<< Chuck, thanks for the updates on the spill. When you asked the state
fishery reps about any T&E fish in the White River, did anyone else there
seemed concerned about that?>>
There was no vocal concern. But the way the meeting was (and probably had to
be) run, it wasn't easy for anyone else to chime in.
I still wonder if the DNR's response was accurate. Of course, everything
that was endangered or of special concern may have been killed off years ago
by the other abuses to the river.
<< I'm just wondering what things concern the locals most. Is it the loss
of game fish, effects on drinking water, etc.
Sorry if your other messages covered this. I've been unable to read list
messages over the past few weeks, and I'm trying to get to them as I can. >>
I'm sure there were a lot of common concerns, but I think most had
prioritized concerns. For instance, those who drink well water close to the
river may have been concerned about the loss of fish, etc., but their main
concern was "is my well water safe to drink." The fishermen were worried
about the bass and catfish. The couple who own the only bait shop in
Noblesville are worried about how they can survive financially.
One lady's good question was what will happen to all the birds (herons,
Kingfishers, etc.) dependent on the fish for survival. (As I recall, DNR
said at least they have the mobility to move to other locations. No comment
made about survival rates or what disruptions and stresses that puts on other
ecosystems.) DoesShireen or any other birders have comment on that?
Though is was not mentioned at the meeting, that would lead to the question
of what other types of life are dependent on a fish population and what
happens to them: water snakes, turtles, some mammals. Comments welcome.
The people who live right on the river had even more and practical concerns:
their day to day life is involved. Kids, cats and dogs can't be outside or
they might come in contact with river water.
One thing I have observed is that this sure has gotten the public's attention
and is remaining there. Maybe the magnitude of the kill and that it happened
in a more populated and economically successful population are had something
to do with it.
I hope this doesn't just die down in a few months. And then we complacently
go back to slowly poisoning ourselves and nature rather than doing it in
massive doses.
Chuck Church
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
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