MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was in the Morgantown area Thursday investigating a fish kill they believe happened Wednesday. West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Region 1 Fisheries Biologist David Wellman said dead fish have been found in Deckers Creek and in the Monongahela River near Walnut Street.
“There was a fish kill that took place in Deckers Creek, which is a tributary of the Monongahela River in Morgantown,” Wellman said. “The fish kills appear to have taken place several days ago based on the composition of the fish.”
DEP workers have been in both bodies of water and said the event happened long enough ago that the source is inconclusive, but Wellman believes it did come from Deckers Creek. Wellman said the investigation Thursday determined there were multiple species and sizes of fish killed in the event.
“From our perspective, the killing is not ongoing,” Wellman said. “It looked like it was an acute event; whatever it was, it happened quickly, and it’s not ongoing now,” Wellman said. “We do see live fish in Deckers Creek.”
After four hours on site Thursday conducting the survey, Wellman said the event is likely over, but he’s not optimistic the source will be found.
“We’re actually seeing live fish swimming in Deckers Creek, so that tells us whatever event took place, however many days ago, is over,” Wellman said. At this point in time, there doesn’t appear to be any type of event that’s occurring.”
Wellman urged residents not to touch or remove dead fish if they saw one or several in or out of the water. Instead, report the discovery so DEP can conduct a count and assessment. To report dead fish call 304-926-0499.