Small Town News

State investigates fish kill on Prime Hook Refuge

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More water samples needed to complete enquiry

State environmental officials are not sure what caused a large fish kill near the headwaters of a major creek in the northern section of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

About two weeks ago, residents began to see large carp, gizzard shad and white perch floating in Slaughter Creek in the area of Cod and Thirteen Curves roads.

"We have expanded the search for a cause," said Craig Shirey, fisheries administrator for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's Fisheries Section.

He said tests so far show high salinity and low dissolved oxygen readings. He called the salinity readings surprising because the creek is freshwater.

He said it's also surprising to find dead carp, which are fairly tolerant of water changes.

He said environmental officials are still looking for a cause or source of the low dissolved oxygen readings. He said a possible cause could be the harsh winter with ice covering part of the creek.

"But more samples need to be taken," he said.

Shirley Tucker, who lives near the creek off Cod Road, said investigators should look at a mulching plant about a quarter mile from her house. The plant, located near Bakerfield Road, has been in full production over the past few weeks.

Shirey said his department is aware of the mulching plant "We are looking upstream and downstream, and if a point source is located we will look for ways for that to be remediated," he said.

Tucker said the kill attracted bald eagles, herons and buzzards feeding on dead fish. She said she worries for the birds that feed on the dead fish

She also said she didn't get much feedback from environmental officials when she contacted them. "I got the impression they wanted me to close my eyes, and this would go away," she said.





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