Investigation Into Dead Fish Underway In Cocke County

The TWRA along with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation are investigating a large number of dead fish that are showing up in the Pigeon River in Cocke County. The dead fish were reported to TWRA officers between Edwina Bridge and downstream to the area behind the Newport police station in downtown Newport. According to the TWRA, there are a variety of fish species that are involved. They also believe there are probably more dead fish farther upriver. TWRA biologists are currently investigating and are looking into chemical runoff from agriculture fields due to the recent heavy rains. Investigators from Knoxville have been brought in to assist with that investigation.