Manure applicators can learn
from a recent land application incident which resulted in manure
reaching a tributary of a river after a hose kinked up, says the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources.
Manure applicators can learn from a recent land application incident which resulted in manure reaching a tributary of a river after a hose kinked up, says the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Although the manure applicator was able to act quickly and prevent nearly half of the 2,500-gallon spill from reaching the stream, he would have been able to respond faster if someone had been manning the pump.
“This case illustrates how minutes can make a difference when accidents happen,” said Cindy Martens, environmental specialist with the Spencer DNR field office. “It’s important to be prepared for accidents, carry a simple spill prevention kit and stay in communication with others on your team.”
A spill kit could include PVC pipe, or garbage bags and duct tape to cover tile intakes; sand bags or hay bales to keep manure from spreading; and a shovel.
Martens also recommended that applicators keep equipment in good repair, avoid application on saturated soils and steeper ground, and to get as much rest as possible.
The manure spill occurred during application with a drag hose system. When the hose kinked, pressure in the line built up and caused piping to become uncoupled in two places. Manure continued to flow for several minutes until someone could reach the pump and shut it down.
