Georgia probes cause of fish kill in Augusta creek

By Fran Jeffries

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Authorities are trying to find the cause of a fish kill after bass, bluegill and other species were found dead along at least 10 miles of Brier Creek in Augusta.

Georgia Environmental Protection Division spokesman Kevin Chambers tells The Augusta Chronicle that the investigation will include scrutiny of several industrial mining operations that discharge material into the creek or its tributaries.

Chambers said the fish count is not complete, but estimated in the thousands.

Authorities say the area most affected by the incident is from Keysville south to Storey Mill Road, where numerous dead fish were counted.

Fish kills typically occur when something in the water depletes dissolved oxygen levels; or when something toxic or dangerous is added to the water.