A Carroll County cattle producer has been ordered to pay a $2,000 administrative penalty in connection to a manure release earlier this year. According to a consent order filed on Dec. 5, Brian Wendl, owner and operator of Wendl’s Feedlot located north of Dedham, reached an agreement with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). On June 9, staff determined manure was running into a tributary of Willey Creek from several nearby fields. DNR officials note the runoff appeared to result from oversaturation caused by recent heavy rainfall. In addition to the $2,000 penalty, Wendl is required to develop and implement procedures for employees to follow during manure applications. He and his staff also constructed a large berm along the tributary and planted vegetation to prevent future runoffs. The DNR report notes no fish kills were identified following the June 9 release.
