Wastewater Discharge In Mills County Reaches Tributary Of Silver Creek

 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a wastewater bypass near Malvern in Mills County.

On November 12, the Iowa DNR Field Office in Atlantic received a call from the City of Malvern regarding a wastewater bypass in a farm field southwest of the city.

Officials say a farmer harvesting crops discovered a wet spot in a farm field near a wastewater force main last week, but did not notice any water flowing above the surface. Today, the same farmer observed a larger affected area in the field and notified city staff.

Officials found a broken air relief valve in a manhole near the field, which caused the bypass. City staff say an unknown amount of untreated wastewater flowed across the field into an unnamed tributary of Silver Creek.

Cleanup efforts have begun. The bypass has stopped, and the city is working with contractors to make the necessary repairs.

Residents are advised to avoid the area. Water samples have been collected for testing. No dead fish have been observed in the creek. 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.