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Officials investigating cause of northwest Iowa fish kill

Ag/Outdoor, News

September 8th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

SHELDON, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Department of Natural Resources investigators are investigating a fish kill along the Little Floyd River near Sheldon in northwest Iowa. The kill was reported Wednesday afternoon and initially appeared to involve a small number of fish. But a news release Thursday from the department says further investigation indicates the kill stretched at least three miles and involved hundreds of fish — mostly small chubs, minnows and suckers.

Several water samples taken Wednesday showed no signs of elevated ammonia, and there were no obvious signs or smell of manure. However, investigators said the water was cloudy due to recent rains. Environmental and fisheries officials are currently assessing the extent of the fish kill. The investigation continued Thursday.