(Red Oak) On March 11, New Cooperative in Red Oak notified the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of a release on-site early Monday morning.
Approximately 1,500 tons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer (32% solution) were discharged into a drainage ditch, then into the East Nishnabotna River. The release occurred due to a valve left open on an aboveground storage tank overnight. Areas of pooled fertilizer have been pumped into a vac truck and will be land-applied later. Dead fish were observed in the East Nishnabotna. The extent of the fish kill is still being determined.
DNR field staff are on-site. Samples have been collected and will be analyzed. The investigation is ongoing.
(Photo courtesy of Red Oak Fire Chief John Bruce)
