The Gist: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is reopening sections of the river affected by elevated E. Coli contamination.
The park closed these sections last week due to a public health risk. However, the river remains closed between Chattahoochee Nature Center and Powers Island.
What Happened? Last week, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area closed sections of the Chattahoochee River due to elevated levels of E. Coli contamination. The closure was a response to a public health risk caused by an issue at the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility.
What’s Open?: While the sections of the river below Powers Island now meet the recommended criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency in terms of bacterial levels, the closure remains in effect between Chattahoochee Nature Center and Powers Island.
The park and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper continue to monitor and test the water quality through the BacteriALERT partnership.
What’s Next? Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper will continue to closely monitor and test the water quality. This ongoing assessment will enable them to evaluate the impacts on wildlife, vegetation, and aquatic resources.
Additionally, Fulton County Public Works will continue treatment at the Big Creek facility to ensure that all wastewater meets the permitting requirements established by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
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