3-story fertilized mulch fire causes major contamination, fish kill on the South River

9.6.2024 South River at Forrest Park Rd runs black with soot and toxic runoff. Dissolved Oxygen levels cannot support aquatic life.

Mulch accumulates heat. Paired with very little rain in the area for weeks, the pile spontaneously combusted.

 

9.8.24 Dead minnow, South River at Constitution Lakes. Credit: Peter Peteet

9.9.24 South River at Intrenchment Creek. Credit: SRWA

9.9.24 Crayfish, South River at Bouldercrest Rd, approx 5 river miles downstream of the fire. Credit: Therese Kelly

9.9.24 Dead Sunfish (Bream), South River at Bouldercrest Rd. Credit: Therese Kelly