Ogeechee River Fish Kill Information
On Saturday, May 21, 2011, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources responded to reports of a widespread fish kill on the Ogeechee River in east Georgia. Investigators determined there were dead fish in the river from Screven and Bulloch counties southward and eventually through Effingham, Bryan and Chatham counties.
EPD issued public advisories on Sunday, May 22, 2011 recommending that citizens not swim in the river and not eat fish taken from the river. The advisories were lifted after laboratory testing of water and fish tissue samples determined it was safe to swim in the water and to consume fish caught in the Ogeechee River.
It has been determined that the fish died of Columnaris, a bacterial disease caused by environmental stressors. The stressors could range from water temperature change to chemicals in the water at levels dangerous to fish. An investigation to determine what triggered the Columnaris is ongoing. The disease is not known to affect humans. EPD is working closely with the Wildlife Resources Division of DNR, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), health officials based in the five impacted counties and local emergency responders.
Consent Order Executed
September 21, 2011
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has executed a Consent Order with King America Finishing, Inc. in Dover, Georgia to address violations of the Georgia Water Quality Control Act that were discovered during EPD's investigation of the fish kill on the Ogeechee River that occurred in May of this year. During our investigation, it was discovered that the company had added a fire retardant treatment process that generated wastewater, which was ultimately discharged to the Ogeechee River in violation of their permit. Once EPD became aware of the unauthorized discharge, the company ceased operation. EPD has worked with the company to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant, expand the monitoring program and restrict the hours that the fire retardant process is allowed to discharge. We are continuing to closely monitor the company's discharge and will take further action if necessary to insure the safety of the river.
The Order requires the company to continue to comply with new operating parameters that EPD established and to continue chemical and toxicity testing until notified in writing by the EPD. The Order also requires a complete analysis of the wastewater treatment system and a revised emergency operations plan which must be submitted to EPD and implemented upon EPD approval. Finally the Order requires the company to submit plans to undertake Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs) in the amount of $1,000,000. SEPs are considered acceptable alternatives to cash settlements by both Federal and State agencies in lieu of cash settlements. SEPs allow the targeting of monies and projects at the local level that are beneficial to the river and those living in the affected watershed. EPD will ensure that the approved SEPs will address improvements to the local environment and be beneficial to the local community. Restocking of fish to the river is being managed by the Department of Natural Resources and did not need to be addressed in this Order.
King America Consent Order
September 21, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions re: King America Investigation
September 21, 2011
Draft King America permit
Laboratory Data
EPD News Releases
June 3, 2011
May 27, 2011
May 26, 2011
EPD Public Advisory
May 22, 2011
EPA Website: Ogeechee River Fish Kill
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