A Cargill pork processing plant in Ottumwa, Iowa, has reported a spill of wastewater into the Des Moines River. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says Cargill Meat Solutions workers were attempting to repair a control panel when it shorted out at around 7 p.m. Monday allowing wastewater to back up and bypass the plant's treatment system, reports the Associated Press.
About 20,000 gallons of untreated wastewater which typically includes hog parts, blood, and manure washed into a storm sewer which flows into the river.
DNR Environmental Specialist Jim Kacer says workers had a backup pump operating within about 12 minutes and it continues to operate until the control panel can be repaired. He says the DNR continues to monitor the situation.
Source: AP
