Wastewater Discharge in Nora Springs Impacting Shell Rock River
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently investigating a wastewater discharge at the City of Nora Springs in Floyd County. This incident came to light when the Iowa DNR Field Office in Mason City received a call from the City of Nora Springs on January 20 regarding a wastewater discharge caused by a frozen sewer line running beneath the Shell Rock River.
Concerns and Impact
The discharge is believed to have started around January 18 and is still ongoing, entering the river from a manhole located near the 1st St SW bridge. As a result of the discharge, the Shell Rock River is frozen in the immediate vicinity. While the wastewater is not visible on the surface, it is suspected to be seeping under the ice.
Efforts to clear the plugged line have so far been unsuccessful, leading experts to predict that the discharge will persist until later in the week when warmer temperatures will allow for the line to be jetted. Fortunately, there have been no noticeable impacts on the river in small pockets of open water downstream from the discharge. Additionally, there have been no reports of basement backups in the area, nor have any dead fish been observed.
The Iowa DNR plans to continue monitoring the situation closely and will be liaising with the city for further assessment as the investigation progresses.
Environmental Concerns
Environmentalists and concerned citizens alike are worried about the potential impact of this wastewater discharge on the Shell Rock River ecosystem. The presence of wastewater in the river not only poses a threat to aquatic life but also raises concerns about water quality for residents in the area who depend on the river for various purposes.
The Iowa DNR’s swift response to the situation is crucial in preventing any further harm to the environment and ensuring that necessary measures are taken to address the issue promptly. It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to mitigate the impact of this discharge and safeguard the health of the Shell Rock River.
