North Augusta to sample Brick Pond after fish kills and algae observed; waterfall pumps to be replaced

City public works staff reported recent observations of dead fish and an algae bloom in the constructed wetlands portion of Brick Pond and said the city will conduct water sampling and repair aeration pumps.

Tom Zeeser, director of public works, said staff received reports and observed dead fish and signs of an algal bloom in the ponds between Center Street and Georgia Avenue. The city notified the state agency referenced in the meeting as the South Carolina DES harmful-algae division; based on information provided, that agency "didn't see any need for them to take any action at this time," Zeeser said.

Zeeser said city staff will collect on-site samples the next day for dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and nutrient levels to determine whether elevated nutrients might be fueling the algae. He also said the city will run E. coli tests to rule out illicit wastewater discharge; E. coli results are expected within about 24 hours, while nutrient laboratory results can take up to three weeks.

Zeeser noted that some Brick Pond waterfalls are functional features that provide aeration and that the pumps for those waterfalls had been out of service "for some time." He said property-maintenance staff are replacing the pumps this week and that aeration improvements may reduce algae and fish-stress conditions.

City response and next steps: Zeeser said staff will report results as needed after sampling; the city also received assistance from public safety earlier the same day relating to people handling alligators at the ponds.

Ending: City administration said it values Brick Pond Park as a community asset and will continue to investigate causes of fish mortality and algae blooms and take corrective action as warranted by test results.