The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a wastewater bypass in Keokuk that has resulted in wastewater being discharged into the Mississippi River.
The Iowa DNR says its Washington Field Office was notified Monday, August 3, by the City of Keokuk about an ongoing wastewater bypass caused by a partially plugged line and malfunctioning equipment within the city’s wastewater collection system.
The bypass was initially reported last week. However, the city was not aware of the severity of the issue until inspection equipment could be used to assess the situation.
The wastewater is being discharged through a combined sewer outfall into the Mississippi River, located east of the Keokuk wastewater treatment plant. The outfall is upstream from the public boat ramp along Mississippi Drive.
At this time, it is unknown how much wastewater has been discharged into the river. The DNR is advising downstream recreational users to use caution and avoid the area at this time.
Repairs to the wastewater collection system are underway. The DNR says there have been no observable impacts to the river currently. Water samples have been collected and will be tested as part of the agency’s ongoing assessment. No dead fish have been observed.
The Iowa DNR will continue to follow up with the City of Keokuk to assess the situation and monitor the effects of the discharge.
For more information, contact Iowa DNR Field Office staff at 319-653-2135 or Brian.Lee@dnr.iowa.gov.
To report a release after hours, the DNR’s emergency spill line can be reached at 515-725-8694 or you can report a spill here.