The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has responded to the report of a wastewater discharge between the Fort Dodge Industrial Park and the City of Fort Dodge. A leak from a force main carrying mixed wastewater from both the Cargill Ethanol plant and the CJ Bio America Lysine production plant to the city’s wastewater treatment facility was reported Thursday morning, but believed to have started Wednesday evening. The discharge has entered an intake that will eventually drain into Lizard Creek. The wastewater has been rerouted through another force main to the treatment plant. Samples from Lizard Creek have been collected and preliminary tests show ammonia and oxygen levels are normal. No impact to aquatic life has been documented. Repairs were completed this (Friday) morning and DNR staff will remain on site throughout the day. The DNR encourages caution for anyone in the area of the discharge and reminds residents to keep children and pets away from the discharge area for the next 24 to 48 hours.
