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River conservationists alarmed by local fish killChampaign, [July 16, 2002]: Prairie Rivers Network, the statewide river conservation organization based in Champaign, was alarmed by reports that toxic chemicals were apparently discharged by the Urbana-Champaign Sanitary District's (UCSD) Northeast Sewage Treatment Plant between July 12th and 14th. A large quantity of ammonia was discharged that resulted in a massive fish kill on the Saline Branch of the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River that extended 9 miles from the plant to the confluence of the Salt Fork. The Saline Branch originates in Champaign-Urbana."Two years ago Prairie Rivers pushed for more stringent ammonia limits on UCSD's plants to protect aquatic life," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of the conservation group, "and this is the reason why." Reports on the cause and extent of the spill or the numbers of dead fish have not been released by Illinois EPA or the Sanitary District. Many fish killed by the ammonia spill were mature sportfish, including numerous smallmouth bass that were in excess of a foot in length. The fish were likely using the Saline Branch to spawn. "The Saline Branch is a critical fish hatchery for the Salt Fork River," stated Moore. "The number of fish in the river system will decline as a result of this spill." Moore added that the Salt Fork River is a source of local tourism dollars as many sportsmen and women from around the state travel to Champaign County to fish the Salt Fork River. Prairie Rivers Network has requested information from the two governmental agencies, and is waiting for an official response. "It's pretty clear that UCSD has violated its water pollution permit, and we're considering a citizen's suit," said Moore. | |