E. coli from 750 Cows Pollutes River
A lagoon holding manure from 750 dairy cows broke and dumped millions of gallons of waste laden with E. coli O157:H7 into the Snowhomish River near Snohomish, Washington.
Quoting the Washington State Department of Agriculture, KING5-TV attributed the spill to a breached lagoon wall on the Bartelheimer Brothers dairy operation.
The state Department of Health is closely monitoring the problem, but there appeared to be no immediate threat to public drinking water systems, the station reported. People in the area with private wells are advised to consult with the health department about potential risks.
The lagoon is only 12 years old. It was built to hold 21 million gallons of manure and 10 feet of the 15-foot-deep facility was above ground level. All contents above ground level spilled out, according to the report.
Officials are monitoring the river and an accompanying slough to track harm to fish populations and people are being urged to stay away from the river to avoid E. coli poisoning.
Tags: Cattle E coli, e coli O157
