An investigation found an error in Arlington County’s Water Pollution Control Plant caused a fish kill event in Four Mile Run yesterday (Wednesday).
The City of Alexandria said in a release that reports started coming in around 10 a.m. of dead fish washing up along the shores of Four Mile Run between Mount Vernon Avenue and Route 1.
“Witnesses reported a significant number of dead fish alongside live fish, reptiles, and waterfowl,” the release said.
An investigation said the cause was identified as an error at the Water Pollution Control Plant.
“An investigation found a manual operation error at the County’s Water Pollution Control Plant that released higher-than-usual levels of sodium hypochlorite into the waterway late on March 12 as part of the regular wastewater treatment process,” the release said. “A correction was made in less than 90 minutes. As of 2 p.m. [Wednesday], water quality levels in Four Mile Run are returning to normal.”
The release noted that there is no ongoing threat to Four Mile Run and officials at the plant will “review and refine procedures” in coordination with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
“Arlington officials are addressing the Plant’s procedures in coordination with DEQ,” the release said.
County environmental staff are investigating a fish kill along Four Mile Run between Mount Vernon Avenue and Route 1. Avoid contact with the water for at least the next 48 hours. Updates will be posted. https://t.co/p4B3tho8rg pic.twitter.com/LLsE1XZpqq
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) March 13, 2024
