Pasted below is a press release from the Iowa DNR regarding notices of violation being issued for the December manure discharges in Carroll County. - DNR IDENTIFIES LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS INVOLVED IN BRUSHY CREEK FISH KILL Notices of violation also sent in Storm Creek, Elk Run investigations CARROLL * The DNR has notified six Carroll County open feedlot producers that they contributed to a December fish kill in Brushy Creek. The DNR has also sent notices of violation to two other producers regarding manure releases into Storm Creek and Elk Run Creek in Carroll County. Additional notices to other producers could follow, as well as further legal action. "We sent producers a notice of violation, telling them that we had determined that manure solids from their open feedlot had reached the creek," said Matt Rhodes, an environmental specialist in the Atlantic DNR field office. The following producers received a notice regarding Brushy Creek: * Rahn Eischeid * Gary Rupiper * Neal Rupiper * James Staiert of Staiert Farm Partnership * Joe Tomka * Bob Venner In addition, two other Carroll County producers received notices of violation for allowing manure from their feedlots to reach a stream. However, no fish kills were observed on those streams. Those producers are: * Scott Lenz, Elk Run Creek * Russ Pudenz, Storm Creek The DNR also found problems on two open feedlots in the Buck Run Creek area, but was not able to prove that those lots caused the water quality problems in the creek. The DNR is working with those producers to ensure that the problems are corrected. "During the course of these extensive investigations, we were able to document a number of maintenance problems that we will be able to share with producers in the near future to improve their operations and better protect the environment," said Dan Stipe, supervisor of the DNR's Atlantic field office. Producers need to be aware that good management and proper maintenance is a key in preventing water quality problems, he said. "That includes anything that would cause sludge deposits or has an objectionable color or odor," Stipe added. The DNR has been investigating Brushy Creek since it received a report of manure in the stream on Dec. 16, and Elk Run Creek since a similar report was received on Dec. 22. Buck Run Creek was reported to the DNR on Dec. 23, and Storm Creek was reported on Dec. 28. For two weeks, DNR staff from Atlantic and DNR fisheries staff walked up and down these creeks trying to find the sources of manure. Suspected manure releases or fish kills should be reported to your local DNR field office (during regular business hours) or to the DNR's 24-hour spill line at (515) 281-8694 (outside of regular business hours). For more information, contact Dan Stipe at (712) 243-1934. -30- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp