Save Bloody Run Committee alleges runoff from Supreme Beef manure fields
The Save Bloody Run water testing team says it has identified possible manure violations at the Supreme Beef LLC cattle feedlot near Monona.
On Oct. 28 and 29, and on Nov. 11, Save Our Streams certified volunteers obtained surface water/runoff samples from several locations just downstream of fields listed in the Supreme Beef LLC Nutrient Management Plan (NMP).
While there are facilities producing manure in the area other than Supreme Beef LLC, the Save Bloody Run team said sample collection sites were chosen to optimize the probability that manure runoff measured would be from fields listed in the Supreme Beef LLC NMP.
Samples were collected and sent to the State Hygienic Lab for testing. The lab test results found elevated levels for E.coli and ammonia.
Since manure application records are not available to the public, the Save Bloody Run Committee requests that DNR inspect the fall 2021 manure application records for Supreme Beef LLC, including records related to manure accrued from the 800-head existing building, to determine locations, amounts and application dates for manure that has been applied. There are up to 800 animals in an existing building covered by the NMP approved by the DNR earlier this year.
If manure application correlates with the E.coli and/or ammonia discharges measured at these sites, the Save Bloody Run Committee requests that DNR immediately issue a notice of violation and seek redress from Supreme Beef LLC.
“The impact from only 800 cattle is significant. Who knows what catastrophic damage might happen with 11,600 cattle?” said committee member Larry Stone.
“We expect the DNR to do its job and enforce its regulations, which it has so far been reluctant to do,” added Wally Taylor, legal and conservation chair of the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter.
Save Bloody Run Committee members and the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter have filed suit in Polk County District Court against the Iowa DNR for improperly approving the Supreme Beef LLC NMP, claiming that approval of the site would degrade Outstanding Iowa Water Bloody Run Creek.
“The Supreme Beef feedlot clearly poses a direct threat to Bloody Run Creek, the community and any business that relies on Bloody Run Creek visitors. DNR needs to issue a notice of violation and withdraw the approval of the nutrient management plan for Supreme Beef,” said Jess Mazour, Sierra Club Iowa Chapter Conservation Program Coordinator.
