The Bolivar Dam is partially closed as authorities work to protect the Tuscarawas River from chemicals that reportedly killed several thousand fish, Ohio EPA spokesman James Lee told newsnet5.com Sunday.
This was only one of three recent illegal chemical dumping incidents in Stark and Tuscarawas counties that left dead fish and vegetation behind in the aftermath, according to Lee.
The EPA is investigating all three. Authorities suspect liquid pesticides, herbicides, surfactants and soapy substances are to blame.
Containment measures are underway to protect public and private water supplies from the chemicals.
"No public water supplies were impacted by this incident," Lee said.
On April 20, several thousand fish were killed after an unknown white liquid was released somewhere in the vicinity of the 6000 block of Kieffer Avenue, SW in Canton Township. The substance went into the adjoining Bear Run, which flows into the Big Sandy Creek. It eventually meets the Tuscarawas River.
The deaths, however, appear to be limited to Bear Run, according to an EPA report, which references a containment effort that partially closed Boliver Dam, downstream of the Bear Run.
Criminal investigation units from the Ohio and U.S. EPA are collecting information to identify the person or persons responsible.
Several days earlier, on April 18, an unknown liquid spilled near 10449 Soehnlen Road in Wayne Township and flowed about 75 feet into a wetland, according to the EPA. The chemical was released into the Beach City Wildlife Area.
Distressed vegetation and flow marks were seen from the top of the road's embankment running toward the wetland, according to Lee. He said fish were killed in part of the wildlife area.
The most recent spill took place on April 23 at around 10 a.m. when a white substance was found around 9559 Towpath Road NE in Lawrence Township near the Towpath Trail, according to the EPA.
Containment measures were used to protect public and private water supplies.
Lee said people should not dump hazardous waste by the roadside.
"Hopefully, someone saw something or heard something and will be able to help Ohio EPA and the federal agency be able to track down some additional information on this," Lee said.
Authorities have asked that anyone with information on these chemical dumpings call the Ohio EPA hotline at 1-800-282-9378.
