The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating an oil spill near Jefferson yesterday.

According to the DNR, local authorities reported the spill was reported shortly after 1pm Thursday.  A few hours later, the DNR, Jefferson Police and Fire Departments and Greene County Sheriff’s Office had tracked the spill approximately eight miles downstream.

The investigation shows the spill started when the valve on an above grand oil tank at Krieger’s Greenhouse malfunctioned.  This allowed the used oil to run into a ravine and eventually into the Raccoon River.  So far no dead or dying fish have been found as a result of the spill and the total amount of oil released is not yet known.  Hydro-Klean Inc of Des Moines has installed booms downstream to prevent further contamination.

Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.