FAIRFIELD – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a black substance found in a tributary of Cedar Creek in Fairfield.
The black substance flowed from a storm sewer on the west side of Fairfield and was reported by a citizen Friday evening. An environmental specialist for the DNR was able to confirm the black discoloration in the stream Saturday morning and was able to trace the substance back to a business that applied the material to a gravel parking lot.
Water testing from the discolored water showed elevated levels of ammonia, but dissolved oxygen levels were normal. No dead fish were observed. City personnel placed socks at the storm sewer outlet to prevent additional material from moving into the stream from rain.
The DNR is continuing to investigate the incident.