Dead fish discovery prompts investigation by TCEQ after Harlingen water spill

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Days after a cotton mill fire in Harlingen, environmental authorities are investigating runoff water that is being connected to the discovery of dead fish.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is investigating the spill that they say resulted from firefighting runoff at the Valley Co-op Oil Mill facility in Harlingen.

Last week, ValleyCentral reported on the cotton mill fire at the Valley Co-op Oil Mill in Harlingen that officials say smoldered for four days. Firefighters actively worked to monitor and extinguish the cottonseed that burned at the mill.

Harlingen Assistant Fire Chief Ruben Balboa said the cotton mill was full as cotton-picking season is underway in South Texas. He said crews worked day and night on the fire and used air packs to safely enter the mill and extract any cotton that was on fire or near the smoldering cottonseed.

While no immediate injuries were reported in connection with the days-long fire, authorities were made aware of multiple species of fish that were found dead in a canal Aug. 14 where the water from the cotton mill ran off. Authorities now believe the water was contaminated. 

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is coordinating with TCEQ and told ValleyCentral that runoff water from the fire operations entered the stormwater drainage system and went into a ditch system, resulting in the death of multiple species of fish. The fish that were killed were mainly tilapia, carp and armored catfish, according to TPWD.

"The responsible party is continuing to work with their remediation contractor to contain the spill and collect the discharge," the TCEQ stated.

Cameron County Drainage District #5 took to social media to advise the public that berms have been built to keep water from entering the drainage.

Berms have been built to keep water from entering Cameron County Drainage inlets. (Cameron County Drainage District 5)

Berms have been built to keep water from entering Cameron County Drainage inlets. (Cameron County Drainage District 5)

"Cameron County Drainage District No. 5 operates under state law with a single purpose: to move stormwater from the communities we serve through our drainage system and into the Arroyo," the statement read. "A few days ago, unauthorized water entered the system, and we immediately notified TCEQ. CCDD5 Staff met with their investigators onsite that same morning. Their investigation traced the discharge to a company that recently experienced a fire. TCEQ required the company to begin immediate remediation, including building these berms, and a local firm has been actively working since then."

Additionally, the TCEQ stated that it will continue to monitor the clean-up and ensure compliance with its spill prevention and control rule requirements, including proper disposal of collected discharge.