DNR report claims City of Columbia pool contaminated creek

The Department of Natural Resources says a Columbia city pool leaked chlorine into Bear Creek causing fish to die.

Both the DNR and the Department of Conservation opened investigations on the chlorine findings after a report from a concerned party on July 15.

ABC 17 News went Tuesday to the site of the fish kill and talked with people who live there and use the trail.

“Yes it does concern me, I walk my dog almost every single day and there’s a nice little place for her to go swimming, and she likes to drink a lot, so it does concern me,” Laurie Ely said. “I’m concerned for her health and everybody else’s.”

A call to Columbia Parks and Recreation was not returned Tuesday, but department Director Mike Griggs said Monday that the city inspected the Albert-Oakland Aquatic Center near Bear Creek and could not find any evidence of leaks.

The city has been unable to determine the source, he said.

Chlorine has to dissipate naturally over time.