IDNR Says Winona Lake Is Safe
(Photo from Indiana DNR Law District 1)
Winona Lake contamination from Chemical Plant fire undetectable and lake users are encouraged to visit the lake.
Indiana Conservation Officers have been working with city officials of Warsaw as well as the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) ever since the fire at Warsaw Chemical Company took place last Friday to protect the natural resources.
IDEM agent Rich Hackle again today as he has in each day since the spill tested the water and found no amount of chemical in his water tests. Hackle advised the oxygen level is normal and all his field screens that he uses to detect chemical presence have turned up negative. Fisherman should rest assured that the fish are safe to eat from the lake.
There are live minnows directly beneath the water outfall where the initial contamination entered the lake. There are also waterfowl swimming and feeding in the area where the initial contamination was observed. Fisherman and lake enthusiasts are encouraged to return to their normal use of the lake, keeping in mind that no ice is safe ice.
Users of the lake should always determine the ice thickness before venturing out onto the lake just as you would at any other time of the winter when the lake is ice covered. Indiana Conservation Officers recommend there be at least 4” of clear ice before pedestrian traffic should use the lake. A minimum of 6 inches of clear ice is recommended to operate an ATV on the ice.
Indiana Conservation Officers want to thank all involved emergency response agencies for their assistance at the fire scene and in the days after to help protect Winona Lake and it’s fish and wildlife resources.
Source: Indiana Department of Resources
Related Articles:
- UPDATE: Warsaw Chemical Fire And Winona Lake
- Mayor Thallemer On The Warsaw Chemical Fire
- Center For Lakes And Streams: Warsaw Chemical Fire And WInona Lake
- Warsaw Police Issues Statement On Warsaw Chemical Fire
- Chemical Fire Releases Potentially Hazardous Materials Into Winona Lake
- Fire At Warsaw Chemical
