DNR Investigating Hamilton County Manure Spill Near Ellsworth
Summary
Iowa DNR issued a news release announcing investigation of a manure spill reported on March 28 near Ellsworth in Hamilton County. Certified applicator Hovick Hauling was transporting liquid manure when the tank rolled into a road ditch, releasing an unknown amount into a surface tile intake that traveled approximately 1.5 miles before discharging to an unnamed tributary of the South Skunk River. The applicator contained part of the spill with an earthen dam, but an unknown quantity reached the river. DNR field staff found no evidence of fish kill. The department will determine if enforcement action is warranted.
What changed
Iowa DNR Field Office in Mason City received notification from certified manure applicator Hovick Hauling on March 28 regarding a spill at the intersection of 320th St and Vail Avenue northeast of Ellsworth. A transport tank rolled into a road ditch, releasing liquid manure into a surface tile intake that traveled 1.5 miles through drainage tile to an unnamed tributary of the South Skunk River. The applicator constructed an earthen dam and removed contaminated water to prevent downstream flow, though an unknown quantity reached the river. Assessment on Saturday and Sunday found no fish kill. The investigation remains ongoing.
This is an informational notice rather than an enforcement action. Regulated entities should be aware that manure spills must be reported promptly to DNR's emergency spill line at (515) 725-8694. While enforcement action is pending investigation findings, this incident highlights the risks of manure transport and the importance of proper containment measures near surface water intakes. Entities should review spill reporting requirements on the DNR website.
What to do next
- Report any manure releases to DNR emergency spill line at (515) 725-8694
- Review spill reporting requirements on Iowa DNR website for compliance obligations
Source document (simplified)
DNR investigating manure spill in Hamilton County
Monday, March 30, 2026
HAMILTON COUNTY – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a manure release into an unnamed tributary of the South Skunk River near Ellsworth in Hamilton County.
On March 28, the DNR Field Office in Mason City was notified by Hovick Hauling, a certified manure applicator, of a manure spill near the intersection of 320th St and Vail Avenue, northeast of Ellsworth. The applicator was transporting liquid manure to a field when the applicator tank rolled into a road ditch, releasing an unknown amount of manure into a surface tile intake. After entering the surface intake, the manure traveled through approximately 1.5 miles of drainage tile before discharging to an unnamed tributary of the South Skunk River.
The applicator took action to contain the spill by constructing an earthen dam in the unnamed tributary, and began removing the contaminated water to prevent it from flowing downstream. However, an unknown amount of manure reached the South Skunk River.
DNR field staff conducted an assessment of the South Skunk River on Saturday and Sunday, and found no evidence of a fish kill. The incident remains under investigation. The department will determine if further enforcement action is warranted.
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.
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