Charlotte, North Carolina – On May 30, 2008, more than 2,000 dead fish were detected in Lake Wylie in both Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties south of Hwy. 27 and north of Wilkinson Boulevard. The fish kill was investigated cooperatively by staff of the N.C. Division of Water Quality and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services. Water samples were collected in the area of the fish kill and delivered to a laboratory for analysis. Laboratory results received today are inconclusive and the cause of the fish kill remains unknown. The investigation into the cause is ongoing.   

Water quality field measurements collected earlier this week in the area of the fish kill indicate normal water quality conditions. No additional dead or dying fish have been observed in the area since May 30^th. However, since the cause of the fish kill remains unknown, swimmers, boaters and fishermen are advised to use discretion in the area of Lake Wylie in both Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties south of Hwy. 27 and north of Wilkinson Boulevard.

Media Contact with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services:

Rusty Rozzelle
Storm Water Services/County Water Quality Program Manager
704-336-5449 or rusty.rozzelle@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Media Contact with the NC Division of Water Quality:

Susan Massengale, Public Information Officer
919-733-5083 (ext. 227)