Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Environmental Services Division

For Immediate Release                                                             

October 2, 2008

DNR INVESTIGATING FERTILIZER RELEASE, FISH KILL IN CEDAR COUNTY

MEDIA CONTACT: Ryan Stouder, DNR Washington field office, at (319) 461-5090 or [log in to unmask]

CEDAR COUNTY  — The DNR is investigating a fish kill and fertilizer spill near Sunbury in rural Cedar County Thursday.

While investigating the spill, DNR staff discovered hundreds to thousands of small dead fish along a three-mile stretch of an unnamed tributary of Mud Creek.

The DNR will continue its investigation Friday to determine if the fertilizer release and fish kill are related.

Employees at the River Valley Cooperative reported to the DNR Wednesday evening that the facility lost 1,500 to 2,000 gallons of 28 percent ammonia-nitrogen liquid fertilizer. A sump pump moved the fertilizer from a secondary containment structure to an area outside the structure. Co-op employees stopped the pump, repaired a leak on a hose, excavated contaminated soil and land applied the fertilizer material.

DNR staff has collected water samples to test for nitrogen and ammonia levels, and will conduct a fish count.

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