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DNR investigating petroleum sheen on Raccoon River in Des Moines

  • 6/23/2020 7:45:00 PM
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DES MOINES—The DNR and city of Des Moines are investigating the source of an ongoing petroleum discharge near Principal Ballpark in Des Moines.

The public reported seeing sheens on the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers starting at 1:20 p.m. today. DNR and Des Moines public works staff traced the discharge to a storm sewer that empties into the Raccoon River near the Southwest Seventh Street bridge. The storm sewer outlet is below the Des Moines Water Works intakes, and just above where the Raccoon flows into the Des Moines River.

DNR and the city are tracking the petroleum through the stormwater collection system, but had not found the source at 4:30 p.m. They will continue to investigate.

City officials placed booms downstream to contain the ongoing discharge, and minimize impacts to the rivers.

DNR advises anglers, canoers and kayakers to avoid the booms and areas of the river where the sheen is visible.

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