Release of red detergent to creek in Grimes has stopped

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2022

Release of red detergent to creek in Grimes has stopped

MEDIA CONTACT: Ted Petersen 515-250-3869 or Ted.Petersen@dnr.iowa.gov.

GRIMES—The red color in North Walnut Creek in Grimes is due to the accidental release of a car wash detergent.

Pumping equipment failed shortly before 2 p.m. today at the National Carwash Solutions facility on S.E. 37^th Street. An unknown amount of the red material ran into a storm drain, then into the creek. Although the release has stopped, detergent moved downstream reaching Highway 141 at about 3:45 p.m.

Cleanup crews are onsite working to stop more detergent from getting into the creek.

DNR staff do not expect a fish kill or other significant environmental impact from the release. DNR will monitor cleanup and consider appropriate enforcement action.