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Runoff from IA beef facility reaches stream

March 1, 2016, Macedonia, IA – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources received a call recently regarding diluted liquid manure running off a field from a cattle open feedlot about 20 miles east of Council Bluffs.

DNR investigators found an unknown amount of wastewater had entered a tributary of the West Nishnabotna River. Investigators searched for signs of a fish kill, but did not find any dead fish.

DNR staff talked with feedlot producers near Macedonia. The facility was pumping liquids from a settling basin and land applying the wastewater through a center pivot irrigation system. Land application is allowed during winter for open feedlots. However, the wastewater was running off the field, which is not allowed.

Water samples have been submitted and DNR is waiting for laboratory results. The investigation is ongoing.

The DNR will continue to monitor the situation and consider appropriate enforcement action.