A creek in northwest Iowa, Oct. 16, 2024. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has issued a consent order requiring Roorda Dairy to pay more than $38,000, following a manure spill in July that resulted in more than 100,000 killed fish.
Roorda Dairy, located in O’Brien County, will also have to submit its standard operating procedures for manure application, equipment inspection, employee training and manure irrigation methods to the department for approval.
In July 2024, a tile line ruptured while the dairy was applying manure to a field , which caused the manure to flow into Mud Creek. According to the consent order, Lance Roorda of the dairy placed a dam in the creek and pumped manure back up to the field when he noticed the rupture, but the high stream flow from heavy rains caused the dam to fail and manure to enter the creek.
DNR was contacted by an individual who observed manure and dead fish in Mud Creek.
According to the consent order, the fish kill extended 9.6 miles down Mud Creek, to where it joins with Mill Creek. DNR staff determined 107,373 fish were killed as a result of the manure spill and the elevated nutrient levels it caused in the creek.
DNR valued the fish and investigative costs at $30,791, which Roorda Dairy is obligated to pay.
In addition, the dairy is fined $8,000 in administrative penalties, explained as $6,000 for the gravity of the spill and $2,000 for failing to notify DNR of the spill.
Roorda Dairy agreed to the order, which was signed by DNR director Kayla Lyon Jan. 10.
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