Iowa Department of Natural Resources Environmental Services Division For Immediate Release July 31, 2007 1. Two dead hogs dumped in drainage ditch west of Algona 2. Cracked sewer wall releases sewage in Ottumwa TWO DEAD HOGS DUMPED IN DRAINAGE DITCH WEST OF ALGONA MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Johnson, Mason City field office at 641-425-1540, or Dr. David Schmitt, Acting State Veterinarian, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) at 515-281-8601. ALGONA - Reports of hogs illegally dumped into a county drainage ditch west of Algona led to DNR officials finding two dead market hogs Monday. A local farmer alerted DNR staff after discovering two hog carcasses in a box culvert in a drainage ditch along 210th Street between 80th and 90th Avenues, located west of Algona. Each carcass weighed approximately 260 pounds, and veterinarian inspection found no tattoos. "The lack of identification suggests the hogs are from a local producer," said Michelle Johnson, an environmental specialist in the Mason City field office. "We encourage anyone with information on the dumping of these hogs to contact the DNR." Wax stripes found on the hogs' backs indicate both animals being ready for sale. It is believed the hogs died as a result of heat en route to a market and consequently led to them being illegally dumped into the drainage ditch. "Dead animals can be disposed of by rendering, composting, burying or incinerating. This incident is an example of illegal dumping," said Johnson. More information regarding properly disposing of dead animals may be accessed at: www.iowadnr.gov/afo/disposal.html<http://www.iowadnr.gov/afo/disposal.html> and www.agriculture.state.ia.us/aiAdminRules.htm<http://www.agriculture.stateia.us/aiAdminRules.htm>. Anyone with information is urged to contact the DNR Mason City field office at (641) 424-4073. The investigation into finding the responsible party is ongoing. Writer: Holly Williams # # # CRACKED SEWER WALL RELEASES SEWAGE IN OTTUMWA MEDIA CONTACT: Jim Sievers at (319) 653-2135 OTTUMWA - A cracked sewer wall discovered Monday afternoon has sent an unknown amount of raw sewage to the Des Moines River in Ottumwa. Discovered around 3 p.m. Monday at the Market Street Box Sewer location, it is unknown how long the sewer began releasing the untreated wastewater to the river due to the crack being below water level. First reports by treatment plant officials reported the discharge flowing at approximately 50 to 100 gallons per minute. They were able to temporarily patch the wall seam Monday afternoon, which slowed the flow to less than one gallon per minute. City crews worked to halt the flow, and had the discharge had stopped by Tuesday morning.The city will be working on a permanent repair to the wall for the next several days. Ottumwa's treatment plant will also be required to conduct water tests for contaminants in the affected areas. Ottumwa's system is a combined sewer, where its sanitary and storm sewers share the same pipes, mixing waste from homes and businesses with rain and runoff. The city is presently doing a large sewer separation project around its south side which will separate the combined sewers. There are nine Iowa cities, including Ottumwa, that have combined sewer systems. 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 Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the flagship e-newsletter. Sent out twice a month, it features the Club's latest news and activities. Subscribe and view recent editions at http://www.sierraclub.org/insider/