MURRAY – The DNR is investigating a discharge of swine manure from a confinement sow operation in Clarke County that reached the Thompson River.
The spill occurred about eight miles south of Murray, after Swine Graphics – ADL 6 transferred manure from below building pits to an outdoors basin. The transfer pipe broke releasing an unknown amount of manure. Swine Graphics staff have taken action to stop the manure release.
The manure traveled overland to a farm pond, which overflowed and then ran into a small unnamed stream and flowed about 2.5 miles to the Thompson River.
DNR staff took water samples and checked for dead fish in the farm pond, the tributary and in the river for several miles downstream. They did not find any dead fish.
The DNR is monitoring spill containment and cleanup and will consider appropriate enforcement action.
Anyone who notices a spill or fish kill should call the DNR’s 24-hour emergency response line at 515-725-8694.