Kansas Sate Seal

KANSAS
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT
BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR
Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary

 

 

 

For Immediate Release

December 21, 1998

Contact: Don Brown, 785-296-1529

 

KDHE Issues Health Advisory for Stream in Jackson County


The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a health advisory for an unnamed tributary to South Cedar Creek in Jackson county near Mayetta. A KDHE investigation indicates that a sewage spill occurred on December 12, 1998 while a contractor was working on a construction project on the Mayetta wastewater lagoon system.

KDHE strongly discourages human contact with waters in the tributary between the Mayetta wastewater lagoon and the point where it meets South Cedar Creek. KDHE cooperated with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks during the investigation of a fishkill downstream from the wastewater lagoon. Water samples taken from the tributary show elevated levels of bacteria that are likely associated with the presence of sewage from the spill.

It is not believed that the sewage spill in the waterway will contaminate any private drinking water wells. However, homeowners with water wells located within 300 feet of the tributary may wish to contact NEK Environmental Services in Troy, KS, at 785-985-2778 about having their well evaluated. Landowners with livestock adjacent to the tributary may wish to contact a veterinarian about livestock watering concerns.

Clean-up activities along the stream began on December 17, 1998. KDHE will continue to monitor and evaluate the extent of the environmental impact to determine the need for additional clean-up and appropriate enforcement response.

Back to 1998 KDHE News Release Index