For immediate release: SEPT. 9, 2009
ROQUETTE AMERICA BYPASSES TO MISSISSIPPI RIVER IN KEOKUK
MEDIA CONTACT: Kurt Levetzow, Washington DNR field office, (319) 653-2135 or [log in to unmask].
KEOKUK – Roquette America, Inc., a corn milling plant in Keokuk, bypassed wastewater from its processing plant to the Mississippi River Wednesday morning.
The bypass occurred when an employee accidentally sent the wastewater directly to the river instead of to the wastewater treatment plant.
Company officials estimate about 50,000 gallons were bypassed between 9 a.m. and noon. The company sampled the wastewater levels for oxygen demand.
The DNR has asked the company to educate employees on proper wastewater handling and is considering further enforcement action.
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Karen Grimes
Communications Bureau
Iowa DNR
502 East Ninth Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0034
(515) 281-5135