EDON, Ohio — 11 Investigates has learned that Ohio Environmental Protection Agency water tests have indicated that high ammonia levels were detected in sampling from near Williams County’s Fish Creek.
The area was the focus of a series of stories by 11 Investigates over the summer. Residents complained to the state that large manure piles were being left in the open by Schmucker Family Farms property owners. The family is one of the state’s largest meat producers and is estimated to have as many as 100,000 cattle in the far northwest corner of the state.
Ohio EPA Director Anne Vogel said late this afternoon that sampling was done at seven different locations around and in Fish and Bear creeks, both tributaries of the Maumee River. Three tests took place in September and the most recent on Oct. 16. The most concerning results were found in a Fish Creek tributary north of Edon, near the Indiana line. Ammonia levels were more than three times acceptable levels. Vogel confirmed she believes the elevated levels are from manure.
Vogel said the source was likely two drainage pipes on the property of Noah Schmucker. In the spring, he was one of several family property owners cited by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and OEPA for improper manure handling. Vogel said all the previous violations were quickly repaired, but Noah Schmucker was issued a notice of violation for the latest discharge.