CONTAINMENT DAMS FAIL AT COON CREEK MANURE RELEASE 

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Sue Miller, environmental specialist, 563-920-1588, [log in to unmask] 

 

Blairstown— Two sand dams constructed on Thursday to contain a manure release in Coon Creek near Blairstown failed at 6:30 a.m. Friday. DNR staff received reports that the manure spill reached the Iowa River and the DNR is investigating. 

 

Although the area where Coon Creek flows into the Iowa River is inaccessible, field testing at a site about 500 feet down river showed no presence of ammonia. No dead fish were observed in the Iowa River. The volume of water flow is sufficient to dilute the manure.

 

Alternative sites to dam Coon Creek are being investigated. The sites where the dams failed are inaccessible due to mud.

 

The manure was released Thursday by Cedar Valley Farms, a confinement dairy cattle feeding and milking operation located south of Blairstown at 2188 78th St. The amount of manure released is unknown, but estimated to be more than 100,000 gallons.

 

Manure flowed from a tributary into Coon Creek. Sand dams successfully contained the manure until Friday morning. Solids in the creek have dissolved. Field tests for ammonia levels in Coon Creek are estimated at 3 parts per million or greater. Samples have been taken to the lab for more accurate testing. With current temperatures, 2 parts per million of ammonia will kill fish.

 

DNR fishery staff is evaluating the total effect of the manure release on aquatic life in Coon Creek. The DNR recommends that producers keep livestock out of the creek and talk to their veterinary about when it will be safe for livestock to drink the water in Coon Creek.

 

Enforcement action is expected. The DNR will continue to monitor the situation. 

 

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