Storms and drought converge to trigger mass fish die-off on the Chattahoochee River near Atlanta

A massive die-off of thousands of fish along a 20-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River west of Atlanta followed a severe thunderstorm that dumped heavy rain. City officials say drought left the river low and warm, limiting its ability to absorb the stormwater heat and nutrients, while Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and the City of Atlanta are investigating the role of stormwater and potential sewage discharges. Preliminary data suggests the tunnel system operated within permits, but tests are ongoing as investigators look into contributing factors and water quality impacts.