FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. — "Thousands" of fish carcasses have washed up in Fredericktown, Missouri, downstream of a large lithium battery plant that caught fire, multiple residents told 5 On Your Side Friday.
The fire happened Wednesday at Critical Mineral Recovery, a battery recycling facility near the community. Multiple homes within a mile of the facility were evacuated due to pollution and health concerns. Residents were allowed back in their homes on Thursday.
5 On Your Side crews visited Village Creek on Friday after the fish kill reports. A white substance that resembled foam was floating on the water's surface in numerous areas.
The fish kill in Village Creek was confirmed by Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of Environmental Quality Information Officer Brian Quinn. He said the investigation is being led by the Missouri Department of Conservation, but testing results likely won't be available until next week.
"The assumption is that the fish kill is from runoff from firefighting at CMR, but even that is an assumption," Quinn said. "If it is linked to that, we won't know until samples are back if it was actually chemical exposure or lack of oxygen. The benefit from our perspective is the heavy rains that went through and more rain that's forecast will, or at least should, improve the situation as far as dilution. If there is a bright spot in this, it's that."
Certain firefighting foams and retardants have previously been found to contain "forever chemicals," or PFAS, which are linked to harmful effects on humans and animals, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Potential impacts include groundwater, surface water, and potential drinking water contamination.
5 On Your Side has attempted to reach out multiple times to Missouri Department of Conservation officials in the region. We have not received a response as of this article's publication.
