Chattahoochee River along East Cobb closed due to E. coli

UPDATED, JULY 3:

The National Park Service has extended the closure area further downstream. Here’s the release from Monday afternoon:

“The partial closure of the Chattahoochee River from Chattahoochee Nature Center to all downstream sections of the park remains in effect due to elevated E. Coli contamination and the associated risk to health.

The park and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper continue to monitor and test water quality as Fulton County Public Works begins treatment. An issue at Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility has been reported to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Fulton County is diverting the maximum quantity of wastewater to a plant in Cobb County, and the Army Corps of Engineers generated an additional release to help with dissipation.

Water quality tests received on July 3 reveal bacteria levels that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency recommended limits for recreation. The partial river closure will remain in effect until the water quality is safe for visitors.

“While this closure impacts some of the most popular units of the park, over 30 miles of river remain open. The Chattahoochee River is accessible from Buford Dam to Azalea Park in Roswell. All hiking trails, picnic areas and the Hewlett Lodge are open. Current information about the closure status will be available at www.nps.gov/CHAT.”

ORIGINAL REPORT:

A stretch of the Chattahoochee River that includes most of East Cobb is closed for the time being due to high E. coli bacteria levels in the water. Chattahoochee River East Cobb closed E. coli

The National Park Service said water access to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area was closed on Saturday between the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell and the East Palisades-Whitewater Creek Unit, close to where the Interstate 75 crosses the river.

The NPS said that “dangerously elevated E. coli levels” were caused by “conditions consistent with an ongoing sewage spill near Willeo Creek Park.”

The agency said it received water quality tests “that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency recommended limits for recreation. The river’s current E. coli levels pose an elevated risk to human health, especially in vulnerable populations.”

All park trails are open, as well as the Hewlett Lodge visitor center.

Updates are being provided on the Chattahoochee River NRA Facebook page.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is extending the partial closure of the Chattahoochee River from Chattahoochee Nature Center (River mile 315.5) to all downstream sections of the park. This precautionary measure comes at the recommendation of public health professionals due to elevated levels of E. coli contamination, which poses health risks.
The Park is actively working with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and local municipalities to address the ongoing issue near Willeo Creek Park. The spill has been reported to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA-EPD). Water quality tests received on July 2nd reveal bacteria levels that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency recommended limits for recreation. The Park is extending the closure to prioritize visitor safety. We will continue to monitor and test water quality in partnership with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. Please check http://www.nps.gov/CHAT for the latest on conditions. The hiking trails, picnic shelters and Hewlett Lodge visitor center remain open.
Image: Sign on post with river in background.
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