I can understand that you tune in to read about subjects you don’t know and that you count on journalists to give you that info. But it’s a new world today, which is why at this late stage in my life I’m turning over a new leaf as a journalist, though admittedly there is a learning curve I’m still riding.
Today the subject is the health of Oak Creek after the Pocket Fire, and instead of giving you the answers I found, I am writing to say I have not found any answers.
I got the number of Natalie Mulienberg, of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, from Dick Fleishman, as the state lead, but calls to her went unanswered.
Finally I got a call from
Alma Suarez, who at first assured me she would help with my questions but asked that I email them. Now we are about 5 days in from when I made contact.
I sent this email:
Thanks for your help with my questions for an article for the Bobcat Gazette.
- Can you describe the conditions of Oak Creek directly after the fire and then also where it is now?
- What is the water quality now?
- I have heard of fish dying off. Can you comment on this and also an estimate when they will be able to live in the creek again?
- What other wildlife/birds are being impacted?
- Are rescue centers helping with displaced animals? What can locals do?
- When will the water be clear again?
- Is it safe for swimming? wading?
- Is septic seepage and pollution part of the problem at this time?
- How is this affecting The Verde river?
Two days later I got an email saying they got the questions, but still no answers. Then I got this:
Hi Tara,
Thank you for contacting the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). We understand the community's concerns regarding the Pocket Fire and its potential impacts on the environment and local wildlife. Oak Creek is one of Arizona's most cherished waterways, providing a vital resource for recreation, wildlife, and our local communities.
We are currently monitoring the aftermath of the Pocket Fire to assess potential impacts on Oak Creek’s water quality. Our role involves active environmental monitoring and data assessment to ensure the protection of the waterway.
Questions regarding fish, wildlife, recreation, public safety, burn severity, flooding potential, debris flows, and other post-fire conditions are being handled by the U.S. Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. I have copied both agencies media contacts so they can assist with those questions directly.
Regarding the water quality, ADEQ is still assessing the water quality at Oak Creek and whether runoff from the Pocket Fire affected Oak Creek. Wildfires can increase ash, sediment and debris entering waterways following rain events, which can temporarily affect water quality.
We collected surface water samples from Oak Creek on Friday, July 17. Results from that analysis generally take six weeks at the lab. ADEQ intends to continue sampling in the watershed to understand the impacts of the fire and protect the health of the waterway. ADEQ and its partners have invested significant time and resources to protect and enhance Oak Creek water quality, and will continue to monitor the water quality. For information on projects and our partners in Oak Creek, see azdeq.gov/OakCreek-Overview.
Thank you,
Alma
Alma Suarez
Deputy Public Information Officer for Water Quality
I do believe there are people in town more knowledgeable than me about the creek and water quality. I would welcome some solid help at this point. I don't need negative comments or directions on how to proceed. Seeking people who might know the answers to the questions above.