Ossian Fertilizer Leak Under Investigation

A fertilizer leak in the city of Ossian is under investigation by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

On Friday (April 17) the Farmers Union Coop reported to authorities that a tank had leaked over the winter months, into a secondary containment structure. The release was found when someone noticed white water in the creek, and called authorities.

Coop personnel pumped the fertilizer into a storm water intake, that leads to a tributary, which flows into Nutting Creek.

About 1,000 to 2,000 gallons of liquid was released; the coop, with help from the DNR, was working to recover the fertilizer from the storm sewer, as well as the fertilizer in the creek.

No dead fish were found, however the DNR is collecting water samples to test, and check for environmental impacts.

The agency will be considering appropriate enforcement action.