Fish Die-Off in Chattahoochee River Linked to Sewer Overflow

A recent report from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources indicates that an overflow of oxygen-depleted water from Atlanta’s combined sewer system led to a significant fish kill in the Chattahoochee River.

Around 44,500 fish have died across a 16-mile stretch of the river stretching from South Fulton to Peachtree Creek, according to the agency’s Wildlife Resources Division. This incident was noted to have occurred on the evening of May 20, coinciding with a heavy rainfall of 3 inches that fell within just an hour over metro Atlanta.

The financial impact of this fish death is estimated at approximately $840,000. While several fish species were affected, officials confirmed that no endangered species were among them.

The investigation suggests that the fish kill was likely the result of hypoxia, following the discharge of wastewater from a sewer tunnel into the river during the storm.

Two days later, Jason Ulseth, Executive Director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, discovered the dead fish. A pre-release statement from the non-profit organization characterized this event as “unprecedented.”

A joint investigation involving the River Authority, the Atlanta Watershed Management Authority, and the Georgia Department of Environmental Protection is underway. Ulseth noted that this was the most severe fish kill observed in the last two decades, with particular attention being paid to the city’s tunnel network.

“We understand the seriousness of this environmental event and are committed to maintaining transparency throughout the investigation and recovery efforts,” stated the Basin Authority.