TWRA, EPA Contain Unknown Hickman Creek Substance, Continue Testing

Officials have located where the unknown substance killing fish is entering DeKalb County’s Hickman Creek.

EMA Director Charlie Parker said the product enters the creek near Edgewood Street area in Alexandria and has since been contained. However, the source not yet found.

“The EPA contractors have managed to dig like almost like a well where they can put a pump into that,” Parker said. “At this time, they are pumping that into an above ground storage tank.”

Parker said TWRA and EPA continue to test the water and meet with local officials daily to share information. Parker said at this time, the departments do not have an idea on what the substance is but have ruled out petroleum or natural gas.

“They’ve also went upstream and downstream,” Parker said. “Downstream, they went down far enough to where they have found the affected area where fish are still thriving and everything is good down there. We got a definite point. It’s really not moved that much.”

Parker said emergency services still ask residents to avoid using Hickman Creek. The product was first reported last week after several dead fish and a sheen on the water were found.

Parker said the loss of aquatic life has also decreased. Parker said TWAR has aerated the water to help the fish population survive.