DNR investigating copper spill near Garner; dead fish observed

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a release of copper from an animal mineral nutrition facility near Garner. The liquid flowed into Drainage Ditch 81, a flowing ditch southeast of town. 

According to DNR, the Zinpro facility released an estimated 700 gallons of a “copper-containing liquid” on Thursday morning due to a broken pipe. 

The liquid flowed into a storm drain on-site and eventually flowed to the drainage ditch, just west of the facility, which was dammed about a mile downstream to contain the spill. 

According to Jeremey Klatt, an environmental specialist with DNR, none of the copper substance reached the East Branch Iowa River, where the drainage ditch flows. 

Dead fish have been observed, but Klatt said an official fish kill count has not been completed, as of Friday morning. 

Klatt said the copper substance is used as an algaecide, so algae in the stream will be impacted by the release. 

Klatt said a clean up crew was on site Friday morning and continuing to remove water from the ditch, though it’s uncertain how long the clean up will take. 

DNR has advised residents to avoid the water, which has a bluish hue.