Iowa Code Title XI. Natural Resources [Chs. 455-485] § 460.203. Closing of agricultural drainage wells and construction of alternative drainage systems

1. Not later than December 31, 2001, the owner of land which is within a designated agricultural drainage well area shall close each agricultural drainage well located on the land. The owner shall close the agricultural drainage well in a manner using materials and according to specifications required by rules which shall be adopted by the department in consultation with the division. The department may provide different closing requirements based on classifications established by the department. However, the department's requirements shall ensure that an agricultural drainage well is closed by using sealing materials such as bentonite to permanently seal the agricultural drainage well from contamination by surface or subsurface water drainage.

2. A person owning land affected by the closing of an agricultural drainage well as required pursuant to subsection 1 may construct an alternative drainage system as part of an established or new drainage district as provided in chapter 468. The alternative drainage system shall ensure that surface or subsurface water does not drain into an agricultural drainage well.