A sinkhole formed in a corn field in northwest Iowa due to failed underground drainage tiling, allowing manure from Roorda Dairy to flow into a creek and kill small fish for miles, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The dairy, with 4,200 dairy cattle, was irrigating a field with manure and did not notice the damaged tile line due to standing corn. Severe flooding in the area may have caused weak areas in the tiling to rupture, creating the sinkhole. An investigation is ongoing to determine the amount of manure spilled and the number of fish killed. The dairy has taken steps to prevent further contamination of the creek. In 2022, Roorda Dairy paid a fine to the DNR for starting construction on a manure digester without approval, which uses bacteria to consume manure and emits flammable gases that can be used for farm operations. The incident highlights the importance of proper monitoring and maintenance of drainage systems to prevent environmental contamination.
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Photo credit iowacapitaldispatch.com
Farm Field Drainage Issue Causes Creek Pollution and Fish Deaths – Iowa Capital Dispatch
