Pristine water at risk with 11,600 head cattle feedlot in watershed.
Outstanding Water
Bloody Run creek is among 34 waterways designated as Outstanding Iowa Waters by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The Sierra Club Iowa Chapter is currently considering a court appeal to stop this open feedlot from being built near one of Iowa’s outstanding waters.
Dangerous Situation
This area of northeast Iowa is known as the Driftless Region, known for its karst topography, sinkholes and cool-water streams. Water moves differently here. The highly erodible land allows surface water to enter the bedrock . Water polluted by livestock waste could dangerously contaminate our groundwater.
Crucial Litigation
The Committee to Save Bloody Run is raising funds for legal action. The Iowa DNR’s approval of a Supreme Beef feedlot slated to raise more than 11,600 cattle near this “outstanding Iowa water” ignores its own rules and regulations that require special protection for these designated areas. In addition, we believe miscalculations have been made.
Miscalculations by Iowa's DNR
We contend that the DNR miscalculated the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in animal manure, resulting in the prospect of water pollution – too many nutrients applied on too little land. In addition, the 39-million-gallon manure storage lagoon should not have been permitted in karst topography.
Bloody Run Creek is famous for trout
Fishing enthusiasts travel from near and far to fish Bloody Run Creek’s clear waters and enjoy the quiet, beautiful scenery.
Bloody Run Creek supports reproducing brown trout, and the DNR regularly stocks the stream with rainbow trout.
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