Iowa’s Attorney General Brenna Bird has announced two settlements related to environmental violations at local facilities. These cases were handled on behalf of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Agri Star Meat and Poultry, LLC has agreed to pay a $50,000 fine. The company must also fully comply with its wastewater discharge permit by the end of 2026. Over several years, Agri Star went over allowed wastewater limits nearly 60 times. Some of the violations, including high ammonia levels, caused toxic conditions in Hecker Creek. The company also failed to report problems and meet monitoring and reporting requirements on time.
In a second case, NEW Co-op settled after an ammonia nitrogen spill in March 2024 at its Red Oak plant. The spill caused a large fish kill along 48 miles of the Nishnabotna River and where it meets the Missouri River. NEW Co-op agreed to pay a $50,000 penalty and contribute another $50,000 to support local environmental work with the Montgomery County Conservation Board. The settlement also includes a three-year statewide ban on any future water-quality violations.
Both settlements aim to hold these companies accountable while protecting Iowa’s waterways and wildlife. The Attorney General’s office continues to focus on enforcing environmental laws to keep natural resources safe for everyone.