Iowa DNR reports unidentified blue liquid near East Nishnabotna River

A pool of unidentified, bright blue liquid was found near the East Nishnabotna River in Oakland. (Photo via the Iowa Department of Natural Resources)

A pool of bright blue liquid found in an inlet area near the East Nishnabotna River is under investigation by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR field office located in Atlantic received reports of the liquid found near Oakland in Pottawattamie County on Aug. 22, according to a news release. At the time the DNR was notified, the substance was not found directly in the East Nishnabotna River, but officials stated soil staining showed the liquid, first observed Aug. 11, had likely reached the river.

The pooled water was found near a large storm sewer outlet, the news release stated, and Oakland city officials were notified about it. The city and DNR staff placed booms and absorbent pads to avoid further spillage into the river.

The report comes months after a major fertilizer spill in the East Nishnabotna River that resulted in an estimated death toll of 750,000 fish, according to Iowa and Missouri conservation officers. The spill was 265,000 gallons of a urea ammonium nitrate solution, a fertilizer commonly referred to as UAN-32, that contaminated the East Nishnabotna and Nishnabotna rivers.

No dead fish have been observed in the river following August reports of the nearby unidentified liquid, according to the DNR.

Water samples of the substance were collected and sent to the State Hygienic Lab for analysis, but the state department has not yet determined what the liquid is.

The DNR called for people who have information about the incident to contact the Atlantic field office at 712-243-1934.