The death of thousands of Atlantic Menhaden discovered in Oyster Creek's discharge canal is being investigated by the State department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and a biologist. Oyster Creek spokeswoman Suzanne D'Ambrosio said Exelon Generation is working closely with the DEP and an independent pathologist to better understand the cause of death of more than 5,000 fish.

"Early results of a fish study underway confirm that large numbers of Atlantic Menhaden, a common bait fish known as bunker, are becoming stressed and dying as predatory fish drive them into colder waters. There is no indication that this environmental anomaly is the result of plant operations," D'Ambrosio said in a written statement.

D'Ambrosio said Oyster Creek will be cleaning up the canal working closely with the DEP and local experts.

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