Fertilizer runoff into my lake.

[lowbrow]

What is the name of your state?
Illinois
I have a 5 acre borrow pit. It is spring fed, 50-60 feet deep in spots and once the bottom turns in the spring, it is crystal clear. It is teaming with life. Fish of every size, frogs galore and turtles call this place home.
About 2 weeks ago it rained about 3 inches over several days. While out trolling after the rain, I noticed water pouring in from an old “abandoned” pipe that had been there since my husband & I bought the place in 2001.
A few days after the rain, I noticed the water turning a murky brown. Now it is a thick brown and I had to go buy a pump to try to provide aeration. I haven’t seen any dead fish.
The water smells awful. I believe one of my neighbor farmers have hooked up their drainage tile onto this abandoned pipe.
I don’t know where to turn. The IEPA? The IDNR? The USDA? My county? One of the farmers that I think may be responsible is head of the Farm Bureau!
I’m not a farmer. This is not caused by any natural runoff as my property is buffered from the surrounding fields by vegetation, lots of vegetation.
Help me.
Thank you.

 

[quincy]

Here is a link to the Illinois EPA: http://www.epa.illinois.gov/about-us/contact-us/index

You can start there by reading through the frequently asked questions and follow up with an email.

Good luck.

 

[lowbrow]

Thank you.

 

[HRZ]

Absent a deeded easement for such a pipe I'd probably immediately plug it

 

[lowbrow]

Nothing that I can find thus far. I will research it more at County.
Thank you. I will plug it.