MORGAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Dead fish have been discovered in the Emory River weeks after a train derailment spilled ethanol into the waterway, according to Morgan County Emergency Management.
Officials say the fish were found June 24 and appear to have died due to low dissolved oxygen levels in the river.
The issue stems from a June 11 train derailment in Morgan County, in which several rail cars carrying ethanol leaked into the Emory River. Emergency officials explain that as microbes and bacteria break down ethanol, the process consumes oxygen in the water, which can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life.
Despite the fish kill, officials say ongoing testing shows ethanol levels in the river are now well below human health advisory limits. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has lifted a temporary water advisory that had been in place following the derailment.
Morgan County EMA says monitoring efforts are continuing, along with mitigation strategies such as aeration to help restore oxygen levels in the river.
Anyone who notices additional dead fish or aquatic wildlife is encouraged to report it to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
