Officials Say Bourbon Spill Killing Fish

State and federal officials say that the Kentucky River is showing the effects of the alcohol that spilled as a result of the July 2 fire at the Jim Beam bourbon warehouse in Woodford County.

The agencies are seeing increasing quantities of dead and distressed fish. Other impacts observed on the river include foaming, discoloration, and odor.

Teams from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and representatives from Beam Suntory have been sampling water oxygen levels and documenting the number of fish killed.

The agencies are urging caution regarding the consumption of distressed fish. They recommend that if you discover fish that appear to be unhealthy or dying, do not capture or eat the fish. Never consume fish that have already died.

Fishing and other recreation along the river is not prohibited at this time, but users are encouraged to be aware of conditions before using the waterway.