Iowa is blessed with an abundance of rivers, lakes, ponds, streams and wetlands as well as vast farmlands with rich soil. It is the responsibility of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to protect these precious resources by enforcing the environmental laws both on a federal and on a state level. These laws detail the acceptable treatment and exploitation of Iowa's natural resources so that these resources may be preserved for future enjoyment of all the states occupants including plants, animals and humans alike.
Laws governing clean water
Clean water laws deal with water quality on a whole including groundwater quality. Clean water laws detail acceptable standards for the use and storage of water but more importantly it details inflexible standards for water quality. Industries are sometimes allowed to dispose of waste in bodies of water providing that the levels of pollutants remain below a certain threshold, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources strictly monitors these industries to ensure the safety of its citizens. Groundwater from wells and other underground water reservoirs are extremely important because these bodies of water provide essential drinking water. Groundwater is governed by its own rules which are also strictly enforced.
Laws surrounding air quality
Air quality laws deal strictly with emissions from all types of sources. It is recognized that the quality of air is heavily dependent upon the emissions produced by industrial businesses. Hence the laws surrounding air quality single out industrial companies; dictating to them specific methods on how to reduce emissions.
Laws surrounding solid and hazardous waste
The fine line between solid and hazardous waste is duly noted and every state has their specifications as to how to classify these wastes. What is however very obvious is that solid and hazardous wastes contribute to land, water and air pollution. The laws surrounding the management of these wastes gives rules on everything from how to dump used tires and used oil to how to handle the spill of hazardous chemicals.
Laws surrounding wildlife protection
In a land of hunters it is necessary to implement and enforce wildlife rules. There are many endangered species of animals lurking in our forests and elsewhere and it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that these animals are protected. The wildlife laws do not just protect endangered species but also set out the rules for hunting such as making hunting seasonal and restricting the amount of animals any one person is allowed to hunt.