The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a $20,000 settlement with Wynja Feedlot in Orange City over unpermitted wastewater discharges into a tributary of the West Branch Floyd River.
EPA officials say the 999-head cattle feedlot discharged wastewater for at least three consecutive days through an unpermitted drainage pipe discovered during a March 2021 inspection. Testing showed elevated levels of bacteria, ammonia, chlorides, and organic matter — pollutants that can degrade water quality. The agency noted the feedlot also had limited containment, increasing the likelihood of additional runoff during storms.
While federal Clean Water Act violations can carry penalties of up to $68,445 per day, the EPA reduced the fine based on the facility’s “limited ability to pay.” As part of the settlement, Wynja Feedlot must apply for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, construct a lined containment basin, and implement a sampling plan for surrounding tile discharges.
EPA records show the West Branch Floyd River has experienced multiple fish kills over the past 20 years, several linked to animal-waste pollution. The consent decree was filed Nov. 17, and the feedlot has already applied for its NPDES permit and received construction approval for the new containment basin.
According to EPA estimates, the required improvements will prevent roughly 4.5 million gallons of wastewater — equal to about 137,000 pounds of pollutants — from entering the river each year.
This story is courtesy of media partner KTIV in Sioux City
