For immediate release: Oct. 29, 2012

 

DNR INVESTIGATES FISH KILL IN SIOUX COUNTY

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Brandon Miner at 712-262-4177 or 712-260-5406 (cell) or [log in to unmask].

 

TOWN – The DNR is investigating a fish kill in the West Branch of the Floyd River, about two and one-half miles south of Sioux Center.

 

A resident reported the stream was very murky and the fish looked stressed when he saw them this weekend.

 

DNR staff found elevated ammonia levels and several dead fish north of the U.S. Highway 75 bridge crossing. The DNR specialists are working their way upstream to see if they can find the source of the fish kill.

 

High ammonia content generally indicates the source is a nutrient, often fertilizer, manure or wastewater.

 

It’s important to call the DNR’s 24-hour spill line at 515-281-8694 as soon as possible after seeing a fish kill. The greater the delay between the event and the reporting, the less likely it is that the source of the pollution can be traced.

 

- 30 -