FLATROCK TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WTVG) – Environmental specialists believe up to 20,000 fish in the Maumee River were killed as a result of a fertilizer contamination of a creek in Henry County.
A statement from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on Monday said between 18,000 and 20,000 fish are estimated to have been killed along 11 miles of the Maumee River, ranging from 3-inch sunfish to 40-inch fish plus carp.
It comes after the dams built in Huston Creek broke over the weekend due to rainfall, according to the City of Napoleon. The dams were constructed after the creek was contaminated from spilled liquid fertilizer. Learn more about the substance in the document embedded within this article.
A statement from the City of Napoleon said crews have taken samples from three different sections of the river to test the water for ammonia levels. It said that the highest test result is well below the threshold that would be harmful to humans.
The highest test result was 2.8mg/liter, and human eye/skin irritation can happen at levels above 50mg/liter, the city statement said.
Even with the low levels of ammonia in the water, the city is drawing its raw water from the Waueson Reservoir to assure everyone that the drinking water in Napoleon is not contaminated. The city will continue to do so until state environmental experts assure administrators that the contamination has been corrected, the statement said.
Those with questions related to Napoleon’s drinking water can call 419-592-4010.
The Ohio EPA issued violations to two businesses last week for their alleged role in the contamination. The agency said Triway Nitrogen and Farmers Elevator Associates, which are located on neighboring properties, must take action to prevent further pollution, assist with cleanup efforts, and participate in continued monitoring.
“The environmental contractor has reinstalled containment points and restarted aeration to capture any remaining material that might still make its way into the creek. While cleanup efforts will continue, the heavy rainfall also diluted the ammonia in the water, significantly reducing its concentration,” a statement from the Ohio EPA said on Monday.
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