(Avoca) — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a petroleum release into the West Nishnabotna River near Avoca.
The Iowa DNR says staff at their Atlantic office Tuesday observed a petroleum sheen entering the river just north of the Avoca exit off Interstate 80. Officials says the petroleum originated from the Eagles Landing Flying J Truckstop, which is a registered leaking underground storage tank with the Iowa DNR, with a “no further action” classification since 2011.
State officials say a complaint was filed this spring with the Iowa DNR regarding potential petroleum contamination at the facility. An investigation of the complaint found that a petroleum product was being discharged into an on-site stormwater retention basin, but did not reach any state water body. Officials say Eagles Landing has been cooperative in conducting clean-up activities following the release’s discovery.
However, the Iowa DNR says recent heavy rainfall in the area has impacted clean-up efforts at the facility, leading to an unknown amount of product reaching the West Nishnabotna River. Officials say a contractor hired by the facility has added absorbent booms and sphag sorb to the river to prevent further downstream movement. No dead fish have been observed, but the bpuc is asked to avoid the area at this time.
An investigation into the release is ongoing.