DE SOTO - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a fuel spill at Bulger Creek in Dallas County.
On August 19, the DNR Field Office in Des Moines was notified of a large structure fire at an auto salvage facility approximately 1.5 miles south of City of De Soto, which resulted in the release of an unknown amount of a fuel, oil, and water mixture into Bulger Creek.
DNR field staff responded to the incident. Upon arrival, crews confirmed the presence of an oily sheen in Bulger Creek, which outlets to the Raccoon River just north of the City of Van Meter.
The fire has been extinguished, and local officials are assisting with the placement of absorbent booms in Bulger Creek to minimize downstream migration of the fuel mixture.
No dead fish have been observed along the affected section of the creek, and no sheen has been observed downstream in the Raccoon River at this time. As a precaution, downstream users are advised to avoid the area at this time.
The DNR will work with local jurisdictions involved for further assessment, and the investigation is ongoing.
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.