Dunkard Fish Kill Reaction Too Slow
Washington, PA Observer-Reporter Editorial
21 September 2009
When we first wrote about the discovery of the fish kill in Dunkard
Creek about two weeks ago, we assumed it would be a matter of days
before the source of this aquatic disaster would be discovered.
Well, 18 days after the kill was first reported, on Sept. 1 near
Pentress, W.Va., it seems state and federal agencies are still not sure
what happened, although the West Virginia Department of Environmental
Protection has a "hypothesis."
Kathy Cosco, a spokeswoman for that agency, said last week, "We are
acknowledging the hypothesis that at least part of the problem came
from the outlet of the Blacksville No. 2 Mine."
She went on to say, "It's still a hypothesis. But it's the only
reasonable hypothesis we have right now."
The incident has killed hundreds of fish including bass, muskies, white
suckers, catfish and red horse fish, as well as other forms of aquatic
life such as mussels and mud puppies.
It seems to us there is tragedy here on two levels - one, the number of
fish that have died, and second, the inability of these agencies to
identify the source of the pollutants and what specific toxins caused
this massive fish kill.
Moreover, neither the West Virginia DEP, the Pennsylvania DEP nor the
federal Environmental Protection Agency seem willing to accept
responsibility as the lead investigating agency in this mater.
One of the possible pollutants the agencies are now considering is
total dissolved solids. High levels of total dissolved solids have been
found in the water, particularly in the West Virginia portion of the
stream. The solids included high levels of chlorides, which is an
indicator of mine discharge.
Numerous water samples have been taken and while certain pollutants
have been discovered, it apparently is difficult to determine if those
particular poisons caused the fish to die.
It seems that some type of necro analysis of the fish should identify
what killed them, and once that is known, finding the source should be
relatively simple.
But we are not scientists and therefore, like many others saddened by
this environmental mess, can only express frustration over what seems
like a long time for these agencies to reach a conclusion.
If there were laws violated in this matter, we hope that the proper
authorities will hold accountable those responsible.
The writer of a letter to the editor published here today who has
fished in the creek since his youth, wrote that it will take many years
for the creek to recover.
And that's perhaps the tragedy of it all.