The Georgia Environmental Protection Division, DNR Wildlife Division and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have responded to a fish kill on a 35- to 40-mile segment of the Ogeechee River in Screven and Bulloch counties with possible effects in Bryan, Chatham and Effingham counties.

Until the cause of the kill is determined, and in the interest of public safety, residents are advised to avoid swimming or consuming fish taken from the Ogeechee River in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Screven counties. EPD will issue further guidance by mid-week or as soon as test results become available.

Early testing conducted over the past three days has not identified a cause for the kill and the investigation is ongoing. A comprehensive sampling investigation began Sunday morning by state and federal agencies. Data for review may be available for review as early as Wednesday.