A chemical used in the water treatment process leaked into the Arkansas River early Wednesday morning near downtown. Public Works & Utilities maintenance crews have plugged the leak to stop the release of chemicals.
Ferric sulfate, which is used to settle out particles in untreated water as it flows into the plant, leaked through a corroded drain pipe at the treatment plant. The chemical release resulted in dead fish.
City officials have reported the chemical release and fish kill to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment and the appropriate divisions of the Environmental Protection Agency.
KDHE has determined that the chemical release poses no health risk to the public.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism has been notified of the fish kill.
The City will work closely with those agencies as it continues its investigation.