DNR investigates mysterious “sheen” on Ralston Creek

Lang
8/15/19

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a mysterious “sheen” spotted on Ralston Creek.

According to a DNR news release, the ongoing sheen has been traced to a seep in the bed of the creek.
City officials placed a boom across the creek to contain the sheen south of the intersection of Burlington and Van Buren streets.

DNR staff on-site suspect a petroleum-based source and have collected water samples for laboratory analysis. A DNR inspector has not seen any dead fish or other obvious environmental impacts.

The DNR will continue to seek the source of the contaminant, monitor cleanup efforts and consider appropriate enforcement action.