Department of Natural Resources, Along with Other Departments, Working Diligently to Find Cause of Fish Kill in Rush Creek in Winona County

Photo: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

(KWNO)- After more than 2500 fish were killed in Rush Creek in Winona County on July 26th, The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in conjunction with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), is investigating the cause of the Fish Kill.

In a press release, the MPCA says that they have collected water quality samples and are awaiting the results.

They’ve also gathered macroinvertebrates communities from four different locations near the fish kill.

The investigation also includes the groups reaching out to more than 100 land owners located within a 10 sq. mile area upstream for more information. Asking the landowners to provide details about the type, rate, timing, and location of manure and pesticide application. Follow-up on these locations may be necessary.

These three departments have a long history of working together to find an unknown source of fish killings and the investigation is still open and ongoing.