(Kansas City, Kan., Oct. 4, 2010) - EPA Region 7 has issued its approval of Iowa's Antidegradation Policy and Implementation Procedures, which are to be used by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to protect high quality Iowa waters.  High quality waters are those with pollutant levels lower than what is required by state regulations.

"Implementation of the rule will yield great water benefits to the residents of Iowa and people who visit the state," said Karl Brooks, regional administrator.  "The rule helps guarantee Iowa's waters to be safe for aquatic life and recreational activities."

Iowa is obligated under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to develop and adopt a statewide antidegradation policy and to identify procedures for implementing the policy.  Antidegradation refers to federal regulations designed to maintain and protect high quality waters and existing water quality in other waters from unnecessary pollution.  It also provides avenues for the public to engage in determining acceptable levels of pollution.

There are three components to water quality standards: water body uses such as swimming and fishing, the criteria to protect those uses and an antidegradation policy to preserve the high quality of minimally polluted waters.

EPA oversees the protection of water quality as required by the CWA.  The Agency is working with the public, community leaders, local and state agencies to meet the growing needs and demands on our water resources.

EPA's September 30, 2010, decision letter provides a more detailed description of EPA's review and the basis for this action.  The decision letter is available at http://epa.gov/region7/news_events/legal/

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For more information about water-related activities in EPA Region 7, visit  www.epa.gov/region07/water/

Tyson Foods Lends Helping Hand in Fight Against Hunger

Tyson Foods donates more than 14 tons of protein to River Bend Foodbank in honor of its 10^th anniversary in the fight against hunger

MOLINE, Ill., Oct. 1, 2010 - An estimated 5.7 million people receive emergency food assistance each week, and more than one in every three households experience very low food security, according to the 2010 Hunger in America Report. Today, Tyson Foods donated over 28,000 pounds of much-needed protein to River Bend Foodbank, a member of Feeding America. The donation was made in honor of the company's month-long celebration of its 10thanniversary of active support for hunger relief nationwide.

"This significant food donation from Tyson will allow us to impact lives when the need for food has never been greater," said Tom Laughlin, executive director of River Bend Foodbank. "Donations of poultry and other high-protein foods are especially valuable as they allow us to provide our agencies with more healthy, nutritious options.

"September is Hunger Action Month and Feeding America is asking all Americans to take action to fight domestic hunger. Throughout Hunger Action Month, Feeding America's nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, including the River Bend Foodbank, are calling upon communities to take action through the "30 Ways in 30 Days" campaign. Whether it's by advocating and raising awareness, making donations, or giving your time and energy, they urge everyone to find a way to make a difference.

One in six Americans is going hungry. Over the past 10 years, the number of families accessing food shelves has increased by 50 percent. In 2009, the River Bend Foodbank distributed more than 6.3 million pounds of food in its fight against hunger and served over 10,000 people each week. River Bend Foodbank serves over 300 agencies across 22 counties in both Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

"There are millions of hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are faced with the realities of hunger," said Donnie Smith, Tyson president and CEO.  "Many people don't realize the scope of hunger in their own community.  We hope that by making this donation, we're not only helping feed some people, but also are making more people aware of hunger in the Moline area."

Since 2000, Tyson Foods has been a leader in the fight against hunger. The company is actively engaged in food-donation events and fund-raising activities year-round to benefit those in need. The protein given by Tyson today brings the company's total in-kind donations since 2000 to more than 76 million pounds. This milestone equates to more than 296 million meals donated to food banks and agencies serving local communities around the country. Last year alone, Tyson donated nearly eight million pounds of protein to Feeding America. For more information on how to get involved in the fight against hunger, go to http://www.tysonhungerrelief.com

River Bend Foodbank is the largest hunger relief organization in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities, distributing 6.3 million pounds of food annually to more than 300 charitable feeding programs throughout a 22 county service area in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. The Foodbank also operates four Kids Café sites serving over 45,000 free meals to children each year, the Backpack Program which provides over 1,200 Quad City children with nourishing food to take home on the weekends during the school year and the Mobile Food Pantry which directly feeds thousands of families.

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ROCK ISLAND, Ill., - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other federal, state and local agencies are conducting a meeting of the Regional Flood Risk Management Team (RFRMT) on October 15, at the Stoney Creek Inn, Moline, Ill. The meeting takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Blackhawk Conference Room.

The media are invited to meet with Team officials from noon - 12:15 p.m. to discuss the RFRMT and its initiatives.

The Corps is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal, state and local agencies as a Regional Flood Risk Management Team providing a uniform approach across the Upper Mississippi River Basin in five states. The team is an umbrella organization designed to look at flood plain management at a regional level and to collaboratively develop a regional approach to optional long-term flood risk reduction approaches, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life by minimizing damages and increasing safety. Flood risk management is a shared responsibility and is a partnership among federal, state and local government agencies, local authorities and private landowners.

More information about this interagency watershed initiative is available at http://www.mvd.usace.army.mil/rfrmt/. Additional information about FEMA is available at www.fema.gov and the Corps of Engineers is available at www.usace.army.mil.

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Monticello, IA– On Sunday, October 10, 2010, the East Central Federation and Cedar Valley Callers Association will sponsor the 21st Anniversary of the Annual Square Dance Benefit for Camp Courageous.  The calling begins at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m. in the main lodge at Camp Courageous.

Callers and cuers are invited from all over eastern Iowa and the surrounding areas.  Dance clubs as well as individuals and couples are welcome to enjoy the afternoon dancing or just observing in the spacious camp lodge.  Tours will be available for anyone interested in seeing all that camp offers including the camp train, the barn and the indoor swimming pool!  Admission fee is a donation to camp.  Participants are asked to bring along cookies, or a snack to share---beverages are provided.

Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with mental and physical disabilities, located near Monticello, Iowa.  The camp was built and continues to operate on donations, without government support, without formal sponsorship, and without paid fundraisers.  The camp serves over 5,000 campers with special needs annually.

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