A mysterious fish kill in the Ogeechee River has the Environmental Protection Division closing landings and warning people not to swim in or eat fish from the river.
      According to Bulloch County Public Safety Director Ted Wynn, state environmental officials will perform an inspection today at King America Finishing, a fabric finishing plant 15 miles from Sylvania along the Ogeechee River.
      While the cause of the fish kill has not yet been determined, environmentalists began conducting tests Sunday morning, and say results of those tests may be available as soon as Wednesday.
      Tests are being conducted today at landings along Ga. 119, Wynn said.
      The river landings closed are through a 40-mile stretch in Bulloch and Screven counties, but officials say areas in Chatham, Effingham and Bryan may also be affected. In the past, environmentalists have issued warnings limiting the number of fish that can be eaten from Georgia rivers, including the Ogeechee, due to high levels of mercury.
      Although only public landings are being closed, those with private access to the river are urged to take caution and not swim in, enter or eat any fish taken from the river until further information is obtained.
      Wynn said Bulloch County Sheriff's deputies are delivering fliers to private landowners along the river warning them of the dangers. Concrete barriers were placed at public landings Sunday night, along with posted warnings.
      Further information will be published by the Statesboro Herald as it is available.