Northwest Iowa — Two manure storage structures overflowed Thursday following heavy rainfall in localized parts of northwest Iowa.
In Lyon County, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources responded to an anonymous complaint of an overflowing settling basin at the Gaylon Rozeboom cattle feedlot near Rock Rapids. The discharge reportedly flowed into a grassed waterway to an unnamed stream which eventually flows into Mud Creek. DNR staff collected water samples for laboratory analysis.
In Sioux County, Kent Pruisman reported to DNR that the basin from his open feedlot near Rock Valley was overflowing following more than 5 inches of rainfall. The discharge reached Dry Creek.
Discharges from both feedlots were ongoing Thursday night. Hampered by saturated fields, producers were working on options to stop the discharges.
Both facilities have national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permits, according to the DNR, which require the facility to hold manure on-site, but allow discharges under specific circumstances.
There was no sign of a fish kill at either site, according to authorities. DNR staff will continue to monitor the facilities and cleanup efforts, and consider enforcement action, if appropriate.
Both the public and livestock producers should report spills promptly by contacting the local DNR field office or calling the DNR spill line at 515-725-8694 after hours and on weekends.
