Hundreds Of Fish Die In Northside Pond, Florida

People living near a Northside pond said toxic chemicals from a construction site may be what has killed hundreds of fish. Residents who live near the pond off Oak Lawn Road said they’ve enjoyed the pond for years, calling it a place of relaxation where they can appreciate nature and do a little bit of fishing from time to time.

But over the weekend, the pond developed a strong odor and had dead fish floating all over it. No one knows for sure what’s wrong with the pond. Researchers with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the city are running tests to find out. But several neighbors said they suspect chemicals that have run off from a nearby construction site may be to blame.

Last week’s storms washed out toxic chemicals that were dumped near a home under construction. A trail of chemicals coming from the house into a storm drain, which leads directly to the retention pond, could be seen Monday. Residents who live in the neighborhood said the body of water has always been a place for the community to get together and enjoy the Florida lifestyle. But now everyone’s staying away.

While the city and state are still investigating, neighbors said they’ve gotten a little bit of help. On Monday, a company came by and volunteered its time cleaning up the dead fish and disposing of them properly. The home builders from the construction site said they are aware of the allegations and are actively looking into them. They said they are known for keeping clean sites and being environmentally responsible. (SoTT)