Proposed federal rule will impose barriers to the advancement of innovative, state- and local-driven conservation practices that would advance our common goal of water quality

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Secretary Bill Northey, along with relevant state leaders, today sent a letter and submitted comments to United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy and Army for Civil Works Assistant Secretary Jo-Ellen Darcy on the proposed "Waters of the United States" federal rule under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

"The overriding concern of a diverse group of impacted stakeholders, including state leaders, is that the proposed rule will impose significant barriers to the advancement of innovative, state- and local-driven conservation and environmental practices that would actually advance our common goal of water quality," the letter reads. "Because the proposed rule is fatally flawed, we request that it be withdrawn and that future rulemaking be appropriately coordinated with States and relevant stakeholders. We agree that clean water requires good, clear, well-designed regulations - unfortunately, the ones currently being proposed are not."

The letter outlines four key concerns from relevant stakeholders:

Disregard for states' lead role under the CWA to protect and promote water quality

Section 101(b) of the CWA clearly states that, "it is the policy of the Congress to recognize, preserve, and protect the primary responsibilities and rights of States to prevent, reduce, and eliminate pollution, to plan the development and use (including restoration, preservation and enhancement) of land and water resources..."

The proposed rule confuses Federal control with environmental protection. The State of Iowa believes that environmental protection is best driven locally.

A disconnect between content and intent

The Federal government's proposed approach, and the content of the proposed rule, would seriously impair advancements in water quality in the State of Iowa. As an example, too many Iowa farmers would be forced to gain Federal permits to advance water quality infrastructure projects, which would discourage agricultural producers from undertaking the very projects that would improve water quality throughout the State.

Increased uncertainty from the proposed federal rule

The proposed rule increases, rather than decreases uncertainty for various stakeholders. The proposed rule is more ambiguous than current law and promises to be tied up in litigation for years to come, creating uncertainty within conservation interests, industries and communities across the state.

Underestimation of costs of the burdensome proposed federal rule

Permitting compliance costs will siphon finite resources that would better be used to advance conservation best practices and infrastructure in Iowa's countryside. Permitting delays would also increase the costs of conservation and economic development projects.  Additional costs would impact public transportation projects, renewable energy projects, electricity distribution, disaster recovery projects, mitigation projects, and so on. Every day those projects are delayed has real costs that are currently unaccounted for by the Federal government. There would also be additional enforcement costs that current staffing levels at both the Federal and State levels are not positioned to meet. The rule as proposed would essentially be an unfunded mandate on State agencies tasked with CWA enforcement.

The letter concludes, "The Federal government's proposed rule seems to be more concerned with asserting Federal control over local water bodies than actually improving local water quality. Thus, we were encouraged recently by the bipartisan support in the United States House of Representatives to block the advancement of this flawed rule. Those concerns were similarly echoed in a bipartisan fashion by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members who unanimously called on the Federal government to withdraw the rule. We strongly urge you to listen to the consensus concerns of the States, including Iowa, and withdraw this rule."

The Director of Iowa Department of Natural Resources Chuck Gipp, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority Debi Durham, Director of Iowa Department of Transportation Paul Trombino III, Chair of the Iowa Utilities Board Libby Jacobs and Director of Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Mark Schouten joined Branstad, Reynolds and Northey in signing the letter.

State of Iowa leaders care deeply about water quality.  Since 2011, new General Fund appropriations for water quality related initiatives have increased by 26%.  In just the last two years (FY 14 and FY 15), over $50 million dollars were allocated to support water quality related state initiatives. This historic level of investment does not even include the cost-share dollars spent by farmers, landowners and communities on these efforts.

The full letter can be read here. The enclosures from the letter can be read here.

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Aire Serv® has cold weather tips for HVAC systems

WACO, Texas (Oct. 14, 2014) - October is here and that means cold weather is not far off. Before the cold days come to stay, it's important to make sure furnaces are up the task of working all fall and winter and air conditioners are properly maintained and stored so they are ready for spring and summer. These tips from Aire Serv will help ensure both the furnace and air conditioner will be ready for the colder days ahead.

The furnace

Make sure the pilot light is working properly. Older style units usually have a pilot light that remains on the entire time. Newer style units tend to have pilot lights that only turn on when the furnace is running. With either type unit, make sure the area is cleaned and there is no debris near the pilot light that can potentially be a fire hazard.

Heat pumps

Coils of heat pumps that are blocked by ice will not run efficiently. The ice build up will block proper heat transfer between refrigerant and the outside air causing the system to not run at peak performance. Make sure to keep the heat pump clear of snow and ice.

Air conditioning units

Remove snow and other debris such as leaves away from the unit. This includes keeping the underneath side of the unit free of leaves and snow as well as the back of the unit that faces the house. Never remove snow or debris using sharp objects. Objects with sharp edges can easily damage unit fins and refrigerant coils.

Check the guttering above the unit to ensure it drains properly and does not drip on the unit. Guttering that drops water on the unit needs to be replaced or repaired so that it drains properly.

Check the unit to make sure it is level. A unit that is not level will not run properly. A unit may settle over time. If the ground has caused the unit to sink, contact a service professional so it can be properly leveled.

Window units

The best thing to do with window units is to remove them once the cooler weather starts. Once removed, properly store the window unit in a covered area like a garage. If it is not possible to remove the window unit, place a protective cover over the unit and make sure the area surrounding the window unit is properly sealed for the fall and winter months.

About Aire Serv®:

Established in 1992, Aire Serv is a global franchise organization providing installation, maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and indoor air quality systems. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its "Franchise 500," Aire Serv franchisees provide services to both residential and commercial customers from more than 180 locations worldwide. Aire Serv is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc., family of service franchises. For more information or to find the location nearest you, visit AireServ.com.

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Status on water systems at the Iowa City VA Medical Center

"The Iowa City VA Medical Center takes water safety very seriously, and maintains a higher standard of safety than most medical facilities - with more frequent testing and aggressive action taken to prevent contaminants from entering the medical center's water system.

The water system at the Iowa City VA Medical Center is safe. The main water supply has never been compromised with Legionella and there have been no cases of Legionnaire's Disease reported at the Iowa City VA Medical Center.

In May 2014, monthly testing found positive results for Legionella bacteria in small amounts and in isolated locations within the facility, not in its main water supply.

Citing routine testing and mitigation steps, infectious disease experts at the Iowa City VA Health Care System found there was virtually no risk to patients, visitors, or employees. On the contrary, test findings validated that the VA water safety plan is working, and mitigates threats before there is a problem. Positive findings are a routine part of the water testing process."

A fact sheet on Iowa City VA HCS water system and general information about Legionella can be found online at: http://www.iowacity.va.gov/documents/IowaCityVA_LegionellaFacts.pdf

For more information, call Jon Pruett at (319) 383-2738, or e-mail to: jonathan.pruett@va.gov

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Saturday October 4th, 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Wapsi River EE Center

31555 52nd Ave. , Dixon, IA 52745

This year's theme is WOODLAND WONDERS! Events and programs suit all ages. Family fun for everyone. Please call to sign your family up for this fun filled day (563-328-3286).

9:00 A.M. to Noon ~ Woodland Wickiups ~ By using poles, lashings and Cattails, come help us build and learn how our Native Americans created these amazing living structures. Duties will suit all ages including pounding holes, string cutting, lashing poles, covering and decorating.

12:00 - 1:00 ~ L U N C H ~ Lunch will be provided by the Friends of the Wapsi Center, Inc. Please bring a dish to share. Donations are welcome.

1:00 - 2:00 ~ EAB, Coming to an Ash tree near you! ~ Do you have an ash tree? If so, you may want to learn the ABC's of this invasive insect now known to be in several Iowa counties! The presentation will cover history, identification, biology, and current efforts to stop the spread.

2:00 - 3:00 ~ Paper Making ~ Come learn how to recycle and make your own paper, and then decorate your creation with natural objects.

3:00 - 4:00 ~ Woodland Tree Hike ~ Explore the Wapsi River woodlands with naturalist Mike Granger to learn about our native trees and how to identify them from leaves, buds and seeds.

4:00 - 5:00 ~ Woodland Creatures ~ Come explore the world of woodland creatures found at the Wapsi River Center. The woods provide all of these animals with food and shelter, and learn how they live and thrive in a woodland ecosystem.

Moline, IL  September 29, 2014 -Western Illinois University - Quad Cities (WIU-QC) 3300 River Drive, Moline is the site of the newest green roof in the Quad Cities area.

In addition to providing many environmental benefits, the green roof will give building occupants a gorgeous view. It features a unique sedum base mixture with a variety of accent plants to add seasonal blooms and interest.  The green roof uses the LiveRoof® Hybrid Standard System with 4.25 inches of soil and totals 9,720 square feet.  The pre-vegetated modules were grown by Roof Top Sedums at their location in Davenport, Iowa and then shipped to the building site and installed by LiveRoof® Certified Installer Heritage Landscape Design, Inc.

Like Building One on the WIU-QC Riverfront campus, Phase II buildings are sustainably constructed and operated.  Green amenities include geothermal heating and cooling, emphasis on the use of daylight, native landscaping, green roof treatments, and an emphasis on energy efficiency.  WIU-QC will pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification, which builds on the LEED Silver certification received for Phase 1.

Bill Brewer, WIU Assistant Director of the Physical Plant says, "The green roof system not only assists us in acquiring LEED accreditation for this project, it serves as an ongoing demonstration to our students studying environmental sciences of the importance of storm water management and its effect on our waterways.   We are even planning on coupling an educational kiosk with one of the visible locations of the vegetative roof installation.  Lastly, the green roofs fit very well with the natural beauty of the site and surrounding landscape."

Roxanne Nagel, co-owner of Roof Top Sedums says, "The campus buildings are situated near the Mississippi River and the green roof will act as a sponge to capture and filter the rainwater.  The green roof will help reduce and slow down the storm water runoff from the site.  We are excited to see the sustainable efforts by WIU as well as having another great example of a green roof in the Quad City area."

To learn more about the LiveRoof® Hybrid Green Roof System, visit our website at www.liveroof.com or members of the press may schedule an appointment by calling or emailing Natalie Linville-Mass at (309) 786-5142 or Natalie@medialinkinc.com.

About Western Illinois University: Located along the banks of the historic Mississippi river in Moline Illinois; Western Illinois University- Quad Cities offers commitment to traditional core values and expansive teaching opportunities. Western Illinois University- Quad Cities continues to grow and expand; offering facilities and academics focusing on critical thinking, engaged learning, research, and creativity. In 2003, a donation from Deere & Company of 20 acres of land on the Moline riverfront provided the stimulus for an expanded WIU- Quad Cities. In the spring of 2010 the university began Phase I of a well anticipated renovation and expansion to the 60,000-square-foot building, formerly housing the John Deere Tech Center. On September 3rd of this year, Western Illinois formally celebrated the completion of Phase II.  The 94,800 square foot complex now houses academic programs in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Human Services, Fine Arts and Communication, as well as the US Bank Writing Center, a testing center, academic advising and student services.  In addition, Western Illinois has transferred and now houses programs and services from the current WIU 60th Street campus; including the library and classes offered through the Quad Cities Graduate Study Center.

 

About Roof Top Sedums: Roof Top Sedums was established in 2007 and is a Regional LiveRoof® Licensed Grower servicing Iowa, Western Illinois, Eastern Nebraska, Eastern Kansas, and most of Missouri.  The business is 100% women-owned and certified nationally as a Women's Business Enterprise, as well as an Iowa Targeted Small Business.  Other projects in the Quad City area include Genesis Medical Center at East Rusholme Street in Davenport, IA, Black Hawk College Sustainable Technologies Building in Moline, IL, and VanderVeer Park Sustainable Demonstration Garden in Davenport, IA.  For more information on projects previously grown by Roof Top Sedums or information about the LiveRoof® System, visit www.rooftopsedums.com.

Washington, D.C. - Today, Representatives Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), along with 16 other members of Congress, introduced H.R. 5559, the Bridge to a Clean Energy Future Act of 2014. The bill would extend critical incentives to provide market certainty and to strengthen investment in clean energy such as extending Production Tax Credit for wind energy through 2016, offering parity with the Investment Tax Credit enjoyed by solar energy investments, and granting the solar industry the same access to credits at the start of a project's construction that the wind industry has. For additional information, click here.

Wind and solar energy are clean, renewable, and American.  Creating a tax landscape for renewables that allows them to compete fairly in the market with other energy sources benefits the country by creating a healthier environment and thousands of jobs. It also puts renewable energy on an equal footing with traditional fossil fuels, giving consumers real choice about how they want to power their homes and their lives.

"The Production Tax Credit has helped the still-growing U.S. wind energy industry employ 80,000 Americans, including thousands of Iowans," said Loebsack. "Like all businesses, the wind energy sector needs stability and predictability so long term investments and business decisions can be made. The continued expiration of the PTC causes slow-downs at manufacturing facilities and could lead to additional lay-offs. For our nation to move towards energy independence and continued job growth, we need to prioritize clean energy like wind and act immediately to pass this extension of the PTC."

"I'm eager to push this across the finish line this Congress," said Blumenauer. "My state of Oregon is a leader in renewable energy technologies, and Dave's state of Iowa is the second largest wind energy producer in the nation, so we understand the importance of stability and security in the clean energy sector. His help will be important in advancing this legislation. Making sure these energy sources are on an even playing field with the fossil fuel industry is essential to lowering carbon emissions, creating a cleaner environment, and creating good, non-exportable American jobs."

In addition to developing domestic sources of clean energy, strengthening the finance environment for the construction and development of renewable energy installations strengthens the US economy by employing American workers, and supporting American manufacturers. From a strong base at home, American clean energy firms are also able to export this technology around the world, creating new markets for American expertise.

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New Thompson Center Exhibit to Honor Illinois' Relationship with

World Waterways

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today proclaimed September 7-13, 2014 as "Illinois Sister Rivers and Lakes Week" to celebrate the importance of the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, and address the shared challenges of waterways throughout the world. The Governor will salute Illinois' eight "Sister Rivers and Lakes" partners on four continents with a free exhibit, open to the public this week in the James R. Thompson Center Atrium, 100 W. Randolph, Chicago.

"Illinois was defined geographically, historically and economically by the Illinois River, Lake Michigan and other waterways, which are treasures to be preserved and protected for all time," Governor Quinn said. "Through such innovative solutions as Mud-to-Parks and the Illinois Clean Water Initiative, we are ensuring that these waterways can be used for recreational and commercial purposes, while protecting the many fish, animals and birds that rely on them."

Governor Quinn has forged relationships with officials representing Brazil's Capibaribe River, China's Huangpu River, Ireland's River Lee, Israel's Lake Kinneret, Japan's Saitama Prefecture, Mexico's Lake Pátzcuaro, Poland's Vistula River and South Korea's Han River.

Inspired by the success of the Sister Cities program, Governor Quinn launched "Illinois Sister Rivers and Lakes" in 2007 when, as Lieutenant Governor, he visited Poland and was struck by the beauty of the Vistula River. Since then, Governor Quinn has led trade missions to Seoul, South Korea; Shanghai, China; Israel; Mexico City; Recife, Brazil; Saitama, Japan; and Cork, Ireland, and has met with local water authorities in each nation to discuss shared challenges.

The exhibit describes each of the "Sisters," their historical significance and tourism opportunities. Governor Quinn's solutions to such common problems as aging dams, obsolete water treatment facilities, invasive species and silt are also detailed. The exhibit documents Illinois' pioneering role in fostering water technology companies, and how the Governor's $2 billion Clean Water Initiative is helping local governments modernize their water treatment plants and pipelines, some of which date back to the 19th Century.

On his website www.sisterrivers.Illinois.gov, Governor Quinn invites people across Illinois who are considering a trip abroad to consider visiting one of Illinois' "Sister Rivers and Lakes." Tourism opportunities include :

 

·         Enjoying geothermal springs and Marugami Falls in Japan's Saitama Prefecture.

·         Butterfly-watching near Mexico's Lake Pátzcuaro.

·         Long-distance swimming in Israel's Lake Kinneret.

·         Seeing the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain over South Korea's Han River.

·         Bass-fishing on Ireland's River Lee.

·         Viewing Shanghai's skyline from a ferry on China's Huangpu River.

·         Biking along Brazil's Capibaribe River.

·         Kayaking past ancient castles on Poland's Vistula River.

Governor Quinn also encourages people across Illinois to roll up their sleeves and volunteer for one of the many waterway clean-ups scheduled this fall:

·         September 20 - World's Largest Shoreline Clean-up - Chicago's Jarvis, Sherwin, Loyola, Hartigan, Pratt, Osterman, Montrose, Belmont, Oak Street, 71st Street, and Rainbow Beaches.

·         September 20 - World's Largest Shoreline Clean-up - North Chicago's Foss Beach.

·         September 20 - Somme Woods East, Chicago River, Northbrook.

·         September 21 - Illinois River Sweep, Allen Park, Ottawa.

·         September 21 - Illinois River Sweep, Forest Park Nature Center, Peoria Heights.

·         September 21 - 31st Annual Kankakee Iroquois River Clean-up, Various sites.

·         September 21 - Vermilion River Clean-up, Humiston Woods Nature Center, Pontiac.

·         September 21 - Sangamon River Clean-up, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, Mahomet.

·         September 21 - Fox River, Cornish Park, Algonquin.

·         September 27 - Blue Star Memorial Woods, Chicago River, Glenview.

·         September 27 - Kickapoo Meadows and Whistler Woods, Lake Calumet, Riverdale.

·         October 4 - LaBagh/Hernandez Woods, Chicago River, Chicago's North Side.

·         October 15 - World's Largest Shoreline Clean-up - Chicago's 12th Street Beach.

·         October 24 - World's Largest Shoreline Clean-up - Chicago's 63rd Street Beach.

 

The Governor's proclamation is attached.

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Climate Change Has Led to Increases in Ticks, Mosquitos & Poison Ivy

DES MOINES, Iowa - Today, in a statewide conference call with Iowa media the Iowa Wildlife Federation released a report detailing the increases in ticks, mosquitos, fire ants and poison ivy due to climate change.  The report, titled "Ticked Off - America's Outdoor Experience and Climate Change," was produced by the National Wildlife Federation, which includes 49 state affiliates and more than four million members committed to protecting wildlife and connecting Americans with nature.

Leading the call was Joe Wilkinson, past President of the Iowa Wildlife Federation.  Joining Wilkinson was Dr. Yogesh Shah, Associate Dean of the Department of Global Health at Des Moines University, and Frank Szollosi, Regional Outreach Manager for the National Wildlife Federation based in Ann Arbor, MI.

EXCERPT FROM REPORT: "Extreme weather is becoming more common. Droughts and floods are more severe and more frequent. Winter snow is melting away earlier in the spring and fall weather is slower and slower to come about. These and other aspects of climate change are impacting the plants and wildlife that are a central component of the American outdoor experience. We might like an early spring, but so do tiger mosquitoes with their bothersome presence and bites. An Indian summer may be welcomed by us, but it helps winter ticks survive in huge numbers...enough to suck more blood out of a moose than its body contains. Warm winters are a welcome mat for fire ants and deer ticks to expand their range northward where they can inflict pain or disease on unsuspecting people and wildlife. Poison ivy, which we always steer away from, is growing faster and becoming even more toxic, thanks to the rise in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere."

"Every increase in temperature by a degree or two increases mosquito populations by eight to tenfold," said Dr. Yogesh Shah.  "Just like mosquitos, ticks tend to grow faster when it is humid and warm, and last year we had a 40 percent increase in Lyme disease in Iowa compared to the previous year.  If we keep the status quo, climate change will get worse and we will start seeing diseases that we never dreamed about.  If we do what climate scientists recommend to mitigate climate change, mosquito and tick populations will eventually come down." 

"Climate change is not so subtle anymore," said Joe Wilkinson on today's press call.  "Now the question is what are we going to do about it and when.  I hope this report will raise public awareness and make sure Iowans understand the significant impacts of climate change to our wildlife and public health."

BIOS ON CALL PARTICIPATIONS:

Joe Wilkinson: Joe Wilkinson, President of the Iowa Wildlife Federation, is a lifelong Iowan from Solon, Iowa.  Wilkinson is an avid outdoorsman and a regular contributor to Iowa Outdoors Magazine.

Dr. Yogesh Shah: Dr. Yogesh Shah is the Associate Dean for Global Health at Des Moines University, a position created in 2006 to establish global health experiences that DMU students increasingly seek.  Dr. Shah has been instrumental in establishing the City of Des Moines as a member of the World Health Organization's network of age-friendly cities.  He also led the creation of the Heartland Global Health Consortium, and the creation of Heartland Climate Health Consortium, a collaborative of Iowa educational institutions to promote the effect of climate change on nutrition and human health.

Frank Szollosi: Frank Szollosi is the Regional Outreach Campaigns Manager for National Wildlife Federation based in Ann Arbor, and works with a team of public policy and advocacy professionals to build the power of the conservation movement to mitigate the risks climate change presents wildlife, habitat and communities.  Frank previously served as a Press Secretary on Capitol Hill for Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, and was elected twice himself to serve as a Toledo City Councilman.   He recently earned a Master's of Science and Master's of Public Policy from the University of Michigan.
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Climate Change Has Led to Increases in Ticks, Mosquitos & Poison Ivy

DES MOINES, Iowa - Tomorrow in a statewide conference call with Iowa media the Iowa Wildlife Federation will release a report detailing the increases in ticks, mosquitos, fire ants and poison ivy due to climate change.  The report, titled "Ticked Off - America's Outdoor Experience and Climate Change," was produced by the National Wildlife Federation, which includes 49 state affiliates and more than four million members committed to protecting wildlife and connecting Americans with nature.

Leading the call will be Joe Wilkinson, President of the Iowa Wildlife Federation.  Joining Wilkinson will be Dr. Yogesh Shah, Associate Dean of the Department of Global Health at Des Moines University, and Frank Szollosi, Regional Outreach Manager for the National Wildlife Federation based in Ann Arbor, MI.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19TH:

WHAT: Statewide conference call with reporters to release the report "Ticked Off - America's Outdoor Experience and Climate Change"

WEST BRANCH, IOWA– On Monday, September 1 a park ranger leads visitors through the reconstructed 81-acre tallgrass prairie at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Join to learn how and why the National Park Service is reconstructing this endangered habitat as part of the landscape commemorating Herbert Hoover's life. The walks begin at the tallgrass prairie observation deck by the gravesite parking lot at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The walk is less than a mile and lasts about 60 minutes. Bring water, dress for the weather, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent are also recommended.

Also on September 1, Laura Ingalls Wilder historian Sarah Uthoff will present "In the Kitchen with Laura" at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m inside Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. Admission to "In the Kitchen with Laura" is free with paid admission to the museum.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.


Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

110 Parkside Drive

PO Box 607

West Branch, Iowa 52358


319 643-2541 phone

319 643-7864 fax

www.nps.gov/heho


Twitter: @HooverNPS

Facebook: HerbertHooverNHS

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