OSSIAN - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a fish kill at Dry Branch Creek near Ossian in Winneshiek County.
On September 3, the DNR Field Office in Manchester was notified of a possible fish kill in the creek in southern Winneshiek County. The caller reported a strong smell of manure, dead fish, and murky water in the creek.
DNR field staff responded to the incident. Upon arrival, crews observed dead fish in the creek south of 110th Street, southeast of the City of Ossian.
Initial water samples tested positive for ammonia. Staff also observed cloudy conditions in the creek. Further investigation revealed more dead fish nearly three miles downstream, extending into Fayette County.
Downstream water users should avoid using water from Dry Run Creek at this time. DNR Fisheries staff have been notified, and the incident remains under investigation to determine the source of the fish kill.
If you see dead or stressed fish at a lake or river, call the DNR’s 24-hour spill line at 515-725-8694 as soon as possible. Quick reporting can help DNR staff identify the cause of a fish kill and potentially stop a fish kill in progress.