The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is investigating a fish kill in a rural creek near Houghton, Lee County, following a pesticide rinsate spill from the Chem Gro facility. The incident, reported on June 25, involved a diluted pesticide mixture containing an ammonia cleaning agent discharged onto the ground, which then entered a storm drain leading to the creek.
DNR staff from the Washington Field Office responded, observing white-colored water with an ammonia odor and instructing co-op staff to flush and pump the affected drainage. On June 26, dead fish, primarily minnows and bullheads, were found approximately three miles downstream from the source, between 130th and 140th Streets.
Field tests confirmed elevated ammonia levels in the water. The DNR collected additional samples for bio-oxygen demand, ammonia, and pesticides/herbicides. The investigation is ongoing, and the department will determine if enforcement action is warranted. The DNR encourages quick reporting of spills to its emergency line at (515) 725-8694 to aid in identifying incident causes.