The Iowa DNR is investigating a fish kill in northeast Iowa.
Tuesday (03.11), the DNR Field Office in Manchester was notified of a possible manure release and fish kill in an unnamed tributary of Dry Run Creek, southwest of Decorah in Winneshiek County.
DNR staff from the Manchester Field Office and Decorah Fish Hatchery responded to the incident. Upon arrival, staff observed dead fish and very murky conditions in the tributary.
Officials identified overland runoff from an animal feeding operation near the headwaters of the unnamed tributary as the source of the release. The amount of manure released is unknown at this time. Dead fish have been observed for several miles in the creek.
Cleanup efforts have begun. The responsible party has been notified of the investigation and has started working to control the manure runoff.
Downstream water users should avoid using water from Dry Run Creek.
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If you see dead or stressed fish at a lake or river, call the DNR’s 24-hour spill line at 515-725-8694 as soon as possible. Quick reporting can help DNR staff identify the cause of a fish kill and potentially stop a fish kill in progress.
