DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a wastewater discharge at the City of Anamosa in Jones County.  On March 27, the DNR Manchester Field Office was notified by the City of Anamosa of a wastewater discharge due to equipment failure at the wastewater plant lift station.  The discharge was discovered at approximately 8:15 a.m. It is estimated that up to 50,000 gallons of untreated sewage flowed into a storm drain leading to the Wapsipinicon River. City officials say the bypass has been corrected, and cleanup efforts have begun.

Any downstream recreational users should take caution and stay out of the river at this time. No dead fish have been observed at this time. The Iowa DNR will follow up with the city for further assessment.

To report a release after hours, please call the DNR’s emergency spill line at (515) 725-8694. Quick reporting can help DNR staff identify the cause of an incident. The DNR website has more information about spill reporting requirements.