Iowans Left Swimming in Toxic Floodwaters

As the Mississippi River continues to flood towns along its banks, residents of Iowa are trying to put their lives back together. The water level in many Iowa towns reached the roofs of homes. As the water has receded, it’s left broken gas lines, sink holes, structural problems, and untold amounts of chemicals from nearby farms and factories in its wake. Residents watch as propane tanks, 55-gallon drums labeled ‘corrosive’, wooden fences, railroad ties and dead animals float by.

From CBS News:

Where floodwaters remained, they were a noxious brew of sewage, farm chemicals and fuel. Bob Lanz used a 22-foot aluminum flatboat to navigate through downtown Oakville, where the water reeked of pig feces and diesel fuel.

“You can hardly stand it,” Lanz said as he surveyed what remained of his family’s hog farm. “It’s strong.”

LeRoy Lippert, chairman of emergency management and homeland security in nearby Des Moines County, warned people to avoid the floodwaters: “If you drink this water and live, tell me about it. You have no idea. It is very, very wise to stay out of it. It’s as dangerous as anything.”

All areas of the midwest that were affected by flooding are now facing a major clean-up effort. In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the city has reopened a once-closed landfill to handle flood-damaged goods. The EPA is coordinating a hazardous materials response to retrieve hazardous containers and drums, respond to oil and chemical leaks, collect flood-damaged hazardous household waste and sample the air and water.

Link [Boston.com] + [CBS News]
Photo credit: David Greedy/Getty Images
Note: No AP photos have been used in this post, because we think the AP sucks.

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