New Information: The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is keeping a section of the river from Chattahoochee Nature Center (river mile 315.5) to Powers Island (river mile 307.5) closed at this time due to data that is not yet below the EPA recommendations for safe water recreation.
The Park continues to work with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper to monitor water quality and has requested updated information from Fulton County.
Background Information: Earlier this month, sections of the Chattahoochee River were closed 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.
Current Status: 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.
Monitoring and Testing: The park and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper continue to monitor and test the water quality through the BacteriALERT partnership. This ongoing assessment will enable them to evaluate the impacts on wildlife, vegetation, and aquatic resources.
Future Actions: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper will continue to closely monitor and test the water quality. 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.
Stay tuned for further updates on the status of the Chattahoochee River closings as more information becomes available.
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