DINWIDDIE COUNTY, Va. -- The contamination of Stony Creek in Dinwiddie County is a significant situation that needs to be addressed, according to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Last week part of the 16-mile creek which runs through Dinwiddie County smelled really bad and had changed color.
The health department issued a warning for people to avoid contact with the water due to fecal coliform from animal waste.
Investigators found one site where there was a problem.
Now CBS 6 has learned that a slurry or grain by-product material is also part of the problem on that property and DEQ is checking whether or not a slurry has been placed on other properties adjacent to Stony Creek.
A species of mussel may also be affected by the runoff into Stony Creek.
The Federal Department of Agriculture, US Wildlife and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries are also involved in the investigation, along with Dinwiddie County officials.
Farmers are also concerned, since some pull water from the creek to use for irrigation.
"I'm concerned about everything, the wildlife, the products, everything," said John Eubank, a Dinwiddie County farmer.
Hunters are concerned about wildlife drinking from the water, along with fisherman who worry about what may happen to fish in the creek.
There is also concern because Stony Creek flows into the Nottoway River in Sussex County.
We're scared to go back there with the dogs, we don't want them in the creek until we find out," said Bobby Perkins, who owns property next to Stony Creek. "We don't know if wildlife drinks out of the creek, going to die or be affected or be safe to eat."
