The Iowa Environmental Protection Commission voted to refer a significant fertilizer spill, which contaminated the East Nishnabotna River and killed 750,000 fish, to the attorney general's office for enforcement.
Jared Strong reports for Iowa Capital Dispatch.
In short:
- The spill occurred in March at NEW Cooperative in Red Oak, releasing 265,000 gallons of fertilizer.
- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources sought the referral due to their limited fine capacity.
- The attorney general's office can pursue higher penalties, with past settlements reaching up to $150,000.
Key quote:
“A $10,000 penalty is simply not commensurate with the harm caused by this case.”
— Bradley Adams, DNR attorney
Why this matters:
The spill devastated aquatic life along a 60-mile stretch of the river and could lead to further contamination as temperatures rise. The spill's aftermath has raised alarms among environmentalists and local communities, who fear long-term repercussions on the river's ecosystem and the livelihoods dependent on it.
