DNR Investigates If Northeast Iowa Fish Kill is Related to Poultry Plant Fire

Iowa DNR field staff in Manchester confirmed Friday (08.21) an investigation into a fish kill that occurred during the time period of a massive fire upstream at the Agri Star meat processing plant in Postville. 

However, environmental specialist Brett Meyers said the DNR had not received test results of water in Hecker Creek, where the fish kill was observed, to determine the cause of the kill. 

A fire July 28 at Agri Star Meat and Poultry burned three quarters of the kosher meat plant and smoldered for several days. Meyers said DNR staff were investigating a fish kill in Hecker Creek “during that time period.”

According to a report by the Iowa Capital Dispatch, the DNR lists Hecker Creek as an impaired waterway due to E. coli bacteria and high levels of chloride. The creek, along with the nearby Yellow River, have also been the subject of various lawsuits that allege Agri Star polluted the streams.

***stock photo, not actual pic of Hecker Creek fish kill