FORT DODGE, Iowa— Iowa DNR environmental specialists responded to a wastewater discharge to surface water between the Fort Dodge Industrial Park and the City of Fort Dodge on Thursday.  Officials say a leak from a force main carrying mixed wastewater from both the Cargill Ethanol plant and the CJ Bio America Lysine production plant to the city’s wastewater treatment plant entered a surface water intake that was eventually discharged to Lizard Creek. The bypass was reported to the DNR on Thursday but believed to have started Wednesday evening. Wastewater was rerouted early Thursday morning through another force main to the wastewater treatment plant. Wastewater entered a surface intake in a cornfield and discharged to a drainage ditch, which flows into Lizard Creek.

Samples from Lizard Creek have been collected and based on preliminary results, ammonia and oxygen levels appear to test normal.  No impact to aquatic life has been documented as a result of the bypass. Repairs to the force main are to be completed this (Friday) morning. The DNR still encourages caution for anyone in the area of the discharge and reminds residents to keep children and pets away from the discharge area for the next 24 to 48 hours. DNR staff will be onsite again today (Friday), to evaluate Lizard Creek.