Wastewater Release from Doe Run Facility Linked to Fish Kill in Reynolds County

Reynolds Co., Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources says a wastewater release from a Doe Run Company facility contributed to a fish kill in a tributary of the West Fork of the Black River in Reynolds County.

According to MoDNR, a concerned citizen reported the fish kill during the afternoon of June 6. The report prompted an investigation by the Missouri Department of Conservation to determine the cause of the incident.

Later that evening, representatives from The Doe Run Company notified the Department of Natural Resources about a potential release of wastewater from one of its facilities. MoDNR investigators say the wastewater was suspected of exceeding permitted effluent limits related to pH levels, which likely contributed to the fish kill.

Since the report was received, state environmental officials have been conducting water sampling and monitoring conditions in the affected area. According to MoDNR, the wastewater has since been diluted by river water, and the Black River is no longer considered a threat to human health or wildlife.

Officials say the situation is no longer classified as an environmental emergency. However, the Department of Natural Resources continues to investigate the incident and evaluate the circumstances surrounding the release.

The agency says any violations identified during the investigation will be referred for possible enforcement action.