Features Regional Regulations
Ohio farmer takes responsibility for pollution

October 12, 2010,
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. As a result of the manure runoff more than
24,000 fish and other aquatic wildlife were killed according to the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
October 12, 2010,
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. As a result of the manure runoff more than
24,000 fish and other aquatic wildlife were killed according to the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources (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.”