(Rapid City, SD) — A sudden mass fish kill at Memorial Pond has Rapid City crews working overtime to clean up and investigate. Hundreds of dead fish and crayfish surfaced over the weekend after a strong algal bloom choked the water of oxygen. Officials say hot weather, sunlight, and fertilizer runoff fueled the bloom. About 25 percent of the lake’s fish were lost, and crews are now testing for ammonia, E. coli, and other possible causes, with full results expected later this week. The lake remains under close watch as recovery efforts continue.
