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Manure Runoff Is Suspected In Fish Kill
Wisconsin State Journal :: LOCAL/WISCONSIN :: D9
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Reid Magney La Crosse Tribune
WESTBY
Wildlife biologists are investigating a fish kill in Vernon County likely caused by manure runoff.An angler discovered dead fish Monday at Jersey Valley Lake, between Cashton and Westby, by an impoundment on the west branch of the Kickapoo River.
Dave Vetrano, fisheries supervisor with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources office in La Crosse, said he doesn't yet know how extensive the damage is. He is, however, worried about more fish kills in coming weeks as melting snow carries manure into streams and lakes.
During inspections Wednesday, Vetrano found dead fish and extremely dirty water in the 54-acre lake. Manure depletes oxygen in the water, essentially smothering the fish.
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The DNR has reported five other incidents this year, including two in Dane County, suspected to have been caused by winter-spreading of manure.
The agency urged livestock operators to avoid spreading manure until the snow has melted and the ground has thawed so the soil can absorb the manure.
Vetrano said no single source of the manure has been located. "I think it was just excessive runoff on a system that's got runoff on a lot of fields," he said.
Roger Widner of Westby said Thursday he checked below the dam and found no damage.