Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:04:01 -0400
From: Haw River Assembly
Subject: Fish kill on Haw River in Alamance
There are reports of a fish kill earlier this week that occurred in upper Alamance County (near Altamahaw) that may have involved several hundred fish. It may be related to the 1.45 million gallon release of untreated wastewater last week (July 14) during the big storm in Greensboro into South Buffalo Creek. We heard from paddlers upriver near Burlington about some dead fish and bad smells as the fish decompose.
The Haw River is a popular spot for cooling off – swimming, fishing and wading – here in Chatham. The impact of the fish kill may diminish as it moves downstream, and may not be a problem. But if you do see dead fish or unusual bad smells – stay out of the water to avoid contamination.
Elaine Chiosso
Haw RIVERKEEPER
Haw River Assembly
P.O.Box 187
Bynum NC 27228
(919) 542-5790
www.hawriver.org