For immediate release: SEPT. 3, 2009 DNR TRACES FISH KILL IN CERRO GORDO COUNTY TO PESTICIDE MEDIA CONTACT: Eric Wiklund, DNR Mason City field office, at (641) 424-4073 or (641) 425-8039 or [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> THORNTON – The DNR is investigating a fish kill caused by the release of a pesticide to Bailey Creek in Cerro Gordo County. The fish kill was reported anonymously to the DNR Wednesday morning. No apparent source for the pollutant was found on Wednesday. However, the DNR discovered a pipe discharging into the creek on Thursday morning that smelled strongly of pesticide. DNR staff traced the pipe and its intake to property of the North Iowa Cooperative in Thornton. DNR investigators also found indications that a liquid smelling of pesticide had been spilled at that location and flowed into the metal pipe that discharges to Bailey Creek. The fish kill apparently began on Wednesday and extended for about three miles downstream. DNR fisheries staff is conducting a fish count. Fish killed include minnows, stonecats, madtoms, stonerollers, darters, redhorses, white suckers and smallmouth bass. The DNR has collected water for laboratory testing to confirm the source and type of the pollutant. The DNR will continue to investigate and consider appropriate enforcement action. - 30 - [cid:image002.jpg@01CA2CAF.A999AC40] Karen Grimes Communications Bureau Iowa DNR 502 East Ninth Street Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 (515) 281-5135 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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/