STORM LAKE IA (1/19/2022) — Early this morning, wastewater flowed into the city of Storm Lake’s storm sewers for less than an hour.

Originating at Tyson Foods, 1009 Richland Drive, wastewater began flowing into a storm sewer about 2:25 a.m. The discharge ended about half an hour later at 2:58 a.m. The likely cause was a pump failure in the plant at 1009 Richland Drive.

The storm sewer empties into a storm water detention basin about a block north of Storm Lake, where Tyson staff began pumping it up. Of the estimated 16,500 gallons released, some of it reached the lake. Tyson staff are working to estimate how much.

Tyson and the city of Storm Lake collected water samples for testing. DNR staff indicated they do not expect environmental issues given the small amount that reached the lake.

DNR will monitor the cleanup and consider appropriate enforcement actions.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Roos at 712-260-9269 (cell) or 712-262-4177 or Tom.Roos@dnr.iowa.gov.