The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) initiated an investigation into an unusual case of livestock disposal brought to them through complaints of area residents. On Monday, they found the improper disposal and stockpiling of paunch manure in conjunction with manure runoff in Keg Creek in Pottawattamie County. The DNR had responded to six complaints against the Feedlot Service Company, a small cattle feedlot that sits about three miles southeast of Neola and is owned by Fred Roane. The company stockpiles and land applies paunch manure, which is made up of the partially digested stomach contents of slaughtered animals. In addition to the paunch manure, DNR investigators found animal parts—including hides, tails, hooves, bellies, hearts and more—in two fields totaling about 160 acres. Bacteria and excess nutrients from improper animal disposal can endanger human and animal health when disease-causing organisms enter the soil or groundwater. Although Roan indicated he was licensed to apply paunch manure, this does not include animal parts and the DNR is seeking application requirement clarification from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Water samples taken have found runoff into Keg Creek at two locations. The DNR is working with Roane to excavate and remove the dead animal parts from both fields and to stop runoff from reaching the creek. They will continue to monitor the site and consider appropriate enforcement actions.
