State officials are investigating a manure spill from a cattle feedlot about 10 miles west of Guthrie Center.
Matt Van Meter owns the feedlot, which has a capacity of 14,000 head of cattle. According to a news release from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Van Meter discovered a break in an irrigation pipe last Thursday. He estimates at least 200-thousand gallons of liquid manure spilled into nearby David’s Creek. Initial water tests found elevated ammonia levels, but rain in the area helped defuse the situation and no dead fish were found in the stream.
State officials say the feedlot owner faces a fine for failing to report the manure spill within six hours of discovering it. The feedlot has a permit which allows manure discharges in certain conditions. Officials say they’re checking to see if the feedlot was operating within those guidelines.