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EPD says Ogeechee is now safe
But residents, environmental group question new report
Ogeechee fish file Web
In this Herald file photo from May 2011, a dead fish rots on the shore of the Ogeechee River near U.S. 301. The Georgia EPD has issued a statement that the river is OK to swim in but the Ogeechee Riverkeeper disagrees.
Almost a year after a major fish kill that was linked to contamination, state officials claim the Ogeechee River is safe for fishing and swimming.Ogeechee Riverkeeper Dianna Wedincamp disagrees, stating recent tests show elevated levels of formaldehyde and ammonia, and another suspected spill has raised concern, she said.While there was a problem with machinery at the plant, EPD spokesman Kevin Chambers said Friday there was no spill.About 38,000 fish died in May, sparking a series of investigations which determined King America Finishing, Inc. violated state-issued discharge permits. Many, including Wedincamp, blame pollution from the textiles treatment plant discharges for the fish kill. The EPD issued a consent order requiring King America to fund $1 million in river improvements, including paying for third-party testing or the river’s waters.Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn said his office has been keeping track with the river conditions and has maintained regular communication with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division regarding the matter.
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