ROBBINSVILLE, N.C. (AP) -- Leaders of a western North Carolina town are blaming some workers for dumping sludge from its drinking water treatment plant near a local creek instead of into the town's sewer system.
Robbinsville town leaders said in a news release Friday they deeply regretted what happened and said it had taken disciplinary action against those involved in what they called an improper discharge Wednesday in or near Long Creek.
The state Division of Water Quality said it was still investigating the discharge of up to 4,000 gallons and determining appropriate action.
A division spokeswoman said almost a mile of Long Creek was affected by the sludge, and Graham County health officials reported a fish kill. Local emergency officials worked to stop the sludge flow.
Robbinsville is 90 miles southwest of Asheville.
