March 29, 2024

Iowa company fined $10K by Dept. of Natural Resources

MASON CITY (AP) — A northern Iowa ethanol plant has been fined $10,000 by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for an August fish kill.

The Mason City Globe Gazette reported that the department found Golden Grain Energy, of Mason City, responsible for the fish kill on the Cheslea Creek after discharging iron-laden cooling water that made its way into the creek.

The orange discharge was traced back to a tile outfall where the Golden Grain Energy facility releases cooling water.

The department ordered the company to pay the $10,000 penalty and $650 in wildlife restitution. The company also agreed to implement a facility-wide environmental management system.