Sheldon, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports a fish kill that began on the North Fork of the Floyd River about seven miles northeast of Sheldon.
DNR Investigator Ken Hessenius tells KIWA that when investigators responded Sunday to the report of dead fish, they discovered poor water quality in the river.
Hessenius says investigators didn’t locate the source of the pollutant that caused the fish kill, but he says he thinks last week’s rains in the area may have led to the fish kill.
Hessenius says it’s unlikely they’ll ever know the exact source of the pollutant, which he says is disappointing because it makes impossible steps that could be taken to prevent a future spill from the same source.
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Original story posted 4:15pm August 20, 2018
Sheldon, Iowa —The DNR is investigating a fish kill that began on the North Fork of the Floyd River about seven miles northeast of Sheldon in O’Brien County.
A resident reported the fish kill late Saturday. On Sunday, DNR staff found dead fish starting close to the intersection of the North Fork and the Floyd River, and continuing for about four miles downstream in the Floyd River.
DNR specialists resumed the investigation today, but have not yet identified the pollutant source.
Field tests show water in the North Fork of the Floyd has high dissolved oxygen and low ammonia levels today. Rainfall overnight and on Saturday have likely diluted the pollutant.
Areas further downstream were low in oxygen and high in ammonia. Laboratory results will be available next week.
The DNR will continue to investigate to locate the source of the pollutant.
People can help protect water quality by immediately calling DNR at 515-725-8694 when they see dead fish or polluted water. The sooner DNR is notified, the more likely staff can find the source and prevent further damage downstream.
