Iowa Department of Natural Resources Environmental Services Division For Immediate Release July 2, 2007 SEWAGE SPILL IN SUN VALLEY LAKE MEDIA CONTACT: Dan Olson at 712-243-1934 ELLSTON – Staff at Sun Valley Lake reported a discharge of untreated wastewater from a pressurized sewer line to the DNR Monday morning. The bypass began around 6 a.m. Monday and was stopped shortly thereafter. Approximately 300 gallons of wastewater discharged into Sun Valley Lake at the Lot 899 Indian Point location. Sun Valley Lake staff are notifying area residents of the spill and are also posting a notice at its club house. They are repairing the damaged line and are cleaning the ground where the sewage leaked with lime. DNR beach monitoring staff will collect water samples from the lake so they can conduct tests for E. coli bacteria before the Fourth of July holiday. If bacteria levels are too high, people may face a health risk when exposed to potential pathogens in the water. “The public should be aware of the spill and consider limiting contact with water from the lake over the upcoming holiday,” said Dan Olson, an environmental specialist at the DNR Atlantic field office. Extensive beach monitoring in Iowa has shown that warm, sunny weather tends to reduce bacteria counts quickly, but that samples have been taken to ensure safety prior to the holiday. Olson said he anticipates test results Tuesday, and the DNR will notify Sun Valley Lake staff of the results. He also recommends people avoid the swimming and other water activities in the area where the bypass occurred. Writer: Holly Williams -30- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp