Red Oak 1,500 tons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer--with 32% solution--was discharged into a drainage ditch.

[IA8IT]

https://www.kmaland.com/news/dnr-confirms-montgomery-county-fertilizer-spill/article_a7b39888-e080-11ee-9dc2-2b88f39974a8.html

Officials with NEW Cooperative notified the Iowa Department of Natural Resources of the release. DNR Senior Environmental Specialist Wendy Wittrock tells KMA News approximately 1,500 tons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer--with 32% solution--was discharged into a drainage ditch.

"It had discharged to a small ditch in the area of the co-op--the drainage ditch," said Wittrock. "From there, it made its way out to the East Nishnabotna River."

An investigation determined a valve left open on an aboveground storage tank overnight. Red Oak's Fire Department joined NEW Cooperative employees, Montgomery County Emergency Management and DNR crews in responding to the spill.

"Staff responded to the event, and found where the discharge point was at," she said, "then, was aware of where it was actually discharged into the river. After that, we followed it downstream as to identify how far it went. Fisheries was called on scene, and the extent of the fish kill is still being determined at this time."

[IA8IT]

1. I went to have a look and have no idea where such a fantasticly large amount of liquid was stored.

Just looking from the highway earth moving equipment and vehicles busy. Huge buildings inside or behind I can't say.

[progressoid]

2. Good lord. I mis-read the headline as 1500 pounds.

1500 TONS!


Wittrock says the spill poses little danger to the public.

But then says, "We would recommend not accessing the river at this point," said Wittrock, "and downstream quite a ways.

No kidding!

[Mawspam2]

3. One gallon of LNF is 10.38 pounds.

1500 tons equals 3,000,000 pounds.
Divide 3M by 10.38 equals 289,017 gallons.

That is one huge f'in tank.

[IA8IT]

4. Spill A Wee Bit Early: National Agriculture Week and Day: March 17-23 and 19, 2024

https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/agriculture-day-week.html



The American Presidency Project, Proclamation 10532—National Agriculture Day, 2023:

“American farms remind us of the beauty and generosity of our Nation. They feed the country and the world, and with each new planting season, they embody that most American of things—possibilities. On National Agriculture Day, we celebrate all the farmers, farmworkers, ranchers, fishers, foresters, and other agricultural workers who do so much to make our Nation strong, fuel our economy, and steward our lands. America owes them.”