Indianapolis, Ind.-The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is nearing a resolution with a McGrawsville bulk fertilizer storage operation to assign responsibility for the loss of more than 9,000 fish from the release of 5,000 gallons of liquid fertilizer in April 2008. IDEM spokesman Barry Need told Green Markets that a proposed agreement order has been sent to the company, and “we have no reason to believe it’s not going to be signed in a week or two.” McGrawsville Feed & Grain has already been cited for allowing the spill, failing to notify the department within the mandatory two-hour window after employees discovered the spill, not properly maintaining the fertilizer tank, and discharging fertilizer without a valid permit. Company officials told the local press that the 25,000-gallon tank that caused the spill has been removed, along with two others the company was not using. Five remain inside a four-foot flood wall that was in place at the time of the spill, when a hole developed high enough on the tank to allow the spill over the barrier. Need said penalties will be assessed by IDEM for the environmental impact and by the Department of Natural Resources for the loss of about 9,600 fish in a 1.6-mile stretch of Niger Creek and part of Pipe Creek.
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