An investigation by the Ministry of the Environment points to the cause of the widespread Lake Erie fish kill to be a natural occurrence.

The testing has revealed no pollution or spill. It appears there was an up-welling of organic debris and unoxygenated water from the bottom of the lake into the surface layer, creating a sewage-like smell and killing the fish.

Chatham-Kent Public Utilities, as a precaution, increased sampling of the water since the occurrence. Dr. David Colby, Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health, notes that results indicate no need for additional treatment of the water and that the quality of the drinking water has never been impaired. 

In terms of potential human hazard, Dr. Colby believes this to be primarily an environmental, not health, issue and no special precautions are advised