GRIMES, Iowa — Workers discovered a red color Tuesday morning in the Grimes wastewater treatment plant, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The DNR said the Grimes workers diverted water to a holding or equalization basin, but some of the red discharge had already reached Little Beaver Creek in Polk County.
The contamination was discovered about 7 a.m., and by 9:30 a.m. the red color moved downstream to the Iowa Highway 141 bridge.
The DNR said no impact was observed on fish or other aquatic animals but advised people to avoid contact with the creek until the color dissipates.
The DNR said it is looking for the source of the discharge.
