On the afternoon of September 15, 2017, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) notified EPA Region 10 of a fish kill located on a private pond and in Glen Creek, near Willow Creek Drive NW in Salem, Oregon. Glen Creek flows approximately 4 miles east and north through residential areas and two city parks before it flows into the Willamette River.
On Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, a commercial pesticide application company was hired by the owner of the pond to rid or reduce algae in the pond. Dead fish (trout, bullhead catfish, Lamprey, and Coy) were then observed two days later on the pond and downstream in the creek, and on a nearby private Coy pond. The fish kill was believed to have been caused by an over-application of two aquatic herbicides, Komeen and Captain XTR, which were applied to the pond on Wednesday.
On Friday, Sept. 16, upon notification of the fish kill, the applicator hired a clean up contractor who responded on scene immediately. ODEQ, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Salem Fire Department, and EPA responded to the scene on Friday, Sept. 16, 2017. Under ODEQ oversight, the response contractor isolated the pesticide-treated pond by damming up the creek inlet and pumping fresh water from the creek inlet around the pond to downstream areas. Also, 4 air-sparging units were later installed in the pond. ODEQ has taken water and fish samples.
Upon arrival, EPA integrated into Unified Command, and provided technical assistance to ODEQ by conducting air monitoring, water testing (pH, DO), site assessment, and oversight of response contractors. EPA conducted air monitoring around the pond and in downstream areas, but found no elevated levels of VOCs, CO, or H2S. ODF&W conducted a visual stream assessment from the site downstream for about 1/2 mile, and concluded at least observationally there were no more fish deaths. Due to health concerns from pesticide vapors impacts on a health-impacted, young teen living near the pond, ODEQ enlisted the Oregon Health Authority to contact the concerned family and conduct a health consult.
The incident is also being investigated by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and ODEQ. ODEQ is continuing to monitor site conditions and conduct oversight of mitigation actions by the response contractor..
