Photo: Iowa's News Now
(Des Moines, IA) -- The state of Iowa is suing the owner of a Marengo plant to force environmental law compliance. The state says an explosion at the C6-Zero plant December 8th caused contaminated runoff to enter a ditch that flows into the Iowa River, -a drinking water source for communities including Iowa City. The suit also says chemicals remain at the plant and are exposed to the elements. Surface water samples have shown hazardous substances top state water quality standards. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issued an emergency order to the company to stabilize all hazardous conditions. The company's response was delayed, prompting the DNR to refer the matter to the A-G's Office.
“As Attorney General, I enforce our laws,” said Bird. “Iowans expect responsible businesses to take reasonable steps to comply with their duties to remediate hazardous conditions after an incident like this.”
This suit seeks temporary and permanent injunctive relief from the court to prevent imminent and irreparable injuries to the environment and public health. The suit requests the court stop C6-Zero and Brand from further violations of the DNR emergency order and Iowa environmental protection laws, require they identify all chemicals located at the facility, and they allow the DNR and its representatives to enter the property to conduct all activities necessary to protect public health, safety, and the environment.
A copy of the suit, State of Iowa ex rel. Iowa Department of Natural Resources v. C6-Zero Iowa LLC et al., Iowa County No. EQCV024854, can be found here.