For immediate release: September 8, 2009

CITIZENS REPORT MITCHELL COUNTY FISH KILL TO DNR

MEDIA CONTACT: Trent Lambert or Jeff Vansteenburg, DNR Mason City Field Office, at (641) 424-4073 or [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.

SAINT ANSGAR — The DNR is investigating a fish kill along two miles of Otter Creek in Mitchell County following a report from concerned citizens.

The citizens discovered the fish kill early Monday morning in Otter Creek, about a half mile south of the Iowa-Minnesota state line. The same two citizens did not see a fish kill when they had been along the creek around 8 p.m. Sunday, suggesting the kill took place sometime that evening or before 8 a.m. Monday. They reported the kill to the DNR at 11:30 a.m.

DNR field office staff continues to investigate the cause of the fish kill. On Monday, DNR staff noted cloudy water, a strong animal waste odor and elevated ammonia levels in the creek. Relatively low ammonia levels can be toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

DNR fisheries staff is onsite Tuesday to count and determine the species of fish killed. Initial staff observations include minnows, creek chubs and suckers, but few game fish. The kill does not appear to have reached the Cedar River.

The DNR will continue to investigate and may consider possible enforcement action.

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