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IA DNR investigates manure leak near Central City

December 5, 2013, Central City, IA – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) investigated a manure leak Dec. 4 after a dairy in Linn County reported a leak from the manure handling equipment.

It’s reported the leak lasted about one hour. An unknown amount of manure traveled down a ditch one-half mile to an unnamed tributary of the Wapsipinicon River.

The producer dammed the tributary downstream of the ditch entrance to stop the manure flow and pumped the tributary overnight, land applying the material.

A tile line the producer did not know about bypassed the tributary dam, so an unknown amount of manure may have reached the Wapsipinicon River. Twenty dead minnows were observed in the tributary.

Due to the quick action of the producer to berm the tributary, the impact of the leak was reduced. The DNR will monitor the clean up and consider appropriate enforcement action.