Some beautiful words on clean water

CCI member Sharon Donovan shared this powerful testimony at the March 2015 Environmental Protection Commission meeting during the public comment portion. Her performance of this was as beautiful as the piece itself, and members of the EPC were visibly moved. Way to go Sharon!

Spring in the countryside comes slowly, tempting those who anticipate the season to rise early and linger late, savoring each day.  Brooks begin to trickle across the land with the promise of new life as fresh, pale green stems venture towards the lengthening days of warm sunshine.  The spectacular array of spring blossoms throughout the land, a kaleidoscope of color and scent, a fresh and lively tribute to those who work the land with a love of nature and appreciation of our rich black soil.  They put in spring crops, defying late frosts, an illustration of hardiness and faithful optimism.  Rewards at the table are many, succulent sweet spring vegetables, the arrival of tender lamb, freshly caught fish in clean waters, early wild strawberries and fresh cream from Jersey cows.  It is a bounty of the land blessed daily by the sweet light of spring.  A land of riches lay before you.  This is Iowa as it used to be, not today.

What is Iowa today?

Fecal microbes specific to swine manure floating in the rivers and lakes.

High fecal indicator bacteria concentrations at both up and downstream sites.  Overall, water samples exceeding state and federal recreational water quality guidelines from Iowa’s 20 million pigs.

Pig-poop-fouling-smells sickening neighbors.

Do you have hearts of stone?  Under your leadership Iowa ranks 48 out of 50 states for water quality.  Embrace your own conservative vales, but the standard for clean water for Iowans requires what is best for all people.  Inconvenience to farmers is not a governing principle.  We ask that you do what you were appointed to do and that is to protect the environment, water and health of all the people of Iowa.