Iowa DNR News
Environmental Services Division

August 30, 2008

FISH KILL ON WINNEBAGO RIVER APPEARS TO BE FROM SILAGE

FOREST CITY - An extensive fish kill on approximately 13 miles of the 
Winnebago River in north central Iowa was caused by silage leachate reaching 
a tile line running to Silver Creek, a tributary of the river.

The DNR investigation found that fluid from a containment basin at a cattle 
operation owned by Monroe Branstad of Forest City reached an underground 
tile line leading to the creek and river. Once the problem was found on 
Friday, the tile lines were cut to prevent any further fluid from reaching 
the streams. In addition, fluid from the containment basin was removed and 
hauled to another livestock operation in the area that had adequate storage.

DNR environmental specialists checked water quality coming from the tile 
line into the stream several times on Saturday and found that water quality 
was rapidly improving once flow of the fluid from the silage was stopped. 
Oxygen levels along the river and creek were also improving on Saturday.

The fish kill occurred on Silver Creek and the Winnebago River between 
Forest City and Fertile. While an exact count of the number of dead fish has 
not been completed, DNR biologists are expecting the final tally to be at 
least in the tens of thousands. Species killed included several large sport 
fish such as smallmouth bass, northern pike, sunfish and channel catfish.


The DNR is continuing to investigate the incident and will determine what, 
if any, enforcement actions should be taken. Restitution for the dead fish 
may also be sought.


For more information, contact Kevin Baskins at 515-249-2814.

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