Three public forums are scheduled this week to discuss illegal dumping in Iowa. Jeff Geerts is with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The DNR wants Iowans to explain how illegal dumping has impacted their lives. Geerts says, "That could include cost on their time or money, what type issues it has on community pride, environmental damage to their property, or impacts on their health."
He says they are also looking for suggestions to curb illegal dumping. He says illegal dumping costs Iowa taxpayers 13 million dollars a year. Forums dealing with the problem will be held Tuesday from 10 A.M. until Noon in the fourth floor conference room at the Wallace State Office Building in Des Moines, and in Cedar Rapids from 6:30 until 8:30 P.M. at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.
Another forum will take place via the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) on Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. Citizens can participate at the Atlantic Middle School in Atlantic, or attend one of six other meeting sites: Albia High School, ; Great River Area Education Agency in Burlington; DMACC – Carroll Campus; Eastern Iowa Community College in Davenport; University of Dubuque, Jackaline Baldwin Dunlap Technology Center Room T201; or North Iowa Area Community College, Activity Center Room 106, Mason City.