Dead fish turning up in Ogeechee River: The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and USEPA have responded to a fish kill occurring on an approximate 35-40 mile segment of the Ogeechee River in the Counties of Screven and Bulloch with possible effects in Bryan, Chatham, and Effingham Counties.  Until the cause of the kill is determined, citizens are advised to avoid swimming or consuming fish taken from the Ogeechee River in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Screven Counties.  As a further precaution, the following areas will be closed for recreation until GA DNR determines that the threat is gone: B23, B24, C16, C17, and C18.  For more information please contact the Fort Stewart Fish and Wildlife Office at 912-767-2584. 

UPDATE 3 JUNE 2011:  Areas B-23, B-24, and C-18 have been opened for recreational use if not scheduled for Military training.  These areas were closed as a precaution in response to the Ogeechee River fish kill.  There is no indication that the Ogeechee River fish kill had any effect in the Canoochee River.  Please report any dead fish or fish with sores/lesions to 767-2584.  Do not eat any fish that appear unhealthy. 

The State of Georgia's fish consumption advisory for the Ogeechee River remains in effect pending results of fish tissue analysis.  Therefore, training areas C-16 and C-17 will remain closed until further notice.

Anyone spotting dead fish in or near the banks for the Ogeechee River should report this immediately to Fort Stewart Fish and Wildlife Office at 912-767-2584. 

Date of last update: 06/03/2011