Barnett Park still closed while officials investigate fish kill

McCOOK, Neb. -- Barnett Park was closed Sunday for safety reasons after a significant number of dead fish were discovered in the north pond.

The cause is likely reduced oxygen levels stemming from cloudy weather, although the possibility of a toxin will not be ruled out until further testing is done, according to Game and Parks officials.

Experts refer to the occurrence as an "oxygen dump" and Nebraska Game and Parks Conservation Officer Brian Piernicky said it's an explanation that would make sense, given the weather prior to the event. A lack of sunlight reduces the amount of oxygen produced by vegetation in the ponds and fish literally can't breathe, he said.

Similar mass fish kills have unfortunately been commonplace in the shallow north pond of Barnett Park in recent years and Piernicky said this was the second occurrence this year. He said similar scenarios have occurred every year since he has been in the area but added this one did appear to be one of the worst.

Piernicky said the chances of a toxin being responsible were slim but state and local officials preferred to err on the side of caution and closed the ponds to protect pets and people until the cause could be determined.

Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff said the park would remain closed Tuesday and the city planned to reevaluate the situation Wednesday. City crews were working to clean up dead fish in the pond and hope the odor stemming from the fish kill improves quickly.

Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality testing is expected to be completed early this week, and possibly within the next 24 hours, although Potthoff said it could be delayed due to the shortened holiday week. He hoped to have the park open for visitors in the coming days but reiterated safety would remain a priority.