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August 4, 2000 Contact: Melinda Carl or Maria Taylor, DNREC Information and Education, 302-739-4506 and Allison Taylor Levine, Division of Public Health, 302-739-2005 Pfiesteria Found in Water Sampled at Arnell CreekThe Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announces that two independent laboratories have confirmed the presence of Pfiesteria piscicida in water sampled July 19 at upper Arnell Creek. Arnell Creek is located near the mouth of Love Creek in northern Rehoboth Bay and was the site of an approximately 200,000 (revised from initial estimates of 500,000) fish kill of juvenile menhaden on July 19. None of the menhaden had lesions and none of the tests could confirm if the Pfiesteria was toxic. The Department was informed today that the Pfiesteria-like organism (PLO) count in the water was 37,000 cells per milliliter. Scientists believe that Pfiesteria is not uncommon in Delaware waterways in a dormant or non-toxic state, but Delaware’s highest PLO count previously was 300 cells per milliliter from water sampled in August 1997. Additional tests are underway on the July 19 water samples, and further sampling and testing of water at Arnell Creek will be conducted early next week. As part of its routine Pfiesteria monitoring by the Department, Pfiesteria piscicida was also found in water sampled at Little Assawoman Bay last month. However, there have been no fish kills or evidence of toxic Pfiesteria activity in Little Assawoman Bay. No additional health advisories are being issued as a result of these findings. However; the public is asked to use common sense in the area of Arnell Creek and to stay away from areas with dead or dying fish and to report immediately any sightings of dead fish to the Department at 1-800-662-8802. -30- Document no. 40-01/00/08/05 |
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