Section 466B.5. Regional watershed assessment, planning, and prioritization.

  1.  Regional watershed assessment program.  The department of natural resources shall create a regional watershed assessment program. The program shall assess all the regional watersheds in the state.

  a.  The statewide assessment shall be conducted at the rate of approximately one-fifth of the watersheds per year, and an initial full assessment shall be completed within five years. Thereafter, the department of natural resources shall review and update the assessments on a regular basis.

  b.  Each regional watershed assessment shall provide a summary of the overall condition of the watershed. The information provided in the summary may include land use patterns, soil types, slopes, management practices, stream conditions, and both point and nonpoint source impairments.

  c.  In conducting a regional watershed assessment, the department of natural resources may provide opportunities for local data collection and input into the assessment process.

  2.  Planning and prioritization.  In conducting the regional watershed assessment program, the department of natural resources shall provide hydrological and geological information sufficient for the water resources coordinating council to prioritize watersheds statewide and for the various communities in those watersheds to plan remedial efforts in their local communities and subwatersheds.

  3.  Report to council.  Upon completion of the statewide assessment, and upon updating the assessments, the department of natural resources shall report the results of the assessment to the council and the general assembly, and shall make the report publicly available.

2008 Acts, ch 1034, §5

; 2011 Acts, ch 119, §6