The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a fish kill at the Little Maquoketa River near the City of Peosta in Dubuque County. According to a news release, October 1, the DNR Field Office in Manchester was notified of a possible manure release and fish kill in an unnamed tributary of the Little Maquoketa River, north of Peosta. DNR staff responded to the incident and observed dead fish and murky conditions in the tributary. Officials identified manure runoff from an animal feeding operation near the unnamed tributary as the source of the release. The amount of manure released is unknown at this time. Cleanup efforts have begun. The responsible party has been notified, and has started working to control the manure runoff. Downstream water users should avoid using water from the Little Maquoketa River at this time. The incident remains under investigation. The DNR reminds residents that if you see dead or stressed fish at a lake or river, call the 24-hour spill line at 515-725-8694 as soon as possible.
