Iowa Farm Field Drainage Failure Leads to Creek Contamination, Dead Fish

A failure in underground drainage tiling resulted in a significant manure spill that contaminated a local creek, leading to the death of fish along a nine-mile stretch. The incident, which has raised concerns about agricultural practices and environmental safety, highlights the vulnerabilities associated with farm drainage systems and their potential impacts on local ecosystems.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reported that the drainage tiling in a cornfield near Paullina, in O’Brien County, experienced a failure that caused a sinkhole. This malfunction allowed manure from Roorda Dairy, a large dairy operation with approximately 4,200 cattle, to flow into Mud Creek. The dairy, which was using manure to irrigate the field, did not initially detect the damage due to the presence of standing corn, which obscured the problem.

Tom Roos, a senior environmental specialist with the DNR, explained that recent heavy rains likely exacerbated the situation. “With all these rain events, a tile line must have burst,” he said. The influx of water into the tile drains can create excessive pressure, causing weak spots in the system to rupture. Once a rupture occurs, soil can enter the drainage system, leading to sinkholes that can significantly disrupt drainage and cause manure to escape into nearby water bodies.

On Wednesday, the environmental crisis came to light when local residents reported dead fish in Mud Creek. The DNR’s subsequent investigation revealed that manure had been flowing into the creek through the damaged drainage system, resulting in the death of fish along approximately nine miles of the stream. The contamination continued until it reached another creek, raising concerns about the broader ecological impact.

The precise amount of manure spilled and the total number of fish killed are still under investigation. The DNR is working to assess the full extent of the environmental damage and determine the duration of the manure discharge. In response to the spill, Roorda Dairy acted swiftly to mitigate further contamination by plugging a culvert that was contributing to the manure flow into the creek. However, the duration of the spill remains uncertain.

This incident is not the first time Roorda Dairy has faced scrutiny from environmental regulators. In 2022, the dairy was fined $5,000 by the DNR for commencing construction on a manure digester without the necessary state approval. Manure digesters, which utilize bacteria to break down manure and produce methane, are a common method for managing agricultural waste. The digester’s byproducts can be used for energy or heating, but their construction and operation require regulatory oversight to ensure environmental safety.

The current situation underscores the need for rigorous maintenance and monitoring of farm drainage systems, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall and flooding. The failure of such systems can have severe consequences for local waterways and wildlife, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the investigation continues, the DNR will work to determine the full scope of the environmental impact and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between agricultural practices and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and adherence to regulatory standards to protect natural resources and ecosystems.