The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has opened an investigation into a reported manure discharge at a feedlot near Willey. DNR staff received an anonymous report Thursday evening of a runoff occurring at the Wendl Feedlot on Olympic Avenue. The owner, Brain Wendl, traveled 900 miles overnight from vacation to meet with investigators Friday morning to oversee containment and cleanup. According to the DNR, manure runoff was leaving several locations from a saturated field and entering a tributary of Willey Creek, which feeds into the Middle Raccoon River. Water testing showed indications of elevated ammonia levels downstream, but no signs of a fishkill were found. In an effort to stop the runoff, Wendl is building a berm along the stream. DNR staff will continue monitoring cleanup and containment and consider appropriate enforcement action.
