Cherokee, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — The city of Cherokee is temporarily discharged partially treated wastewater in the Little Sioux River. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has approved of the move.

The Cherokee Wastewater Treatment Plan was significantly damaged in the severe flooding this June. The City of Cherokee is unable to process wastewater due to safety and reliability concerns. Right now, the city is storing wastewater in lagoons that are now full, and at risk of over flowing.

With the DNR approval, Cherokee is now discharging up to two million gallons of wastewater per day for up to 25 days, or until the lagoon levels are lowered to a safe level.

The temporary discharge plan is just part of the strategy for the Cherokee officials, as they are actively developing short-term treatment options using the equalization lagoons and are planning on a new permanent wastewater treatment facility.