A quantity of fish died this week after crews began maintenance work on the Mud Creek Drainage System in Chatham.
“When municipal officials attended the site on Thursday, July 16 it was observed that a quantity of fish had died overnight,” Municipal officials said in a press release.
“The Municipality’s Environmental Specialist has been in contact with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks regarding the situation. It is believed the die off occurred due to a lack of oxygen in the water. Steps have been taken to avoid further negative impacts to fish in the system.”
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent began performing required maintenance on the Mud Creek Drain – Storm Water Management System on Thursday, July 16.
Municipal officials say this work will restore water quality and drain function.
“The Mud Creek Drainage System protects a large portion of southwest Chatham from flooding during large rain events,” Municipal officials say.
“Sediment is being removed from the bottom of the drain, which is a required step to safeguard the longevity of the storm water management system. It is also required to ensure the proper flow of water toward the pump station located at the low end of the system at Indian Creek Road West beside John McGregor Secondary School. In order to begin removal of sediment, water in the drain was drawn down using the pump system.”
Municipal officials say it is recognized that there may be impacts to other wildlife in the drain during the required maintenance.
“Municipal officials and the project contractor are proactively monitoring the area and implementing mitigation measures to ensure minimal impacts to wildlife,” Municipal officials say.
“While the Municipality will be on site daily, monitoring this project, individuals are encouraged to contact the Municipality if they see adverse effects to wildlife for the duration of this project.”
Visit Chatham-Kent’s municipal website, here, for up to date information on the project.
