DES MOINES — Iowans interested in the addendums to two Department of Natural Resources studies to improve water quality in Hickory Grove Lake in Story County and Otter Creek Lake in Tama County; can view a presentation on the Iowa DNR’s YouTube channel.

Hickory Grove Lake and Otter Creek Lake were previously listed on the state’s impaired waters list for high levels of algae. The DNR conducted studies in 2021 for Hickory Grove Lake and 2014 Otter Creek Lake. These studies showed how the respective problems were caused by too much phosphorus in the lake. The problems impact recreation on the lake and aquatic life.

Subsequent to the respective studies, Hickory Grove Lake and Otter Creek Lake were listed on the impaired waters list for turbidity issues. The addendums explore the relationship between these new impairments of turbidity and the previous studies focus on phosphorus and how they are connected. The addendums are designed to give a more complete story with relationship to listed impairments in order to better serve as a guide for local resource agencies, partners, stakeholders and residents to improve the lake.

The presentation is available now at youtube.com/iowadnr through April 27. The full documents can be downloaded on the Iowa DNR’s website at the following:

Hickory Grove Lake Addendum

Hickory Grove Lake Water Quality Improvement Plan

Otter Creek Lake Addendum

Otter Creek Lake Water Quality Improvement Plan

The presentation is available now at youtube.com/iowadnr through June 30.

Public comments on the plans must be submitted by April 27 to the following: James.Hallmark@dnr.iowa.gov or Jim Hallmark, care of Iowa DNR, 6200 Park Ave., Suite 200, Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

After gathering Iowans’ comments, the DNR will forward the addendums to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval.