Salt water leak kills over 28 cattle in Oklahoma
(PHOTO: Still from a News 9 video of Five-Mile Creek.)
Ranchers in western Oklahoma are facing dozens of cattle losses after a creek, which runs through multiple properties in Caddo County, Oklahoma, was contaminated with salt water. Multiple cattle died after drinking from the water source known as Five-Mile Creek, which is located along the northwest side of the county, not far from the Washita County border. The creek is closest to the towns of Colony and Eakly, Oklahoma.
A cattle producer who owns cattle along the creek said he noticed some dead fish in the water in August, but did not investigate further. Last week cattle started dying in the pastures that adjoin Five-Mile Creek and several affected ranchers discovered saltwater bubbling up near the creek bed.
One rancher, whose cattle depended on the Five-Mile Creek, as his water source has already lost 28 head of cattle with more showing symptoms. The total number livestock deaths and producers affected is unknown at this time.
Symptoms of salt water toxicosis include salivation, increased thirst, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Affected animals will often exhibit ataxia, circling, blindness, seizures, aggressive behavior, partial paralysis, and death. Animals with salt water toxicosis can recover from the condition if it is diagnosed at an early stage and they slowly receive fresh water to restore their electrolyte balance.
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission started an investigation on Sept. 17 to determine the source of the leak, collect water samples and dig trenches to reroute water from the creek. Crews have been pumping the contaminated water into tanker trucks for removal.
“OGCD field and environmental personnel remain actively engaged testing and assessing as part of the ongoing investigation,” said Trey Davis, director of communications with the Oil and Gas Conservation Division. “As expected, diverting the liquid away from Five-Mile Creek into a retention trench dug for that purpose has reduced levels of contamination in the creek and, to an even greater degree, downstream. Pump trucks continued over the weekend and into today to remove the liquid from the trench and haul it away for safe disposal. OGCD is on site to ensure and direct implementation of all steps necessary to safeguard the public and the environment.”
Since the OCC investigation has begun, an incident report indicates the cause of the livestock deaths was a salt water leak, and according to the report, it may have originated from the Pearcy well, a saltwater disposal well operated by Nject Disposal LLC. The OCC has not confirmed this information, but is expected to release additional information about the salt water leak on Oct. 6.
For now, cattle producers in Caddo County are reeling from their stock losses in a time when the cattle market is at an all-time high and concerned for the long-term impacts the contamination could have on the water, their land, livestock, and community.
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
