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DEP testing for golden algae
The state Department of Environmental Protection and federal Environmental Protection Agency conducted the sampling on the river and on streams in Greene and Fayette counties.
"We know that golden algae was a contributing factor in the fish kill and so we believe it's important for us to establish how prevalent it is in the entire (Monongahela River) watershed," DEP spokeswoman Helen Humphreys said.
Streams sampled Wednesday were chosen because of their higher-than-normal levels of total dissolved solids as measured by the waters' conductivity.
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TDS, which includes chlorides, is known to create a "salty, brackish water" on which the golden algae thrives, Humphreys said. Sources of TDS are many and can include power plants, abandoned mine water discharges, active mine water discharges and wastewater from natural gas well drilling, she said.
Environmental officials said earlier that the golden algae found in Dunkard Creek is normally found in coastal waters with high levels of salt or minerals. The presence of algae in the creek was the first documented case of the organism in the mid-Atlantic states, EPA said.
DEP officials earlier expressed concern about the possibility of golden algae in Whiteley Creek. Humphreys said the agencies were only testing for the algae's presence in the stream Wednesday, though Consol Energy reportedly has found the algae there. A Consol spokesman could not be reached Wednesday for comment.
Sampling Wednesday was conducted on Dunkard Creek, Georges Creek, Whiteley Creek, Middle Run, Browns Run, Ten Mile Creek, Dunkard Fork of Wheeling Creek, an unnamed tributary of Enlow Fork, Fish Creek and Redstone Creek.
In the river, sampling was done downstream of Dunkard Creek, Georges Creek, Whiteley Creek and Ten Mile Creek.
The fish kill on Dunkard Creek was first reported at the beginning of September. During the month, fish and other aquatic life in a 30-mile section of the stream were killed.
Investigators believe a toxic bloom of golden algae led to the kill. They also believe high levels of TDS and chlorides originating from Consol's Blacksville No. 2 mine water discharge created conditions for the bloom.
Humphreys said state and federal agencies continue to investigate the fish kill and each week conduct a conference call to discuss findings. They also continue to examine the interaction between TDS levels in the stream and the algae.
"We know golden algae thrives in brackish water and without high TDS levels, the golden algae would not have been able to thrive the way it did," she said.
Both are considered factors in the fish kill. "How exactly they interacted may be hard to determine but we have a good idea what those factors were," she said.
The state last fall also began recording relatively high TDS levels on the Mon. The levels are not considered a health threat, though they can effect the taste and odor of treated drinking water.
DEP will be looking into ways to reduce the levels of TDS in the Mon, Humphreys said.
"One of the solutions is going to be taking a watershed approach to water quality, looking at what we can do to lower the levels of total dissolved solids," she said. Asked how levels can be reduced, Humphreys said, "That's a question that's going to take some time to answer and this (water sampling) is the first step."
Related articles:
Fish kill update planned for Dec. 3
High levels of TDS found in Mon River
DEP asks EPA to revoke license
DEP expands probe of fish kill
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Drilling wastewater : 11/19/2009
Next the state needs to require better paperwork tracking of each tanker load of wastewater.
All drilling water is manifested : 11/19/2009
All drillers provide the DEP with an annual report that essentially manifests all receipts of wastewater disposal. Thank goodness for Robert
Gas Drilling : 11/19/2009
If your water is not already polluted, here it comes! I think the O-R could stop reporting on all other issues and simply work with the criminal aspects of well drilling.
DEP : 11/19/2009
We don' t need these departments, put the world back to the way Jehovah created it. HE said over 2000 yrs. ago that man was going to be his own destroyer & HE has never lied to us yet. It's happening continiously.
Wastewater : 11/19/2009
Better paper work ( I agree) and install a GPS tracker to the tankers. Want to bet? The new industry on the block will continue to get away with this! Again, the DEP is in bed with these fellows!
What's the point? : 11/19/2009
It doesn't matter what the spokes person for the DEP has to say about this situation. Consol and the gas well drilling companies and all the related subcontractors working in Greene county have been and will continue to destroy the environment unchecked or ungoverned. Anyone who actually believes that the DEP is doing ANYTHING to protect the environment need only to drive the back roads of western Greene County to see the devastation and destruction caused by these activities.
Truly, what is the point? : 11/23/2009
Consol mined under Ryerson and ruined that part of our outdoors enjoyment. What is the difference with ruining Dunkard creek? Nothing will be done about it unless the powers that be get some kind of monetary gain! Let's face it, it's all about greed!
