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Oct
6
Written by:
ODNR Division of Wildlife
10/6/2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2010
Darke County Farmer Takes Responsibility for Pollution of Local Waterway
Over $13,000 in restitution will be paid
VERSAILLES, OH – Heavy rains in June 2010 caused the release of manure into the Indian Creek from a livestock production farm near Versailles. Oxygen levels were temporarily depleted in an eight mile stretch downstream of the Schmitmeyer farm located on York Rd. As a result of the manure runoff more than 24,000 fish and other aquatic wildlife were killed according to the ODNR Division of Wildlife.
The Division of Wildlife in cooperation with the Ohio EPA, Darke County SWCD and NRCS met with the farmer, Chris Schmitmeyer, and conducted an investigation into the event. The investigation was completed in September of 2010. “The farmer has been very cooperative with the investigation,” said David L. Brown, Division of Wildlife law enforcement supervisor for southwest Ohio. “This is an unfortunate circumstance, and the farmer’s insurance company has agreed to pay $13,513.12 in restitution to the Division of Wildlife.”
The Division of Wildlife encourages anyone who is aware of a possible violation of wildlife laws to call the Turn In a Poacher (TIP) line at 1-800-POACHER or click here for TIP form. Callers can remain anonymous.
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