Dead fish were discovered in the Emory River on June 24, just weeks after a train derailment spilled ethanol into the waterway, according to the Morgan County Emergency Management Agency.

Officials determined the fish died due to low dissolved oxygen levels in the river. Ethanol leaked from several rail cars involved in the June 11 derailment, and as microbes and bacteria break down the ethanol, the process consumes oxygen from the water, harming aquatic life.

Morgan County EMA has been monitoring ethanol and dissolved oxygen levels since the derailment. Aeration efforts are underway to help restore oxygen levels. Surface water sampling shows ethanol concentrations are well below human health advisory levels.

On June 24, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) confirmed the water is clear of contamination and lifted a temporary advisory for the Emory River.

Anyone who observes dead fish or other aquatic die-offs is asked to report them to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 1-800-332-0900.