ROCK RAPIDS—DNR staff are onsite checking the impacts of a large manure spill that reached Mud Creek northwest of Rock Rapids in Lyon County.
Bernie Baker of Rock Bottom Dairy reported spilling several hundred thousand gallons of manure today after an irrigation unit became stuck. The liquid manure flowed through fields, including some with cover crops or pasture, to reach a tributary of Mud Creek and then flowed into Mud Creek.
Slow flow rates are causing the manure-laden water to move slowly downstream. DNR recommends livestock producers who depend upon Mud Creek as a water source to check stream conditions for the next few days.
DNR staff found many dead fish, including bullheads, minnows and chubs, when they arrived about 3:20 p.m.
Staff will work with the producer to get the spill stopped. DNR will monitor the cleanup and fisheries staff will assess the extent of the fish kill on Thursday.
DNR will consider appropriate enforcement actions.