Iowa Dairy Fined $38,000 for Manure Spill Affecting Fish Population

An eastern Iowa dairy has agreed to a consent order with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to pay more than $38,000 following a manure spill in March 2025. This incident led to the death of over 126,000 fish in a creek in Winneshiek County. The dairy operation, which houses approximately 330 head of cattle, has been previously cited for similar incidents.

The DNR reported that the spill resulted fr om manure runoff into a tributary of Dry Run Creek. Investigations revealed elevated ammonia levels in the water, indicating severe contamination. Environmental specialists observed that the spill originated from the west side of the dairy, wh ere snowmelt and a broken waterline exacerbated the situation.

The DNR's fisheries bureau assessed the damage, finding that a significant number of fish, primarily minnows, shiners, chubs, and dace, were killed over a 10.2-mile stretch of the creek. The value of the deceased fish was estimated at $30,923, while investigative efforts cost $2,546. In addition to these costs, the dairy owner, Dale Humpal, is required to pay an administrative fee of $5,000 by September 2027.

Beyond financial penalties, Humpal must submit updated maintenance plans for his feedlots and improve a grass waterway to prevent future incidents. This is not the first time Humpal's operation has faced penalties; in 2024, he was fined $8,000 for a 2023 manure leak, and in 2017, he paid over $15,000 related to another fish kill event.

During the investigation, Humpal requested that the DNR examine other potential sources of contamination along the tributary. However, DNR staff confirmed that no other sources contributed to the ammonia levels found in the creek.