LENOX – During a routine inspection Tuesday morning, DNR inspectors noted a manure spill approximately three miles southwest of Lenox. The owner, Steve Kerns, said the spill occurred Monday morning after a malfunctioning plug caused manure to overflow from shallow below-building pits. An unknown quantity of manure flowed to the barns and then overland to an unnamed tributary of the East Fork of the One Hundred and Two River.

Field tests showed elevated ammonia levels in the tributary. The DNR inspector did not see signs of a fish kill. Water samples are being sent to a laboratory for analysis.

DNR will follow up with the Steve Kerns West Finishing site to ensure manure is cleaned up, an outdoor storage pit is pumped down and any future spills are reported within six hours.

The DNR will consider appropriate enforcement action.