL
SOIL AREA # 5
Muscatine Silty
Tama Silty Clay Loam Clay Loam
Color:
Parent Material:
Native Veg.:
Typical Slope (%):
Landscape Position:
Drainage Class:
Permeability:
Depth to Water
Table (feet):
Available Water
Capacity:
Flooding Potential:
Corn Suitability
Rating (max.):
Soil Loss Factors
Dark Brown (yellow-
brown subst.)
Loess
Prairie
2-9
Upland Ridges and
Sideslopes
Well Drained
Moderate
> 5
High
Produces Runoff
95
5,0.32
Dark
Loess
Prairie
1-3
Upland Ridges and
some Footslopes
Somewhat Poorly
Drained
Moderate
2-4
High
Produces Runoff,
Low Spots may Pond
100
5,0.32
-------
A-7
Table A-lg
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPONENT SOILS IN GENERAL
SOIL AREA £ 5a
Color:
Parent Material:
Native Veg.:
Typical Slope (%):
Landscape Position:
Drainage Class:
Permeability:
Depth to Water
Table (feet):
Available Water
Capacity:
Flooding Potential:
Corn Suitability
Rating (max.):
Soil Loss Factors
Sharpsburg Silty
Clay Loam
Dark
Loess
Prairie
2-9
Upland divides,
convex ridgetops
and sideslopes
Moderately Well
Drained
Moderate-slow
>5
High
Produces medium
to rapid runoff
92
4,0.37
Shelby Loam
Dark
Glacial Till
Prairie
9-18
Upland sideslopes
•and narrow
ridgetops
Well to Moderately
WeU Drained
Moderate-slow
5-10
High
Produces rapid
runoff
60
4,0.37
-------
A-8
Table A-lh
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPONENT SOILS IN GENERAL
SOIL AREA # 6
Color:
Parent Material:
Native Veg.:
Typical Slope (%):
Landscape Po-
sition:
Sparta Loamy
Fine Sand
Moderate-dark
brown
Aeolian Sands
Prairie
3-14
Upland Stream
Terrace
Drainage Class: Excessively
Drained
Permeability
Depth to Water
Table (feet):
Available Water
Capacity
Flooding Po-
tential:
Corn Suitability
Rating (max.):
Soil Loss Factors
(T, K):
Very Rapid
Very Low
Produces
Runoff
45
5,0.17
Farrar Fine
Sandy Loam
Dark Brown
Aeolian
Sands Over
Glacial Till
Somewhat
Excessively
Drained
>5
Chelsea Loamy
Fine Sand
Dark Grey-brons
(yellow subs.)
Aeolian Sands
Forest
5-20
Upland Stream
Terrace
Excessively
Drained
Rapid
Very Low
Produces
Runoff
41
5,0.17
-------
APPENDIX B
INTERIM LIST OF ENDANGERED SPECIES IN IOWA
-------
B-l
APPENDIX B
INTERIM LIST OF ENDANGERED SPECIES - IOWA
Vascular Plants
Latin Binomial
*Aconitum novaboracense
Agastache foeniculum
Allium cernuum
Amorpha nana
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Asclepias languinosa
*Asclepias meadii
Asclepias auriculata
Astragalus striatus
Bidens beckii
Botrychium multifidum
Botrychium simplex
Buchloe dactyloides
Brasenia schreberi
Carex aggregata
Carex crawfordii
Carex leptalea
Carex media
Carex saximontana
Carex tonsa
Cerastium arvense
Chimaphila umbellata
Chrysosplenium ioense
Cornus canadensis
Corydalis aruea
Cristatella jamesii
Cypripedium candidum
Cypripedium reginae
Decodon verticillata
Drosera rotundi folia
Dryopteris marginalis
Dryopteris intermedia
Elatine triandra
Eleocharis coloradoensis
Eleocharis atropurpurea
Equisetum scirpoides
E. sylvaticum
E. pratense
Eriophorum angustifolium
Ranunculaceae
Labiatae
Liliaceae
Leguminosae
Ericaceae
Asclepiacaceae
Asclepiacaceae
Asclepiacaceae
Leguminosae
Compositae
Ophioglossiaceae
Ophioglossiaceae
Gramineae
Nympheaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Caryophyllaceae
Ericaceae
Saxifragaceae
Cornaceae
Papavaraceae
Capparidaceae
Orchidaceae
Orchidaceae
Lythraceae
Droseraceae
Aspleniaceae
Aspleniaceae
Elatinaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Equisetaceae
Equisetaceae
Equisetaceae
Cyperaceae
Common Name
Monkshood
None
Nodding wild onion
Fragrant false indigo
Bearberry
None
Mead's milkweed
None
None
Water marigold
Leather grape fern
Least grape ferm
Buffalo grass
Water shield
None
None
None
None
None
None
Field chickweed
Prince's pine
Golden saxifrage
Dwarf cornel
None
None
Small white ladyslipper
Shown lady-slipper
Water willow
Sundew
Marginal shield fern
None
None
None
Dwarf scouring rush
None
Bog cotton
*Federal 'endangered1 (proposed) list
-------
B-2
Latin Binomial
Common Name
E. gracile
Fimbristylis autumnalis
Gerardia gattingeri
Gerardia skinneriana
Habenaria flava var. herbiola
Heteranthera limosa
Hudsonia tomentosa
Hybanthus concolor
Hypericum boreale
Ilex verticillata
Jeffersonia diphylla
Juncus alpinus
Juncus greenii
Justicia americana
Lechea intermedia
*Lespedeza leptostachya
Linnaea borealis
Lycopodium clavatum
Lycopodium flabelliforme
Lycopodium popophillium
Menyanthes trifoliata
Mertensia paniculate
Mitchella repens
Myriophyllum pinna turn
Ophioglossum pseudopodum
Oryzopsis pungens
Osmunda cinnamomea
Osmunda regalis
Panicum linearifolium
Peltranara virginica
Petalostemum villosum
Polygala incarnata
P. polygame
Poa languida
Proserpinaca palustris
Pyrola secunda
Rhexia virginica
Ribes hudsonianum
Salix lucida
Salix pedicellaris
Schedonnardus paniculatus
Scirpus paludosus
Talinum parviflorum
T. rugospermum
Utricula gibba
U. minor
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Orchidaceae
Pontederiacea
Cistaceae
Violaceae
Hyper icaceae
Aquifoliaceae
Berber idaceae
Juncaceae
Juncaceae
Acanthaceae
Cistaceae
Leguminosae
Caprifoliaceae
Lycopodiaceae
Lycopodiaceae
Lycopodiaceae
Menyanthaceae
Boraginaceae
Rubiaceae
Haloragaceae
Ophioglossiaceae
Gramineae
Osmundaceae
Osmundaceae
Gramineae
Araceae
Leguminsoae
Polygalaceae
Polygalaceae
Gramineae
Halogragaceae
Ericaceae
melastomataceae
Saxifragaceae
Salicaceae
Salicaceae
Gramineae
Cyperaceae
Portulacaceae
Portulacaceae
Lentibualriaceae
Lentibualriaceae
Slender cotton grass
None
None
None
Pale green orchid
Poverty grass
Green violet
St. John's wort
Winterberry
Twin-leaf
None
Water-willow
Prairie bush clover
Twin flower
Bog buckbean
Northern lungwort
partridge berry
Adder's tongue fern
Cinnamon fern
Royal fern
Arrow arum
Silky prairie clover
mermaid weed
Shinleaf
Meadow beauty
Shining willow
Bog willow
Fame flower
'Federal 'endangered' (proposed) list
-------
B-3
Latin Binomial
Common Name
Vaccinum angustifolium
V. myrtilloices
Vailisneria americana
Veronica americana
Woodsia oregana
W. ilvinsis
Ericaceae
Ericaceae
Hydrocharitaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Aspleniaceae
AspLeniaceae
Low sweet blueberry
Velvel-leaf blueberry
Tapegrass
Western cliff fern
Rusty cliff fern
Common Name
Red-shouldered Hawk
Marsh Hawk (Harrier)
Piping Plover
Upland Sandpiper
Barn Owl
Least Tern
Birds
Buteo lineatus
Circus cyaneus
Charadrius melodus
Bar tram ia longicauda
Tyto alba
Sterna albifrons
Mammals
Common Name
Pygmy shrew
*Indiana Bat
Plains Pocket Mouse
Grasshopper Mouse
Red-backed Vole
Woodland Vole
Ermine (short-tailed weasel)
Bobcat
Reptiles and Amphibians
Common Name
Illinois mud turtle
Wood turtle
Great plains skink
Western Slender Glass Lizard
Speckled Kingsnake
Northern Copperhead
Prairie Rattlesnake
Central Newt
*Federal 'endangered' (proposed) list
-------
B-4
Fish
Common Name
Pallid sturgeon
Lake chub
Blacknose Shiner
Pearl Dace
Black Redhorse
Plains Topminnow
Longear Sunfish
Orangethroat Darter
-------
APPENDIX C
LETTERS OF COMMENT ON DRAFT EIS
-------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
CENTRAL REGION
601 EAST 12TH STREET
KANSAS CITY. MISSOURI 64106
MAY 5 1977
Mr. Charles V. Wright
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
1735 Baltimore - Region VII
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Subj: Draft EIS - Des Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plan
Dear Mr. Wright:
We have reviewed the subject draft and while we have no comment
concerning the environmental impact of the proposal, we would like to
express our concern of the possible impact of construction on some of
our facilities.
We can, in general, express concern that large machinery or disruption
of the earth's surface, especially mounding, near some of our electronic
aids such as VOR, ILS, and radar will cause them to be unrealiable. Loss
of these aids could create unsafe conditions.
Also, it has been our experience that digging near many of our facilities
can result in loss of power and control cables from cutting. When this
happens to critical facilities such as radar and communications, near
panic situations can develop.
Since we were unable to determine where such work may be taking place,
we would like assurance that the proposed construction will not take place
close to any of our facilities. If this is not possible, the facilities should
be identified and FAA given the opportunity to work with CIRALG to
minimize any adverse effects of construction.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Sincerely,
f" JAMES H. KING
Chief, Planning and Appraisal Staff
-------
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
REGION SEVEN
P. 0. Box 19715
Kansas City, Missouri 6klkl
May 12, 1977
IN REPLY REFER TO
Mr. Charles V. Wright HED-07
Acting Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1735 Baltimore
Kansas City, Missouri 6hlOQ
Dear Mr. Wright:
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Des Moines 208 Areawide
Waste Treatment Management Plan has been reviewed and we have the following
comments:
The EIS mentions on page V-15 that 208 study area considerations
for the proposed freeways (Routes 500 and 592) were not included in this
Draft EIS because completion was not likely prior to the year 2000.
Although these two freeways are not in the Iowa DOT's current five-year
plan, portions of these freeways will probably be completed by the year
2000. The Final EIS should address impacts or anticipated impacts
related to these transportation improvements and associated development.
Sincerely yours,
Steiner M. Silence
Director, Office of Environment & Design
-------
United States Department of the Interior
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
MISSOURI BASIN REGION
DENVER, COLORADO 80225
In Reply Refer To: JUW 3 1977
ER-77/373
/. ;'•">-,- \; -..';.,_
Mr. Charles V. Wright •-:-.'.'
Acting Regional Administrator ,0
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1735 Baltimore Avenue '#!TF;? nr •{.!••...
Kansas City, Missouri 64108 ; -r^''.
Dear Mr. Wright:
We have reviewed the draft environmental statement for the 208
Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plan for Des Moines, Iowa.
General Comments
Neither the maps nor the text in the document provide sufficient
information to determine the precise location of the proposed facili-
ties and, therefore, their impacts on recreational, cultural, and ^
mineral resources. We recognize that specific sites for all of the c
structures have not been determined; however, where such sites are
known, as in the case of the enlargement of existing lagoons, we u
recommend that maps of larger scale and a revised text be employed in
the final environmental statement to describe the geographical location
and its immediate surroundings. Where precise construction locations
are not presently known, adequate maps and textual description must be
included in the subsequent site-specific environmental documents. J £
Recreational Resources °
Three areas were identified within the document as being sites of
possible conflict between recreational use and projected construction.
The planned enlargement of the existing lagoon near Granger is described m
as being a "hazard" to an upstream wetland area presently utilized by £
hunters and other recreationists. In Des Moines, two equalization
basins, described as sizeable physical structures rising as much as 10 b
to 15 feet above the ground, are planned for Prospect Park and another u
proposed neighborhood park near County Line Road and Fleur Drive. It
.CONSERVE
i AMERICA'S
ENERGY
Save Energy and You Serve America!
CM
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is stated that conflicts caused by construction of the equalization
basins "could be resolved by basin design and placement which would
minimize or prevent any interference with recreational land uses. In
fact, the basin surface may itself serve as a recreation area, for
example, tennis courts." We believe that the mitigation of construction
impacts on recreation should be addressed directly and should avoid
phrases like "could be resolved" or "may serve." The final statement
should set forth specific mitigation measures which will be carried out
as part of the construction projects. Furthermore, the loss of recre-
ation land to construction of these and other structures should be
quantified for each structure as far as practicable.
There may be other conflicts with recreation lands within the study area
which cannot be ascertained without larger scale maps and more detailed
text. The equalization basin planned for the proposed neighborhood park
in the vicinity of Fleur Drive and County Line Road is near Fort Des |
Moines. Three tracts of this federally owned property, totalling 244.27 |
acres, have been conveyed to the Polk County Conservation Board (2
parcels) and the City of Des Moines Department of Parks (1 parcel) for
park and recreation purposes. This was accomplished under the pro-
visions of the Surplus Property Act of 1944 (58 Stat. 770), as amended,
and the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (63
Stat. 377), as amended. The provisions of the Instrument of Transfer
specify that the property shall not be sold, leased, or otherwise
disposed of except with the consent of the Secretary of the Interior.
Substitution of properties of at least equal fair market value and
reasonably equivalent usefulness and location for the recreational lands
to be taken would be required.
In addition, the outlying communities of Alleman, Mitchellville, Norwalk,
and Carlisle have recreation areas which have received matching assist-
ance monies from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (L&WCF). In the
Des Moines metropolitan area, numerous projects have also received such c
funding. The following recreation resources in the metropolitan area |
may be of particular interest in the preparation of future documents:
(1) the Des Moines Riverfront Bikeway, a Federal Highway Administration
Bikeway Demonstration Project; (2) a bikeway between McKenry and Union
Parks, partially funded through L&WCF monies; and (3) the proposed Des
Moines River. Any temporary or permanent disruption of parklands,
including but not limited to the above, and appropriate mitigation,
should be addressed in subsequent documents.
Encroachments on properties that have received L&WCF assistance would
constitute a conversion of recreation use under Section 6(f) of the
Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, as amended. Section 6(f) re-
quires that any change from recreational land use be approved by the o
-------
Secretary of the Interior and also requires the substitution of other
properties of at least equal fair market value and reasonably equivalent
usefulness and location for the recreation lands to be taken. There is
no provision under this section for acceptance of cash in payment for
recreation lands converted to other uses. Any request for approval c
should be initiated by local park agencies through Mr. Fred A. Priewert, |
Director, Iowa Conservation Commission, 300 Fourth Street, Des Moines, I
Iowa 50319. Since Mr. Priewert has responsibility for administration of u
the Land and Water Conservation Fund in Iowa, he would be the official
to contact for further information regarding specific fund-assisted
parks.
We concur that the plan will indirectly benefit recreation through the
improvement of water quality, but suggest that more direct benefits
could be incorporated into the plan. It would be possible, for example,
to acquire and develop lands adjacent to proposed construction sites
which could serve both as buffers and as recreational resources in their
own right. Another possibility would be to incorporate bikeways or
trails on the rights-of-way of sewer trunk-line construction, especially B
since these will follow stream valleys in most instances. Technical <->
assistance for including recreation planning in the areawide 208 plan is
available from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Mid-Continent Region,
P.O. Box 25387, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225.
Cultural Resources
A national historic landmark, the Fort Des Moines Provisional Army
Officer Training School, appears to be located close to the proposed
facilities near the Warren-Polk County line. We have enclosed a bound- e
ary map of the landmark for your information. J u
We note that you are working with the State Historical Department in
assessing impacts of the undertaking on cultural resources (p. V-37).
It is not clear whether the State Historic Preservation Officer (Mr.
Adrian Anderson, B-13 MacLean Hall, Iowa City, Iowa 52242) has also been
consulted. His participation is required by the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation's "Procedures for the Protection of Historic and
Cultural Properties" (36 CFR 800). The results of the proposed "surveys,
intensive investigations, and procedures for mitigating adverse impacts"
should be in accordance with the Council's "Procedures" and, along with
pertinent documentation, included in the final statement.
The final statement should also reflect procedures to be followed if
previously unknown archeological resources are encountered during pro-
ject development.
15
o
u
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Wildlife Resources
0)
I
u
o
u
The statement adequately addresses impacts on fish and wildlife resources
and the related natural environment. The plan is a big step in the
right direction and we endorse it wholeheartedly.
Water Resources
Although one of the primary objectives of the intended sewage disposal
system is to prevent increasing contamination of waterways, reservoirs,
and aquifers, there are no illustrations in the report that clearly
show the drainage pattern or the location of the dams. For a better
understanding of their interrelationship, a correlation is required for
the drainage basins, aquifers, waterways, and reservoir locations. A
statement giving the capacity of the main reservoirs also would be
helpful.
We suggest that more specific baseline data on streamflow character-
istics ,of the Des Moines River and its principal tributaries should be
obtained. Such data would be useful in evaluating amelioration of
hazardous concentrations of pollutants in the river, especially during
low flows.
Among the strict specifications to protect ground water, such as those
discussed on pages VI-3 and VI-4, linings should be included where
lagoons must overlie alluvium or other appreciably permeable materials;
downgradient monitoring of ground water should also be standard practice
for such situations.
Mineral Resources n
Large volumes of both excavation and fill would be required in construct-
ing lift stations, some 13 equalization basins that have capacities up
to 7.72 million gallons, and 9 treatment facilities, plus a regional
treatment facility. Moreover, grade stabilization structures and terraces,
estimated to cost $50 million, also would require fill or excavation
as would many miles of trunklines. The source of fill material and the
area for disposal should be mentioned in the text. «
In the final statement, the section on geology should include summary <3
results of the statewide inventory of coal resources and the impacts on
coal in the area if minable reserves are indicated. Further, the text
should state whether the underground liquid petroleum gas storage is
being utilized now and whether its future use would be impaired if the
proposed project is constructed.
-------
The coverage on geology does not mention occurrences of building stone,
sand and gravel, limestone, road rock, or other minerals that normally
are mined near densely populated areas such as Des Moines. Closure or
curtailment of any such enterprise would cause environmental changes
requiring evaluation in the study.
Sincerely,
CM
4J
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O
U
ohn E. Raybourn^
Regional Environmental
Review Officer
Enclosure
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-------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
REGION VII
FEDERAL BUILDING
601 EAST I2TH STREET
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64106 OFFICE OP
THE REGIONAL. DIRECTOR
June 9, 1977
Mr. Charles V. Wright
Acting Regional Administrator
United States Environmental Protection Agency
1735 Baltimore
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Re: DEIS Des Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment
Management Plan, Des Moines, Iowa
Dear Mr. Wright:
We have reviewed the above referenced project and appreciate
the opportunity to comment.
This project has no apparent impact on the program of the.
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Further, it would
appear that the impacts of the proposed action and the reasonable
alternatives have been adequately addressed.
Sincerely,
William H."Henderson
Regional Environmental Officer
-------
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
ROCK ISLAND DISTRICT. CORPS OF ENGINEERS
CLOCK TOWER BUILDING
ROCK ISLAND. ILLINOIS 612O1
IN REPLY REFER TO
NCRED-PB
9 JUN 1977
Mr. Charles V. Wright
Acting Regional Administrator
EPA, Region VII
1735 Baltimore
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Dear Mr. Wright:
This office has reviewed the draft environmental statement for
Des Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment Management Flan. The
only comment this office has at this time concerns Department of
the Army permit authorizations. Future coordination is desired
when individual implementation of the proposed actions is taken.
Portions of the proposed plan will require Section 10 and/or <->
Section 404 permits. The draft statement does not address these §
actions. A discussion of the impacts anticipated in relationship
to these requirements should be incorporated in the final 3
statement. I recommend that you contact Mr. Monte Hines, Permits
and Statistics Branch, for direct coordination in determining the
permit requirements.
Sincerely yours,
6-&*j
DOYLE W.'McCULLY f
Chief, Engineering Division
-------
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
693 Federal Building, Des Moines, IA 50309
June 21, 1977
Mr. Charles V. Wright
Acting Regional Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
Region VII, 1735 Baltimore
Kansas City, Missouri 64104
Dear Mr. Wright:
The draft environmental impact statement for the Des Moines 208 Areawide
Waste Treatment Plan, March 1977, was referred to the Soil Conservation
Service for review and comment.
We have reviewed the statement and have no comments at this time. The
statement covers the point and non-point sources of pollution very well.
The Soil Conservation Service, through the soil conservation districts
in Polk, Warren, Dallas and Jasper Counties, have participated in the
study and would be happy to continue to furnish assistance to this
proposed project.
We appreciate the opportunity to review and comment, on this proposed
work.
Sincerely,
William J. Brune
State Conservationist
-------
STATE OF IOWA
Office for Planning and Programming
523 East 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319 Telephone 515/281-3711
ROBERT D RAY
Governor
ROBERT F TYSON
Director
STATE CLEARINGHOUSE
PROJECT NOTIFICATION AND REVIEW SIGNOFF
Date Received: April 12. 1977
State Application Identifier: 750396
Review Completed:, May 27, 1977
APPLICANT PROJECT TITLE: ~
Draft EIS, Des Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plan
APPLICANT AGENCY:U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Address Region VII, 1725 Baltimore
Kansas City. Missouri 64108
FEDERAL PROGRAM TITLE, AGENCY Construction Grants for Wafctewater Treatment Works
AND CATALOG NUMBER: Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Water and Hazardous Materials
Catalog No. 66.418
AMOUNT OF FUNDS REQUESTED:
NA
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Des Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment
Management Plan as submitted by the Region VII United States Environmental Protection
Agency.
The State Clearinghouse makes the following disposition concerning this application:
/T7 No Comment Necessary. The application must be submitted as received by
the Clearinghouse with this form attached as evidence that the required
review has been performed.
/ / Comments are Attached. The application must be submitted with this li>rm
plus the attached comments as evidence that the required review has boon
performed.
STATE CLEARINGHOUSE COMMENTS:
CH-14 Rev. 9-75
F
Peaeral Funds Coordinator
-------
COMMHSKWHS
THOMAS A BATES. Chniiman-
•BelleviM
JOHN C. WOPHV—laming
JOHN G LINK—Buriingtan
CAROLYN T LOMBARD—Dei Moinei
/MARIAN PIKE—Whiting
HERBERT T REED—Wmtenol
JOHNC THOMPSON—Forait City
FRED A. PRIEWERT, Director
300 Fourth Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319
515/281-5145
An EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Agency
June 6, 1977
Environmental Protection Agency
Region VII
1735 Baltimore
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Attention: Edward Vest
Dear Mr. Vest:
Enclosed are the official comments of the Iowa Conservation
Commission's reference to the Des Moines Areawide Waste Treatment
Management Plan for inclusion into the final Environental Impact
Statement.
Sincerely,
Fred A. Priewert, Director
Iowa Conservation Commission
FAP/DH/tl
Enclosure
Outdoor IOWA ;|3 a pla«:c> to unjoy
-------
March I, 1977
ITEM NO.
IOWA CONSERVATION COMMISSION POSITION STATEMENT
TO THE DBS MOINES METROPOLITAN SEWER PLANNING POLICY COMMITTEE
The Iowa Conservation Commission has a deep-seated concern for
the Iowa's water quality. We wish to express our support of
upgrading water quality to the 1983 'fishable and swimmable1 |
standards, which the Commission believes is a must for quality |
recreation and fish and wildlife habitat. J u
In regard to the future extension of sewer service into the
metropolitan region, the Conmission urges that growth impacts on
resource utilization be thoroughly assessed. We do not support
the extension of utilities into those areas of the metropolitan
region that promote urban, commercial or industrial development ] §
at the expense of natural areas with potential for outdoor ' 1
recreation, scenic open space and fish and wildlife habitat. . 3
We therefore suggest that these sewer extensions be coordinated
with a metropolitan land use plan in which growth is accommodated
in areas of low natural resource value.
In addition, the Conservation Commission would like to support
the multiple purpose utilization of lands and easements acquired
for the Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plan. These lands and
easements offer the metropolitan region the opportunity to secure
open space for recreation and recreational access to area water
bodies.
The 1972 Water Pollution Control Act directs attention to this
opportunity:
"The Administrator shall encourage waste treatment
management which combines 'open space1 and u
recreational considerations with such management."
(Section 201(f).
Sewer easements often parallel our communities, rivers, streams,
and attractive water bodies; treatment plants often lie near water.
Careful preplanning, design, and acquisition of these easements and
lands with recreation uses clearly in mind will give many benefits:
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Page 2
-Provide access for hiking, bicycling, horseback, snowmobile,
and cross-country ski trails.
-Afford access to water's edge for fishing, boat launching
and swimming.
-Create parks and open spaces.
-Protect waterside banks and scenic setting for public
enjoyment.
-Link neighborhoods, playgrounds, schools, natural areas, and r§
shopping areas in trail and open space systems.
-Maintain buffer strips to protect water quality.
-Provide a joint utility corridor—for water mains, gas lines,
power lines.
-Shape future community growth and open space patterns.
u
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/f X
Department of Public Health
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
Telephone: 283-4056
June 2, 1977
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region VII
1735 Baltimore
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Re: Draft E.I.S. for
Des Moines 208 Plan
Dear Sirs:
After reviewing the portions of this draft EIS that appeared to
relate to air pollution, the following comments are offered for
your consideration:
1. Des Moines and Polk County air pollution chapters
contain restrictions on emissions of odors. Pages ^
ID
V-8 and VI-1 of the draft EIS discuss impacts on
air (particulates and carbon monoxide) but do not
mention odor emissions from the new sewage treat-
ment plant.
2. On page IV-4 under Sludge Disposal it is indicated
that grease collected would be landfilled or burned.
in an incinerator but page V-8 says no sludge incin-
eration is anticipated. Thus, what, if any, impact
grease incineration might have on air quality should _
be at least mentioned on V-8.
3. On page V-8 it says that "The proposed plan would
have no major primary impact on the air quality of
the City of Des Moines or the region." This depart-
ment anticipates indirect negative impacts on air
pollution due to concentration of new industrial
growth along the limited number of trunk lines.
The draft EIS goes on to say that "The proposed
plan will have a positive impact on air quality
maintenance in the long run..." This department
anticipates that the indirect negative impact could
be greater than the positive impact derived from
open space areas and corridors. In any event, these
issues should be mentioned in the draft EIS.
City HaU / East 1st and Locust Streets / Des Moines, Iowa 50309
O
U
e
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United States Environmental Protection Agency
June 2, 1977
Page Two
Sincerely ,,
Robert N. Moss
Air Pollution Engineer
RNM:nb
cci Dr. Julius S. Conner
Roger V. Grunow
-------
:i+y of des maim
Office of the City Manager
June 14, 1977
Mr. Charles Wright
Acting Regional Administrator
U. S. Environmental Protection
Agency
Region VII
1735 Baltimore
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Dear Mr. Wright:
Re: Draft Environmental Impact
Statement for Des Moines
208 Areawide Waste Treat-
ment Management Plan
The City of Des Moines has reviewed the draft Environmental Im-
pact Statement for the Des Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment
Management Plan dated March, 1977.
In general, the Environmental Impact Statement has addressed
the major areas of concern. However, the area of economic
impact has not been addressed completely.
The Des Moines 208 Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plan
targets 1983 as the date for completion of all proposed trunk
line sewer extensions and waste water treatment facilties.
With the completion of the trunk sewer extensions, unincorporated
undeveloped land will have a significant economic advantage
which will result in direct competition for development with
the incorporated areas of the central cities. The Environmental
Impact Statement should have addressed, in more detail, the
negative impact that sprawled development will have on the
central cities.
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Page Two June 14, 1977
Mr. Charles Wright
If you are in need of additional information regarding this
matter, please contact Mr. Robert W. Mickle, Planning Director,
at telephone No. 283-4182.
Sincerely,
Richard Wilkey
City Manager
RW/dh
cc: Central Iowa Regional Association
of Local Governments
Mr. M. A. Iverson,
City Solicitor, Intergovernmental
Programs
Mr. Leo L. Johnson,
Public Works Director
Mr. Robert W. Mickle,
Planning Director
Mr. Harold E. Smith,
City Engineer
-------
louiarounR
823 Walnut Street
Des Moines. Iowa 50309
515-281-2900
May 16, 1977
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
1735 Baltimore
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Attention: Mr. Charles V. Wright
Acting Regional Administrator
Gentlemen:
Re: Environmental Impact Statement for the Des Moines 208 Area Wide
Waste Treatment Management Plan
We have reviewed the environmental impact statement for the Des Moines
208 Area Wide Waste Treatment Management Plan, and understand the con-
cerns regarding Iowa Power's use of the river water as expressed on page
11-31 of the document.
Iowa Power is aware of the problems of the withdrawal and discharge of
cooling water in the Des Moines river. For the past year, we have been
actively engaged with engineering consultants in a program studying al-
ternative methods affecting plant cooling.
We have presented to the Iowa Department of Environmental Quality, a pro-
posal for altering the Des Moines Power Station cooling system in a way
which would virtually eliminate dependence on the Des Moines river, and
would eliminate the discharge of cooling water into the river.
We appreciate this opportunity to comment on the subject EIS. If you or
your staff have any questions regarding this matter, please contact me at
(515) 281-2220.
Very truly yours,
E. F. Buckley, Jr.
Senior Electrical Engineer
cc: R. F. Schlenker
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APPENDIX D
LETTER FROM CIRALG TO IOWA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION CONCERNING THE DRAFT EIS
ON PROPOSED ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS 500 AND 592
THROUGH THE 208 STUDY AREA
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June 15, 1977
- Eon locust
aines. lowo
50309
5-244-3237
cutive Doord
Chairman
Mayor
C. D.Millsop
.Jsor Heights
ce Chairman
Mayor
OlbeWeigel
Ankeny
Treasurer
Mayor
'iurroy Drake
OesMoines
.•rs-at-Lorge
Supervisor
• ird Qrannan
Polk County
Mayor
w McKinney
Cummmg
Supervisor
2 Hammond
Story County
Mayor
:hard Olson
Des Monies
:ive Dfreaor
iis K. Hamey
Mr. Robert Humphrey
Project Planning Engineer
Iowa Department of Transportation
Ames, IA 50010
Dear Mr. Humphrey:
Upon receipt of your letter of May 17, 1977 regarding the Central Iowa
Regional Association of Local Governments1 comments on the draft
Environmental Impact Statement (E.I.S.), we have assessed your response
and must reaffirm our position of March 31, 1977 that .the proposed
Arterial Highways 500 and 592 are in conflict with the locally adopted
areawide plans developed under Section 208 of the Public Law 92*500.
In addition, we are requesting that the following comments be included
in the final E.I.S.
We agree with your comment that each alternative would have different
corridor development patterns with resulting population distribution
patterns varying accordingly. However, this only serves to reflect a
philosophy of developing highway facilities and allowing growth and
land use development to conform. By adhering to this philosophy the
report has arbitrarily chosen to alter the locally adopted Intensity
Development Pattern (208 I.D.P.) thereby creating secondary growth and
economic impacts through the different population distribution patterns.
It is recommended that I.D.O..T. utilize the 208 I.D.P. as a base line
for the Arterial Highways 500 and 592 Alternatives for the purpose of
determining the base need for and viability of each such proposed
alternative.
Although you have shown a relationship between the 208 I.D.P. and the
C.I.R.P.C. Metrosector population projections, which may or may not be
accurate, the fact remains that the C.I.R.P.C. Metrosector information
and land use patterns were superceded by the 208 I.D.P. in January,
1976 as evidenced by the attached resolutions (Exhibit "A"). We
should like to emphasize that this information has been made available
to the l.D.O.T. staff and consultants since that date.
-------
To: Robert Humphrey - 2 - June 15, 1977
As to your comment regarding C.I.R.A.L.G.'s knowledge of the planning for
.Arterial Highways 500 and 592 it should be understood that this planning was
considered in the 208 I.D.P. Alternatives by members of the local Plan and
Zoning Commissions representing the 26-government area. The final adopted
21)8 I.D.P. did not include either 500 or 592 based on first, the fact that
I.D.O.T. staff refused to specify a construction time schedule therefore no
particular time sequence could be assigned, and second that the proposed
highways would be in conflict with the established policy to "maximize the
use of existing wastewater facilities and collection systems that prove to be
cost effective."
While we do not disagree with your statement on the effects of increased
turbidity, sedimentation and erosion on Indigenous organisms, we do take Issue
with the I.O.O.T.'s lack of study on the potential negative effects of 500 and
592 on the water quality of rivers and streams as a result of induced growth
into vacant and agricultural areas. The drainage basins which would be affected
by these highway projects have been the subject of two years of intensive study
by local governments, the Iowa Department for Environmental Quality, and the
United States Environmental Protection Agency to determine the most cost effective
means to achieve the nation's 1983 Water Quality Goals. The study included an
analysis of each1 drainage basin's ability to accommodate effluent discharges In
the receiving rivers or streams. Through this study It was determined that
unrestricted or Induced growth such as that resulting from the proposed 500
and 592 project:would only serve to compound water quality problems within the
208 Study Area, thereby placing additional tax burdens on the local units of
government.
The draft E.l.S. and 500 and 592 Corridor Studies In our opinion not only have
failed to consider the ramifications of secondary land use impacts on the 1983
Water Quality standards, but also have neglected to consider the economic 'impact
of:
1. Movement of development from the existing incorporated areas to
unincorporated vacant areas.
2. The resultant tax base loss associated with this Induced out migration
of growth.
3. The marginal reductions in A.D.T. on Army Post Road (in some areas
increased A.D.T.) with the development of Alternative V4A as documented
In the I.D.O.T. Route Location Study - Freeway 592, Dec. \37kt pages 63
and 69.
Based on our concerns expressed on the aforestated issues and the February 14,
1977 Des Moines Urban Area Transportation Policy Committee reconomendation that
the Federal Aid Primary funds committed to these projects be reprogrammed to
existing routes with unmet needs in the urbanized area, Exhibit "B", we must
restate that the proposed Arterial Highways 500 and 592 are in conflict with
the current established policy and adopted plans. However, it Is not the intent
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To: Robert Humphrey
- 3 -
June 15, 1977
of this letter to permanently enjoin the proposed Arterial Highways 500 and
592. Rather, we are suggesting that the Iowa Department of Transportation
delay selection of a specific alternative and right of way acquisition until
such a time as the Iowa Department of Transportation has had an opportunity
to re-evaluate all alternatives utilizing the 208 Base Line information,
and that the funds which are currently anticipated for right of way acquisition
or construction be reprog rammed to meet specific needs on North-South routes
as identified by the Des Moines Urban Area Transportation Policy Committee.
We believe that a temporary delay as suggested would enable the State and
local elected officials an opportunity to place both the highway and sewer
planning programs on a similar time frame, thereby alleviating the current
conflict without necessarily jeopardizing either.
Sincerely,
s~~**~
LonnKe Haw baker
Denn
ansportation Technical Committee
ey
Executive Director, CIRALG
GLP:LH:DKH
nros
cc:
Iowa Department of Transportation, Victor Preisser, Director
Department of Environmental Quality, Larry Crane, Executive Director
Environmental Protection Agency, Charles Wright, Acting Regional Administrator
Federal Highway Administration, Terry Isaacson, Regional Administrator
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COPY OF ADVERTISEMENT
Exhibit "A"
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POLK COUNTY
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WHEREAS, the Des Moines 208 Planning Program requires the
development of an Areawide Intensity Development
Pattern'for use In projecting-future flows
and waste loads related to v/ater quality, and
WHEREAS, a Preliminary Intensity Development Pattern has
been developed by the Metropolitan Sever Planning
Land .Use Sub-Committee for use in initially
projecting future waste loads and_flows, and
WHEREAS, said Preliminary Intensity Development Pattern
is to be re-evaluated based upon engineering,
cost, environmental and water quality data
by the Metropolitan Sewer Planning Land. Use
Sub-Committee: when such data become;; available
through the Des Moines 203 prog ran,
MOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE METROPOLITAN SEWER
PLANNING LAND USE SUa-CQMNlTTEE:
1. That the Preliminary Intensity Development
Pattern is hereby approved by the Metropolitan
Sewer Planning Land Use Sub-Cocmittee for use
as an inttial tool in the projection of
future waste loads and flows related to water
quality within the Des Moines 208 Study Area.
2. That as soon as practical the appropriate.
engineering, cost, environmental and water
quality data as developed within the 208 program
be made available to'the Metropolitan Sewer
Planning Land Use Sub-Committee to make any
adjustments or revisions to the"Preliminary
Intensity Development Pattern.
3- That the Preliminary Intensity Development
Pattern is hereby recommended to the Das Moines
Metropolitan Sewer'Planning Coordinating and
Policy Committees for. their review arid approval,
and should changes or revisions be made to this
Preliminary Intensity Development Pattern by either
of these Committees that these changes or
revisions be referred back to the Metropolitan Sewer Planning
Land Use Sub-Co.™! ttee.
J». That at such tine as the Metropolitan Sewer Planning
Policy Committee concurs in the recommended Preliminary
Intensity Developnent Pattern that it Is recommended
to the Policy Conmittee that a Public Hearing be held
in order to allot-/ for adequate public comment to be
obtained on the Preliminary Intensity Development Pattern
as Finally approved.
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adoption of 208 Intensity Development Pattern for Use in
Planning Process;
Gary Pryor stated that approval by the Bolicy Conmittee to use the Intensity
Development Pattern as an initial tool in the projections and forecasts related
to transportation planning in the Des Koines Urban Area is being requested by
the Technical Coconittee. He further added that the Transportation Technical
Conmittee has reconanended this resolution to the Policy Cornmittee in order to
provide for greater continuity among planning efforts of transportation and 208.
If changes in the Intensity Development Pattern are made they will be brought.
to the Policy Committee.
Mayor Drake stated he felt the adoption of the Intensity Development Pattern
would eliminate much duplication.
Discussion was held with regard to energy conservation and if it ties into the
Intensity Development Pattern and the land use pattern. Gary Pryor stated that
energy was considered based on existing available information, which is extremely
limited at this tine. The Land Use Ccttmittee has reconnended the Intensity
Development Pattern to the 208 Policy Conmittee which has adopted it as it
currently is presented.
Mrs. Hamilton suggested that it be put into the Policy Comnittee record that
the Ccmnittse is concerned about energy conservation and that the Conmittee is
trying to seek solutions and will assist in any way to help solve all types of
energy problems.
A motion to adopt the 208 Intensity Development Pattern for Use in Transportation
Planning was made by Helen Barlow, seconded by John Andrews, ttotion carried 8-0.
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IT "B"
DES KHNES UKSAN AREA TRANSPOKranCN POLICY COMtTTEEE
.'ING RECORD DATE:
JRSMS3T UNITS AYE NAY PR REPRESENTATIVES AYE NAY PR ALTERNATES
• V*/n
JE
KOIKES
MDINES
M3INES
NSTON
•3SROT TTTT.T.
K GODOTJf
X COUNTS'
•iANOALS
>T DES >DINES
•
l>!l3SQft HEIGHTS
X
X
*
X
X
X
.
X
X
X
I
r
Bart Aunan, C.
Richard Olson, M.
Archie Brooks, C.
Mrs. Nadirs Hamilton
Harold Neff , C.
Kent Forbes, C.
Richard Brannan, 5.
John Andrews
Irving Bradley
Murray Drake, M.
D.C. Millsap, M.
X
X
•
X
X
X
X
Tom Peihhard
Mrs. Helen Barlow
Russ LaVine, C.
Wallace Buss, C.
Alan Collet
Richard Dalfc, M.
J-- Bishop, S.
S. Anania, S.
J. Preenan, M.
w. Kent Gaer, C.
Charles Herner
TIQN: The Des Moines Urban Area Transportation Policy
nrittee hereby recommends that the existing routes
.h unmet needs in the urbanized area, be establised
first priority for funding, such as 63rd Street, S.E.
.h and Army Post Road; and, that funding for 592 be
isidered for future dates, and that the Transportation
•chnical Committee is hereby directed to reestablish
)ding priorities on existing primary routes within the
ian area with specific concern on North-South routes.
MOVED BY;He1en Barlow, Des Hoine;
SECONDED BY; John Andrews,
Polk County
3
NAYS
PRESENT 8
S ACTION: Approved
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