Iowa411 News Brief

Conservation group sues cooperative over massive fertilizer spill that killed 750,000 fish

A conservation group has filed a lawsuit against NEW Cooperative over a fertilizer spill that killed an estimated 750,000 fish in Iowa and Missouri waterways in March 2024.

According to court filings, approximately 265,000 gallons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer were released from NEW Cooperative’s facility in Red Oak after a valve was reportedly left open for an entire weekend. The fertilizer flowed through a stormwater drainage system into the East Nishnabotna River, spreading downstream and causing extensive damage to fish populations and other wildlife before eventually being diluted in the Missouri River.

Heavy rainfall at the time complicated containment efforts and contributed to additional runoff entering the river system. State officials previously assessed $100,000 in penalties related to the incident, including a $50,000 fine from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and a $50,000 payment to the Montgomery County Conservation Board for land and wildlife management programs.

The lawsuit was filed by Nishnabotna Water Defenders, a nonprofit organization formed following the spill and made up of property owners and businesses that rely on the river system. The complaint alleges negligence, public nuisance, and trespass against downstream landowners, arguing the cooperative has not taken sufficient steps to prevent future discharges.

Attorneys representing the group say the lawsuit seeks accountability for environmental damage and greater protections for Iowa waterways. NEW Cooperative, which is headquartered in Fort Dodge and operates facilities across western and central Iowa, had not responded publicly to the lawsuit as of March 16.

Our Take

Large fertilizer spills can have severe and long-lasting impacts on river ecosystems. Nitrogen-rich runoff can rapidly deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to fish kills and disrupting aquatic habitats for years after the initial release.

The lawsuit reflects a broader debate in Iowa over environmental accountability and the role of regulators in addressing industrial spills. While the state assessed financial penalties following the incident, the conservation group argues the damages to wildlife and waterways were far greater.

As the case moves forward, it will likely raise questions about spill prevention practices, regulatory enforcement, and how Iowa balances agricultural industry operations with the protection of its rivers and natural resources.