Cause of Fish Kill in Mid-Valley Creek Under Investigation

The DEQ and ODFW are asking for the public's help in gathering information about the possible release of toxic material into the creek.

Salem-News.com

(LEBANON) - The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are investigating the source of a fish kill that occurred earlier this week in Burkhart Creek between Lebanon and Albany.

ODFW fish biologist Karen Hans says a fish count could not be completed due to lack of access to the creek, but she estimated the number to be between dozens and hundreds.

The dead fish included several species at all life stages.

Hans traced the dead fish upstream to the intersection of Burkhart Creek and Engle Road and downstream to Century Drive, covering about 3.5 miles of creek.

The discovery of the fish kill was reported to DEQ by an anonymous caller who said that three days ago a brown caramel-colored odorless substance ran through the creek.

Late Thursday afternoon, there were no distressed fish in the creek.

Hans could see small fry that appeared healthy. She did not observe any indications of a hazardous substance spill or any other evidence that could be related to the fish kill.

DEQ and ODFW is seeking more information about the possible cause of the fish kill.

If you have information, please contact Karen Hans at (541) 757-4186 ext. 251 or Mark Hamlin at (503) 378-8240 ext.239.