NEW ALBIN – A pipe coupler on manure application equipment broke Monday on a farm in extreme northeast Iowa, allowing manure to reach Clark Creek, about 1.5 miles above where the creek flows into the Upper Iowa River southwest of New Albin.
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which monitors manure spills, Krauskopf Pumping Service of Decorah was pumping liquid manure from the Cyclone 1 hog confinement, owned by David Weymiller, when the break released an estimated 1,000 gallons, causing a fish kill in the creek.
Weymiller responded quickly, damming the creek about 250 yards downstream from the spill and then again about 100 yards below the spill. He worked with the applicator to pump manure out of the creek and prevent it from flowing downstream into the Upper Iowa River.
The DNR was onsite Tuesday, taking water samples to analyze for ammonia and monitoring cleanup efforts. Field tests Tuesday showed slightly elevated levels just below the spill location.
The extent of the fish kill is not yet known. The DNR said it will take appropriate enforcement action, including seeking restitution for the fish killed.
