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News release from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on two manure spills that occurred in southwest Iowa, forwarded by Jane Clark.

Iowa DNR News
Environmental Services Division

For immediate release March 9, 2007

For more information, contact Dan Olson, Atlantic DNR Field Office,
(712) 243-1934 or (712) 250-0093; or call Kevin Baskins at (515)
249-2814.

DNR INVESTIGATES MANURE SPILLS IN SHELBY AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES

ATLANTIC – The DNR began investigating complaints Friday and found
two manure spills caused by runoff from open cattle feedlots in Shelby
and Montgomery Counties.

DNR staff members were on site in both locations late Friday afternoon
to ensure that the spills were contained to prevent additional damage
downstream. The melting of recent snowfalls has contributed to the
runoff.

“This is the time of year when it’s really important for livestock
producers to check their manure storage and make sure that it’s not
close to overflowing,” said Dan Olson, an environmental specialist
with the Atlantic DNR field office.

“Runoff from open feedlots is most likely to occur when winter snows
melt and spring rains begin. Open lot producers should check the
downstream side of their lots for signs of run-off,” he added.
“Frequent lot scraping and maintenance can also help prevent
problems.”

In Shelby County, manure runoff from the Jeff Hundt feedlot reached the
West Nishnabotna River about two and one-half miles south of Harlan.
County officials and the Harlan Fire Department are working to contain
feedlot run-off before it reaches the stream. The DNR fisheries crew did
not observe any dead fish and said that ammonia levels of 10 to 15
mg/liter would probably not be toxic given the cold water temperatures.

In Montgomery County, manure from an open feedlot owned by Richard
Steen reached Indian Creek and Crabapple Creek about two miles east of
Emerson on Old Highway 34.

The DNR will continue to investigate and will take legal action if
appropriate.

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Karen Grimes
515-281-5135
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