06-05-2025
Criminal investigation underway into fuel spill near Dallas County creek, says Sheriff
DALLAS COUNTY, Iowa – A fuel spill near a creek in Waukee is under investigation by the Dallas County Sheriff's Office.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources said an above-ground storage tank began leaking diesel fuel around 2:30 a.m. Saturday. Approximately 4,000 gallons were released, some of which made its way into Little Walnut Creek. Officials were alerted later in the day after residents began to complain of a strong smell in the area.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources said an above-ground storage tank began leaking diesel fuel around 2:30 a.m. Saturday. Approximately 4,000 gallons were released, some of which made its way into Little Walnut Creek. Officials were alerted later in the day after residents began to complain of a strong smell in the area.
Sheriff Adam Infante confirmed to WHO 13 that a criminal investigation into how the leak started is 'open and active.' He did not immediately have any additional details to provide, but hoped to have an update in the future.
Mitigation efforts, including Booms, large, pillow-like tools that stretch from one side of the creek to the other to absorb the oil, were installed in the water, said Ted Petersen, with the DNR.
A third-party contractor would be brought in to continue mitigation efforts on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Peterson told WHO 13's Katie Kaplan that the impacted area had not changed since the spill, which was a good indicator that there would be no long-term impacts to the local environment. There were no reports of dead fish or harm to local aquatic life, he said.
To report a release after hours, Iowans can call the DNR's emergency spill line at (515) 725-8694. More information about spill reporting requirements can be found on the DNR website.
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