STORM LAKE—Thursday the city of Storm Lake investigated an odor complaint from a storm sewer near King’s Pointe Resort on the northeast side of the lake.
During the investigation, the city found a blockage at a pumping station had backed up untreated wastewater into the storm sewer. An unknown amount of diluted wastewater discharged between Wednesday morning and 4 p.m. Thursday.
“When the city unblocked the sewer line, they removed a pile of rags, plastic and drinking straws hung up on a grate,” said Tom Roos, inspector from the DNR’s Spencer field office. “I’d like to remind people that they shouldn’t flush garbage down their toilets because it causes problems.”
When the wastewater backed up, previous repairs developed a leak, allowing wastewater to reach the storm sewer and the lake. DNR cautions people to avoid that area of the lake for the next 48 hours.
The city has hired a contractor to plug the storm water line to prevent future problems.
The DNR will consider appropriate enforcement action.