It was just three weeks ago that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources found itself investigating the largest fish kill in the history of the Black River located in Michigan’s Thumb area.
Last evening a standing-room only crowd of farmers, state officials and other concerned citizens gathered in the Clyde Township hall to discuss this tragic event. They wanted answers to how and why thousands of fish died and assurances this would not happen again.
Department of Environmental Quality officials were notified of the fish kill August 10 and speculate the damage occurred a day or two before that. The kill area stretched for about 12 miles of the Black River from about three miles south of Croswell in Sanilac County to about the middle of the Port Huron State Game Area in St. Clair County. Although the source of the kill is under investigation by the DEQ, it has been reported it is from an area farm.
I believe several conclusions can be drawn from this unfortunate event:
- We need assurance that all reasonable measures will be taken so that this does not happen again.
- The public needs to be notified IMMEDIATELY whenever our waterways are suddenly polluted.
- We cannot assume that farm runoff in necessarily to blame for such occurrences. Although a particular farm has been mentioned, in the press, we can be sure that accidents do happen beyond the control of any one individual.
- It is reasuring that state officials, including the DEQ and DNR, are there to investigate and remediate the event.
- We can likewise be thankful for public watchdogs such as the St. Clair County Water Quality Board, the Binational Advisory Council and the Sportfising Association.
- The Clyde Township meetings prove once again that the public can peacefully gather to openly discuss situations that affect all citizens.
Enjoyed reading your blog Lauren. I and my wife Nancy do support your run for the senate. May God guide you through this campaign to Victory.
GOD Bless,
Terry
Terry, Thanks for the kind remarks. Your support means a great deal to me. Lauren