DNR Investigating New Manure Spill That Killed Fish In Wisconsin

It's common knowledge that water bodies are important in many ways, while also serving as great places to have recreational fun.

That's why it's important to protect them from pollution and other things that can disrupt the natural ecosystem.  However, despite our best efforts, water bodies are compromised in various ways.

One very disruptive event is when a manure spill occurs. Experts say that manure can reach water in many ways, with lagoons that break or overflow being major ones. Other culprits might be malfunctioning washing mechanisms, employee incompetence, or an ill-timed rain after a field application.

Obviously, having manure in the water is not good for any living organisms, including animals or people, but recently a manure spill was reported in Wisconsin and dead fish were spotted. When manure is in the water, nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus start to break down and fish and other organisms suffocate.

Wisconsin DNR Alerts Public After Being Notified Of Manure In The Water

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources notified the public recently that it was assisting with the investigation of a manure spill that occurred in eastern Outagamie County and western Brown County, which resulted in a fish kill in Dutchman Creek.

The DNR had received a call on Tuesday, July 16, on the DNR Spills Hotline that manure was observed in Dutchman Creek and it was then that DNR staff observed dead fish in the creek.

Furthermore, manure-impacted water was observed at road crossings at Bain Road, Country Road U, Cyprus Drive, Packerland Drive, Circle Drive, and Hansen Road.

Since then, DNR and County Land Conservation staff have been on-site each day, but a definitive source has yet to be identified.

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It's important to note that there is no known threat to drinking water wells in that area, but it is recommended that people and pets avoid the surface waters of Dutchman Creek until further notice.