JOHNSTOWN — Manure recently
got into one of the forks of the Licking River, about three miles northeast of
Johnstown, according to an official with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, who said
the pollution probably killed a large number of fish in the area.
David Lane, Wildlife Officer Supervisor for Division 1, which includes Licking
County, said the manure has turned about a 12-mile stretch of the Lake Fork of
the Licking River cloudy and even black in spots. He said he saw some dead fish;
the majority of the fish killed are probably still underwater, he said, and it
will take some time before they become visible.
“I’ve seen worse,” Lane said, when asked to describe the severity. “But
it’s not good.”
Lane said the manure likely came from a nearby farm. He said wildlife officers
have an idea where it came from and have a suspect in mind, but he cannot release
the individual’s identity at this time since no charges have been filed.
“Even though pollution is not something we want,” he said, “accidents
do happen.”
Lane said the Ohio EPA could file charges if anyone was found to be criminally negligent. The Division of Wildlife could seek restitution for the fish that were killed.
He said representatives from the Ohio EPA and the Division of Wildlife were on the scene Wednesday. They are likely to return today but they may not be able to evaluate the damage done to wildlife in the area until Monday. Lane said rain would help the situation.
