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Iowa Quarry's Massive Water Withdrawal Sparks Local Outrage

6/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Pattison Co. quarry in Garnavillo, Iowa, aims to quadruple its groundwater withdrawal from nearly 1 billion to 4 billion gallons a year, sparking fears among residents about water contamination and depletion. Despite local opposition and concerns over inadequate impact assessments, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is poised to approve the permit.

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Story summary

The Pattison Co. quarry in Garnavillo, Iowa, aims to quadruple its groundwater withdrawal from nearly 1 billion to 4 billion gallons a year, sparking fears among residents about water contamination and depletion. Despite local opposition and concerns over inadequate impact assessments, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is poised to approve the permit.