Glenwood Resource Center to pay fine after battery-swallowing incident

Aug. 01--DES MOINES -- State Department of Human Services officials Thursday announced the Glenwood Resource Center is taking corrective action and will pay a $2,000 state fine after a resident swallowed three batteries. The incident happened June 2 at the Glenwood Resource Center, an intermediate care facility for persons with intellectual disabilities.

The client received treatment at a nearby medical center and was discharged back to the facility a few days later. The resource center took immediate action, notifying the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and submitting a self-correction plan, according to a DHS news release. On Thursday, DIA cited the facility for a Class I violation for failing to provide required supervision according to the resident's individual service plan.

"Client safety is a top priority, and we'll submit further corrective action addressing this incident as well as measures to prevent future occurrences," said Gary Anders, superintendent at the Glenwood Resource Center. Individuals who live at the resource center have an intellectual or other developmental disability and are admitted because of significant behavioral and emotional challenges or medical issues requiring intensive treatment.

Animal confinement

The Iowa Environmental Protection Commission will consider adopting rules for concentrated animal feeding operations at its Aug. 19 meeting. Commissioners moved the meeting to the Wallace State Office Building Auditorium, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines. If adopted, the rules will incorporate by reference the federal rules that require CAFOs to comply with national pollutant discharge elimination system permits. The Iowa Legislature directed adopting the federal rules. Adoption was also a condition of a work plan agreement signed between the DNR and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Sept.11, 2013. The federal rules require confinement feeding operations that are CAFOs and discharge to U.S. waters to seek a permit. Generally, confinements are animal feeding operations that are totally roofed. The federal EPA defines them as operations that confine at least 1,000 cattle or cow/calf pairs, 700 mature dairy cattle, 2,500 finishing swine or 55,000 turkeys.

Utility bills

The Iowa Utilities Board issued a reminder Thursday to customers facing high utility bills that local utility companies typically have programs to assist them in staying current on monthly billings, repaying accumulated utility debt while maintaining service, and assessing and implementing potential energy-saving options to reduce their future utility costs. Customers should inquire with their utility about its energy efficiency programs and/or bill payment options for helping customers during high-cost months. Many utilities also provide customers home energy assessments as a free service as well as a wide range of energy-saving information and advice. Customers who are struggling to pay energy utility bills are encouraged to work with their local utility provider for options to avoid service disconnection, which during temperature extremes can be especially dangerous for persons who are elderly or have pre-existing medical conditions.

Water quality

Iowans are being invited to attend one of six public water quality meetings held across the state by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. DNR officials are gathering Iowans' views on improving the state's water quality goals as part of its three-year review of water quality standards and goals. The meetings are part of the triennial review process set forth in the federal Clean Water Act, providing opportunity to the public to help set state goals for streams and rivers. The triennial review process ensures water quality standards are current. Following the public comment period, DNR officials will meet with the stakeholder technical advisory team to consider the public's suggestions. After identifying issues, DNR officials will develop a work plan to address the concerns. Public meetings will be held in Atlantic and Spencer on Sept. 3, in Washington on Sept. 4, in West Des Moines on Sept. 8 and in Clear Lake and Independence on Sept. 9.

Energy prices

Prices for gasoline, diesel fuel and natural gas all were down this week in Iowa. As of Tuesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.39 per gallon across Iowa according to AAA. That was down three cents from last week and down 22 cents a gallon from one year ago. The national average on Tuesday was $3.51 per gallon. Retail diesel fuel prices in Iowa were down a penny on the Tuesday report with a statewide average of $3.70 a gallon, which was 14 cents lower than the national average. Natural Gas prices were down five cents from last week's report, ending the week at $3.75/MMbtu.

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