Ashton, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a manure discharge at a hog confinement facility northeast of Ashton, that was discovered this (Thursday) morning.
Tom Roos with the DNR says an anonymous tip led to the discovery of the discharge.
He says DNR staff found a trickle of manure running about 100 yards before entering Kappes Creek which is a tributary of Otter Creek. Roos says DNR officers measured elevated ammonia levels in the creek water.
He says that Cooperative Credit Company, the owner of the 4,400-head confinement facility, is currently working with their contractor to correct the situation.
Roos says that DNR enforcement actions are a possibility, but no decisions have been made yet.
He says it’s unclear when the leakage started, or how much manure has been lost. Roos says the DNR will continue to monitor the situation and clean-up activities.
