ARK Staff and State Officials Investigating Fish Kill in Commissioner Creek – Oconee River Basin, Wilkinson County

October 4, 2011

Oct. 4, 2011 – Altamaha Riverkeeper (ARK) is actively following developments involving a fish kill in Commissioner Creek, a major tributary to the Oconee River in Wilkinson County, GA.

The fish kill was first reported to state authorities based on a citizen observation at the Highway 112 bridge over Commissioner Creek in Toomsboro. It probably began on Wednesday, Sept. 28 according to reports. Fisheries staff with the Georgia DNR have been investigating the fish kill, along with Georgia Environmental Protection Division officials. ARK's Oconee River Project Director, Ben Emanuel, made field visits to Commissioner Creek and Little Commissioner Creek throughout the day on Sept. 30, and is keeping in touch with state officials as the investigation proceeds.

At present, it is clear that the fish kill is unnatural in origin, but its specific cause is not known. The fish kill extends for several miles through Commissioner Creek. From the McIntyre area to below Toomsboro, Commissioner Creek (as well as Little Commissioner Creek) is also distinctly blue-green in color (see photos).

Preliminary estimates are that the kill includes thousands of fish of all sizes and various species. It does not appear to be a "complete" kill, and ARK observed listless fish suffering at the Highway 112 crossing on Friday afternoon, Sept. 30. The Oconee River does not appear to be affected.

ARK hopes to learn more soon about this fish kill and will keep our members updated as we learn more. If you have questions about Commissioner Creek or information which may be helpful, contact ARK Oconee River Project Director Ben Emanuel at oconee [at] altamahariverkeeper.org.