Iowa Department of Natural Resources investigated a report of an unnamed creek Sunday afternoon, that was running black near Mississippi River Road about 4 miles north of Keokuk.
The complainants initially water color was due to an oil pipeline release and contacted pipeline officials. However, officials ruled that out.
Testing showed elevated ammonia levels. Water samples from the site and near the Mississippi River are being sent for laboratory testing. There was no sign of a fish kill in the small creek.
DNR staff traced the release to an overflowing building at the Roland Weirather small hog facility. To stop the release, the DNR told the facility owner to pump and land apply contaminated water. DNR also told him to dam the creek, flush it with clean water and land apply.
The DNR said they will continue to monitor the site and consider appropriate enforcement action.
