- A massive fish kill, estimated to involve thousands of fish and stretching at least 20 miles, is currently under investigation along the Chattahoochee River in Georgia.
- The phenomenon was first detected south of where Atlanta’s Peach Tree Creek flows into the river, with Jason Ulseth, executive director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, describing it as the worst he has seen in 20 years.
- While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, Ulseth suggests that recent flooding may have contributed by introducing low-oxygen treated wastewater, leading to a significant drop in dissolved oxygen levels critical for fish survival.
- The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management has confirmed an ongoing investigation, with personnel from various agencies deployed to assess affected areas and collect water quality samples.
- Although initial testing indicates the water is not harmful to humans, the Riverkeeper group advises people to avoid the river between Atlanta and West Point Lake, while noting that the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area upstream remains unaffected.
IN FULL
