On March 8th, 2024 in Red Oak, an agricultural co-op left open a valve on a liquid nitrogen tank. That mistake would lead to 265,000 gallons of nitrogen-based fertilizer being released into the East Nishnabotna River. The damage was felt far south, eventually killing 750,000 fish over a 60-mile stretch of the river.

More than a year later, little has been done to address the problems caused by this catastrophe or hold anyone accountable.

In March 2025, the Nishnabotna Water Defenders formed. Modeled after the Iowa Driftless Water Defenders, the Nishnabotna Water Defenders is focused on one main goal: Improving water quality in Southwest Iowa.

 

In July 2025, with no input from the community members or stakeholders, Iowa Attorney General Byrd quietly settled the case with New Co-op in what is widely considered a sweetheart deal, a total of $100,000 in damages and business as usual. There was no enforcement of safety measures or assurances to protect from future harm to the public, our water, or habitat. In March 2026, NWD filed litigation against New Co-op for improved standards and protections from anything like this every happening again. 

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This spill and settlement was just the beginning of the work of NWD. 

Our current focus is on the Nishnabotna River, both the East and West forks. Water quality in the watersheds is vital. However, we want this group to be representative of all of Southwest Iowa, not just those who live in the Nishnabotna watershed.

On March 10 2026 Nishnabotna Water Defenders filed a lawsuit against New Cooperatvie Inc. Read Our Lawsuit Against NEW Cooperative, Inc.

If you believe that everyone deserves clean water, then you’ve found the right group. We need clean water to live, and having it is more important than ever.

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