CLARINDA, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Atlantic Field Office was notified Friday morning of a traffic accident involving two semi-trucks at the intersection of N Avenue and 140th Street, near Clarinda in Page County, which caused diesel fuel and engine fluids to reach the East Tarkio River.

One semi was turning left when it was struck from behind by another semi, owned by Preston McNees. Both drivers were unharmed. The collision caused Mr. McNees’ semi to enter East Tarkio Creek, resulting in the release of an estimated 300 gallons of diesel fuel, oil, and transmission fluid into the waterway. The semi was transporting wet distillers’ grain, which did not reach the creek. No dead fish have been reported.

The semi that ended up in the creek has since been retrieved. Cleanup crews are currently on-site, deploying booms and peat moss to contain and collect the contaminants. Efforts to remediate the spill will continue through the weekend. The public should avoid the area until cleanup is completed. Enforcement action is pending, contingent on the outcome of the investigation.