Chronicle Editorial

Wallowing in Iowa's water
 
     An ongoing battle over statewide water pollution hit code red recently following a curious proposal from one state lawmaker.
     Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, said he would introduce legislation next year to block a lawsuit filed by Des Moines Water Works against three northwest Iowa counties. The complaint claims the counties are violating federal pollution laws by failing to regulate their drainage districts, but no decision has been rendered yet. If successful, Feenstra’s bill would protect these rural counties from possible repercussions stemming from the lawsuit, however, its legal framework is shaky at best.
     Des Moines Water Works’ lawsuit is well known by now. The utility is suing the boards of supervisors in Sac, Buena Vista and Calhoun counties in an effort to stop ongoing pollution of the Raccoon River, which is the main water source for the metro area. Water Works has spent million of dollars filtering out high nitrate levels in the river throughout the years to make the water safe for use, and it blames landowners in drainage districts upstream. Basically, the utility wants to hold the counties that manage those districts accountable for the pollution.
     Feenstra has been an outspoken opponent of the lawsuit, but this counter attack seems flimsy. As an article in the Sept. 21 Des Moines Register pointed out, the Water Works lawsuit is seeking enforcement of the Clean Water. Any measure enacted by a state legislature cannot usurp federal law. Additionally, Feenstra’s proposal faces limited odds in the Democrat-controlled Senate. The majority would likely halt its advance and kill it on the spot.
     If Feenstra sticks to his word and introduces legislation to impede the lawsuit, it’s not likely to make it far. It would simply mark one more punch thrown in the ongoing fight over Iowa’s water quality. While both sides have spent plenty of time pointing fingers, it would be wise if they’d come together to work on solutions instead of creating divisions.
     Improving Iowa’s water is in the state’s best interest. Everyone drinks the water, from the farmer in northwest Iowa to the office worker in Des Moines. Ramping up initiatives and increasing funding to target pollution through improved infrastructure and other means seems to hold the best potential moving forward. There’s many ways the Legislature, water utilities and farmers could work together to solve these problems, but they have to choose to do so first.
 
Seasonal safety reminder
 
     It’s harvest season once again, and with its arrival comes certain precautions for both area travelers and local farmers alike.
     The state just recently observed Farm Safety and Health Week to raise awareness about the numerous workplace dangers farmers face each day. Agriculture has the highest annual death rate per 100,000 workers in the nation and surpasses all the other industries including mining, construction and manufacturing. It is typically more than five times higher than the average death rate for all industries combined.
     In the face of such grim statistics, the Iowa Farm Safety Council released a helpful list of reminders for farmers this harvest season. Taking precautions to avoid slips and falls, making smart decisions while assigning tasks to youth and using slow moving vehicle emblems while traveling are all important to remember. They might seem like no-brainers, but utilizing these tips could go a long way during the 2015 harvest season.
     Of course, farm safety is a two-way street. Drivers on rural highways and gravel roads should take extra precaution when traveling around Franklin County and Iowa in general. Be conscious of slow-moving vehicles like tractors, combines and semis. Give them space and slow down when approaching, because accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
     Use extra caution while you’re in the fields this fall and travel safely. Harvest season is a busy and exciting time, and it’s easy to get distracted. Be alert, drive smart and be careful out there. But most of all, have a safe and bountiful harvest.
     Editor’s note: A portion of this editorial ran in the Sept. 24, 2014 edition of the Hampton Chronicle.