IA DNR: Limited Manure Release in Jasper County

PRAIRIE CITY — A failed hose clamp led to the loss of an estimated 4,000 gallons of liquid hog manure about five miles southwest of Prairie City Wednesday evening.

Wilson Ag Service of Prairie City was pumping liquid hog manure through a five-mile long hose when the hose clamp on a booster pump broke. Within minutes, commercial manure applicator John Readout raced to the spot and quickly clamped the hose.

The lost manure flowed about 50 feet toward a grass waterway known as Mill Branch, which flows into Camp Creek. Readout was able to dig a trench to stop most manure from reaching the creek.

“We would have had a major problem if all the manure had reached the creek,” said Bill Gross, an environmental specialist in the Des Moines DNR field office. “Mr. Readout's quick action apparently prevented serious surface water quality problems.”

An unknown amount of manure entered the creek, but a DNR investigation on Thursday found that the creek was running clear and no dead fish were visible. Field tests for ammonia showed relatively low concentrations.

The DNR has required Readout to land apply the pooled manure and the saturated soil. However, DNR is not planning to take legal action at this time.

Gross suggested that spills should be reported immediately so that DNR’s experienced field staff can help applicators avoid or reduce water quality problems. Manure releases must be reported to the DNR’s 24-hour spill line at (515) 281-8694 within six hours of the onset or discovery of the release.