Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Services Division

For Immediate Release						July 2, 2007

SEWAGE SPILL IN SUN VALLEY LAKE

MEDIA CONTACT: Dan Olson at 712-243-1934

ELLSTON – Staff at Sun Valley Lake reported a discharge of untreated 
wastewater from a pressurized sewer line to the DNR Monday morning.

The bypass began around 6 a.m. Monday and was stopped shortly thereafter. 
Approximately 300 gallons of wastewater discharged into Sun Valley Lake at 
the Lot 899 Indian Point location.

Sun Valley Lake staff are notifying area residents of the spill and are also 
posting a notice at its club house. They are repairing the damaged line and 
are cleaning the ground where the sewage leaked with lime.

DNR beach monitoring staff will collect water samples from the lake so they 
can conduct tests for E. coli bacteria before the Fourth of July holiday. If 
bacteria levels are too high, people may face a health risk when exposed to 
potential pathogens in the water.

“The public should be aware of the spill and consider limiting contact with 
water from the lake over the upcoming holiday,” said Dan Olson, an 
environmental specialist at the DNR Atlantic field office.

Extensive beach monitoring in Iowa has shown that warm, sunny weather tends 
to reduce bacteria counts quickly, but that samples have been taken to 
ensure safety prior to the holiday.

Olson said he anticipates test results Tuesday, and the DNR will notify Sun 
Valley Lake staff of the results. He also recommends people avoid the 
swimming and other water activities in the area where the bypass occurred.

Writer: Holly Williams
-30-

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