A wastewater spill and fish kill has been closely monitored by ADEM since June 6
MONTGOMERY-The Alabama Department Environmental Management has been actively involved in response to a wastewater spill and
subsequent fish kill for the past 35 days. ADEM’s commitment to providing a safe, productive, and healthful environment has been evident throughout the process.
On June 6, the Department was notified of a release of partially-treated wastewater from River Valley Ingredients (Tyson
Farms, Inc.) in Hanceville into Mulberry Fork. The release was reportedly due to a pipe/hose failure that was being used to
pump from one holding pond to another. River Valley Ingredients hired an emergency response contractor who removed
recoverable wastewater and dead fish.
ADEM staff responded to the spill on the same day and confirmed that the discharge was stopped, and
alerted Tyson Farms, Inc. to initiate the public notification process. ADEM along with the Alabama Department
of Conservation and Natural Resources promptly began monitoring water quality and assessing the situation.
The Department collected water quality data at numerous locations and documented reduced levels of
dissolved oxygen that is believed to be the main cause of the fish kill. ADCNR also collected data along with
ADEM on the number of fish killed and the different species impacted.
ADEM documented the levels of dissolved oxygen extending approximately 22 miles downstream from the
plant location as well as the elevated levels of pathogens associated with the spill. Dead fish were observed by
the Department as far as 40 miles from the facility as a result of rain and river flow. ADEM worked with the
Alabama Department of Public Health to confirm that a fish consumption advisory was not warranted due to the
fish kill being related to depressed levels of dissolved oxygen.
On June 13, ADEM called a meeting in Montgomery with Tyson Farms, Inc. officials to review public
outreach, response efforts, and remediation efforts. Information from ADEM’s response and investigation into
the spill has been made available on the Department’s website with links to sampling locations.
ADEM also contacted drinking water systems with downstream intakes after the spill regarding possible
impacts. The systems in the area have adjusted treatment as needed to ensure that drinking water meets all
health-based standards.
The Department’s investigation of the incident remains open, and permanent signage has been posted at
boat ramps to allow boaters, anglers, and users to access water quality information. ADEM will take the
appropriate enforcement actions following a full review of the comprehensive reports, sampling data, and all
other relevant information.
Media Release/Alabama Department of Environmental Management
