DEP Rules Out Pollution as Cause of Merrimack River Fish Kill

Members of the Department of Environmental Protection were in Haverhill on July 13 to investigate after an influx of dead carp washed ashore from the Merrimack River. (Courtesy photograph)

Members of the Department of Environmental Protection were in Haverhill on July 13 to investigate after an influx of dead carp washed ashore from the Merrimack River. (Courtesy photograph)

The state’s Department of Environmental Protection Monday ruled out pollution as a cause of a recent Merrimack River fish kill, WHAV has confirmed.

Representatives from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Coast Guard and the DEP met with members of the Haverhill Conservation Commission on Friday, July 13 after an influx of carp washed ashore in the city’s Water Street area, the Commission’s Community Affairs Liaison Ralph Basiliere told WHAV.

Following the investigation, the state agencies concluded that the kill is a naturally occurring event due to the recent heat wave. An added strain was put on the carp population in the Merrimack because the fish were spawning, Basiliere said.

“When fish are spawning, they are very physically stressed, much like if we ran a marathon, and combined with the hot temperatures and lower oxygen levels, it makes them susceptible to disease,” said Basiliere. “The DEP has told us there’s no risk to public health.”

Testing was conducted in various spots across the city and the fish had been dead for seven or eight days, leaving officials to suspect the heat as a cause.

The Massachusetts DEP’s analysis also confirmed that oil and chemicals were not present in the water, Basiliere said.