STORY CITY - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has been contacted regarding a wastewater discharge into the South Skunk River in Story County.
On Saturday, April 26th around 2:00 pm, the Story City wastewater treatment plant began bypassing partially treated wastewater directly to the South Skunk River. Heavy rains in the area over the past four days caused high flows at the plant.
An estimated 1.5 million gallons was released over the duration of the event, which ended April 27th around 4 p.m. Wastewater was treated using an ultra-violet (UV) disinfection system prior to being bypassed.
No dead fish have been observed, and the DNR will follow up with the city for further assessment.
To report a release after hours, please call the DNR’s emergency spill line at (515) 725-8694. Quick reporting can help DNR staff identify the cause of an incident. The DNR website has more information about spill reporting requirements.