STORM LAKE – Responding to a complaint, the DNR investigated and found an oily material leaking from the dredge in Storm Lake about noon today.
The city of Storm Lake’s Public Works Department placed booms around the dredge about 3 p.m. Wednesday, attempting to contain the leak. However, when DNR staff arrived Thursday, the oil had escaped the booms and was spreading in the marina and along the shoreline to the lake.
The city placed sphagnum moss on the oil to soak it up and prevent it from spreading.
The leak is thought to be from the cutter head on the dredge which is below water. The hydraulic oil used is a vegetable-based oil.
The DNR will continue to monitor the discharge and cleanup activities, and consider appropriate enforcement action.