JOHNSTOWN — Manure from a local farm killed about 23,000 fish last week when it found its way into a tributary of the Licking River, according to an Ohio Division of Wildlife official.
David Lane, wildlife officer supervisor for Division 1, which includes Licking County, said the pollution affected a total area of about 10 miles of the tributary, which is called Lake Fork of Licking River. The area in question is 4 to 5 miles northeast of Johnstown.
“This is an ongoing problem we have to deal with,” he said. “Most of these aren’t a big deal, but every year you’ll get a few like this.”
Lane said the source of the manure has been identified, but the matter is still under investigation and he cannot give out the identity of those suspected to be at fault. It is uncertain whether the landowner or the manure applicator is at fault. He said that although the spill was not intentional, someone will have to pay restitution for the dead fish. Restitution, he said, is determined by the length and species of the fish.
Lane said the pollution entered the stream sometime on April 5; by Friday afternoon it had dissipated.
The Ohio EPA, along with division of wildlife officers, visited the tributary last week. Lane said the division of wildlife is in contact with the Licking County prosecutor regarding restitution. The Ohio EPA could file charges against the party found to be negligent.
A spokeswoman from the Ohio EPA did not return phone calls.
