Maxwell Bernstein | August 14, 2020

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is investigating a contamination of 800 gallons of spoiled milk that entered into the Fourmile Creek in Ankeny, IA at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, according to KCCI Des Moines.  

The spill originated from a Hy-Vee employee who disposed of spoiled milk by dumping it into a storm drain, after power outages from the derecho swept through the area on Monday, according to a statement from Hy-Vee that was cited in the news story. 

“Materials that we think are harmless can actually be very toxic to the environment. When disposing of a liquid into the municipal collection system, it’s important to check with local water waste treatment plant or DNR field office prior to disposal,” DNR Supervisor Ted Peterson said in the KCCI news story.