(Waukee, Iowa) The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is investigating a diesel fuel spill that has reached Little Walnut Creek in Dallas County.
Early on May 3, the DNR’s Des Moines Field Office was alerted to a diesel leak at an agricultural site near Dallas Center. The leak began around 2:30 a.m. from an above-ground storage tank, releasing an estimated 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Most of the fuel was initially contained in a nearby pond and the area surrounding the tank.
However, by later in the day, Waukee residents reported a strong fuel odor near Little Walnut Creek. Local officials later confirmed that an unspecified amount of diesel had entered the creek, which ultimately flows into Walnut Creek near Clive. In response, absorbent booms were deployed in Little Walnut Creek to help contain the contamination.
The DNR and local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation. As of now, no fish kills have been reported. Officials are urging the public to avoid contact with the creek until further notice.
The cause of the spill is still under investigation.
For after-hours environmental emergencies, the public is encouraged to contact the DNR spill line at (515) 725-8694. Additional information on spill reporting requirements is available on the DNR website.
