Section 561.1.2. Mission and programs.

The department has the primary responsibility for state parks and forests, protecting the environment, and managing energy, fish, wildlife, and land and water resources in this state. The mission of the department is to conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa.

       1.2(1) Air pollution. The department is the agency of the state to prevent, abate, and control air pollution by developing comprehensive plans and programs, establishing air quality and emission standards, issuing permits for construction of air contaminant sources and control equipment, issuing operating permits, requiring monitoring of air contaminant sources to ensure compliance, enforcing standards and permit requirements, providing technical assistance and educational and training programs, and reviewing and evaluating local control programs.

       1.2(2) Drinking water. The department is the agency of the state to conduct the public water supply program by adopting drinking water standards; issuing construction and operation permits for public water supplies; certifying the operators of certain public water supplies; enforcing the statutes, rules, and permits relating to public drinking water supplies; and administering the state revolving fund for drinking water. The department also provides minimum standards for private drinking water supplies which are regulated by local boards of health, administers grants to counties to assist in carrying out their responsibilities, and certifies well construction contractors.

       1.2(3) Energy. The department is the agency of the state to establish and implement plans and policies that ensure wise development, use and management of all energy sources in the state by preparing for energy emergencies; allocating energy supplies; developing and delivering statewide energy management programs, including financial assistance programs; commercializing and promoting indigenous alternative energy sources, including wind, biomass and other renewable energy resources; and collecting, evaluating and disseminating energy information to citizens and public officials.

       1.2(4) Fish and wildlife. The department is the agency of the state to manage fish and wildlife resources by licensing activities impacting fish and game; enforcement of fish and wildlife laws and rules; land acquisition and other habitat development; collection and dissemination of information; establishing public hunting, fishing, and trapping areas; propagating, purchasing, restoring, nurturing, stocking or otherwise managing fish and wildlife; advising and assisting private and local government management of fish and wildlife; and carrying on active programs for the protection, interpretation and public enjoyment of fish and wildlife species.

       1.2(5) Flood plain development. The department is the agency of the state to promote the protection of life and property from flooding and to protect and conserve the water resources of the state through regulation of construction and excavation within floodways and flood plains by establishing administrative thresholds for the types of flood plain development which require a permit from the department; issuing appropriate permits; developing a flood plain mapping plan; and enforcing the statutes, rules, and permits relating to flood plain development.

       1.2(6) Forests and prairies. The department is the agency of the state to manage and protect forests of the state by providing professional forestry advice to landowners; assisting landowners with woodland protection from insects, disease, fire, and livestock; managing state forests for educational, recreational, and economic benefits; providing nursery stock; and regulating timber buyers.

       1.2(7) Geology. The department is the agency of the state to plan and implement programs that result in the acquisition of comprehensive geologic information on the mineral and water resources of the state with emphasis on water supply developments; to monitor the effects of environmental impacts on water quality, including surface and groundwater; to regulate oil, gas, or metallic mineral exploration and production; and to disseminate information through publications, consultation services, and electronically in the form of databases that comprise the department’s geographic information system.

       1.2(8) Hazardous materials and conditions. The department is the agency of the state to prevent, abate, and control hazardous conditions resulting from releases of hazardous substances to the natural environment by issuing site licenses for certain hazardous waste facilities; maintaining a registry of hazardous waste or hazardous substance disposal sites; responding to hazardous conditions; regulating certain underground storage tanks; enforcing the statutes and rules relating to hazardous conditions and underground storage tanks; and informing and educating the public about hazardous materials.

       1.2(9) Parks, recreation, and preserves. The department is the agency of the state to facilitate and promote public outdoor recreational opportunities by developing comprehensive plans; acquiring, establishing, planning, and managing specific parks, preserves, and water bodies for public use; advising and assisting local governments and private persons in establishing such facilities; licensing and permitting private use of sovereign land and waters; regulating water navigation safety and snowmobiling; informing the public of use opportunities; enforcing conservation laws; and protecting and managing threatened and endangered plant and animal species.

       1.2(10) Solid waste. The department is the agency of the state to regulate the handling and disposal of solid waste by establishing standards for the handling and disposal of solid waste; issuing construction and operation permits for solid waste facilities; and enforcing the statutes, rules, and permits relating to solid waste handling. The department also establishes rules relating to beverage container redemption, which are enforced by local officials. The department is also the agency of the state to educate and promote sustainable practices of pollution prevention and responsible waste management.

       1.2(11) Water pollution. The department is the agency of the state to prevent, abate, and control surface and groundwater pollution by developing comprehensive plans and programs; establishing standards for water quality and treatment of wastewater; issuing permits for the construction and operation of wastewater disposal systems and animal feeding operations; certifying public wastewater treatment plant operators; administering a loan program for construction of publicly owned wastewater disposal systems; regulating other potential sources of groundwater contamination; enforcing the statutes, rules, and permits relating to water pollution control; and informing and educating the public. The department also establishes minimum standards for private sewage disposal systems which are regulated by local boards of health, administers grants to counties to assist in carrying out their responsibilities, and certifies manure applicators.

       1.2(12) Water use. The department is the agency of the state to ensure the orderly development, wise use, protection, conservation, and public understanding of the surface and groundwater resources of the state by issuing appropriate permits for the withdrawal, diversion or storage of water; by enforcing statutes, rules, and permits relating to the use of water; by allocating water during periods of shortage; and through public information activities.