GLADSTONE, MI-- Officials say a recent fish kill in the Escanaba River was the result of the release of “black liquor” by Verso’s Escanaba Paper Mill.
The kill was reported August 9 along the southern portion of the river at Gladstone. The Department of the Environment, Great Lakes and Energy says prior to the incident the mill reported a ruptured pipe. It released black liquor into the facility’s wastewater treatment system and overwhelmed it, causing an outflow into the river.
Black liquor is a high-strength organic pollutant derived from the breakdown of pulpwood.
At least a dozen species of fish were affected by the release. The pipe has been repaired and EGLE says the river has recovered.
Verso will be cited for discharge permit violations. Enforcement may include resource compensation to reinvest in the fishery.
