CARROLL – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a hog manure release into a tributary of Elk Run Creek in Carroll County.
On October 14, the DNR Field Office in Atlantic was notified by Eric Baumhover, manager of B&B Custom Pumping, a certified manure applicator business, of a manure spill which occurred in the evening hours on October 13.
Staff from the DNR Field Office in Atlantic responded to the incident. Further investigation revealed that approximately 5,000 gallons of manure was spilled when a hose blew while land-applying manure from the Brady Boell hog confinement site located at 25510 120th St in Carroll.
Field staff reported the applicator took immediate action after the incident by placing dams in several locations to contain the manure while continuing to pump it out of the creek, which prevented it from flowing to Elk Run. Corn stalks were also used to soak up the manure on the ground.
Cleanup efforts continue while on-site crews pump the manure-laden water out of the creek. Soil will be excavated as needed. No dead fish have been observed. Samples have been collected and will be submitted to the State Hygienic Laboratory for testing.
The incident remains under investigation. The department will determine if further enforcement action is warranted.
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.