Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Services Division

For Immediate Release
May 18, 2007

SPILL AT ELDRIDGE CO-OP REACHES NEARBY CREEK

MEDIA CONTACT: Ryan Stouder or Dennis Ostwinkle at (319) 653-2135.

ELDRIDGE -- The River Valley Cooperative in Eldridge is cleaning up
after a spill Wednesday that sent a large amount of tree sap into a
creek.

Just before noon Wednesday, the cooperative discovered the spill,
possibly caused by a crack in a storage tank. Approximately 5,000
gallons of tree sap leaked onto a parking lot, then into a dry ditch and
a corn field. It was discovered Thursday that some of the tree sap had
flowed through the corn field and into an unnamed tributary of Crow
Creek.

The cooperative uses tree sap for suppressing dust on gravel roads and
driveways. However, when it reaches a stream in large quantities, tree
sap can lower oxygen levels and increase ammonia levels, both of which
can be toxic to fish and other aquatic life. The cooperative estimates
up to 1,000 gallons of sap reached the creek.

"Tree sap is a natural product, but it can have an impact in large
doses like this," said Ryan Stouder, an environmental specialist with
the DNR's Washington field office. "That's why companies need to
have an emergency plan of action ready for any unexpected situation.
They need to be aware of nearby water sources and should contact the DNR
as soon as possible when a spill happens."

While the creek is discolored for about two miles, the DNR had not
observed any impact to aquatic life as of Friday morning. The Davenport
drinking water facility has been notified of the spill.

The cooperative is removing soils impacted by the spill. It will also
dam the creek and pump contaminated water from the creek. The soil and
water will be land-applied.

The DNR may consider additional enforcement action.

Writer: Jessie Brown

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