(WKYT) – An investigation is underway after a strange color and odor was discovered in a southern Kentucky creek.
The EPA was called when issues were found in Mitchell Creek, which is near London in Laurel County.
Douglass Arnett was driving on County Farm Road near his home west of London when he noticed the problem. He says the windows were rolled down and the smell was the first thing that hit him. He stopped and was taken back by what he saw in the water.
“There was gray water as far as you can see this way and that way. It was very nasty water,” Arnett said.
In recent days the color has improved but the smell does remain. He says it’s almost like raw sewage or that of a dead animal.
“Something was definitely in there. Not only causing the water color but also the smell,” Arnett said.
An official with the EPA says there is an open investigation. This creek does flow into the Rockcastle River eventually but officials say anything in the creek would be heavily diluted by the time it reaches a major waterway.
The Kentucky Division of Water is also involved.
“It was really a milky, dark kind of gray. A deep thick kind of gray. Almost like paint or something,” Arnett said.
Arnett says shortly after he called to report the issue someone from the EPA said they were on their way.
“The response was great. It was wonderful to call the office on Monday morning and someone answer the phone,” Arnett said.
He is now anxious to find out what the substance is and what the impact may be on the waterway.
Officials say they should know more about the situation Tuesday but answers may not be made public until next week.