Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Services Division

For Immediate Release                                                                      December 20, 2005

DNR INVESTIGATING MORE MANURE SOURCES IN BRUSHY CREEK FISH KILL

CARROLL * A continuing DNR investigation into a fish kill on Brushy Creek southwest of Carroll has located up to 15 possible sources of manure into the stream.

The possible sources of manure are likely small cattle feedlots, according to Matt Rhodes, DNR environmental specialist with the Atlantic field office. He added that the cold weather has aided the investigation, as some trails of manure into the creek have frozen, making them easier to locate. Some manure that reached the creek while still warm caused discoloration of ice and open water, also making sources easier to trace.

The manure discharges have affected a stretch of at least 13 miles of Brushy Creek, a tributary to the South Raccoon River. However, stream conditions will make it very difficult to conduct a fish count. A few dead catfish and carp were observed Monday in a small area of open water.

"Due to the amount of manure in the stream and the few species of fish we can see under the ice, there will probably be almost a total kill in the affected reach of the stream," said Lannie Miller, DNR fisheries biologist.

DNR staff will remain in the area to investigate possible sources. The investigation began Friday evening after a complaint about manure discharging into the creek was reported to the DNR. The fish kill was discovered Monday morning.

Anyone with information regarding the manure releases should contact the DNR Atlantic field office at (712) 243-1934.

For more information, contact Matt Rhodes at (712) 250-0217 or Jessie Brown at (515) 281-5131.

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