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Fish kill at Heron Pond
According to Metro Parks officials, dead fish were noticed floating on Heron Pond in Three Creeks Park on Aug. 15.
The fish kill is likely due to an oxygen deficiency in the water, which can occur in the summer, stated Metro Parks officials. Overcast skies likely contributed to this along with the extremely warm temperatures on an extended basis.
The fish kill is likely to be complete and a wide range of species is involved including bass, shad, and catfish. The smell is as expected. There appears to be an algae bloom associated with the event although at the moment Metro Parks officials don't think it is the blue green algae of concern at other lake and pond locations around the state.
Metro Parks has taken the following actions:
•Closed Heron Pond to all fishing and contact. Staff has been posted and are making and installing signage to alert visitors of the situation.
•Contacted the Ohio EPA.
•Collected a water sample and taken it for lab analysis to confirm the oxygen theory and also to identify the algae and whether any toxins harmful to humans are present.
•Staff is on standby to clean up the dead fish, but action will not be taken until officials are sure of the safety aspects for employees.
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