Chattahoochee River reopens after sewage spill

By Bob Pepalis

All sections of the Chattahoochee River have been reopened by the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) after being closed due to elevated E. coli contamination.

A 15-mile of the river was closed in late June as a safety precaution after E. coli levels increased, stemming from a sewage spill at Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility operated by Fulton County.

Daily water quality sampling has been conducted by the park and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper daily since detecting the spill, according to CRNRA Superintendent Ann Honious.

“U.S. Public Health Service officials supported the reopening after seeing continual improvement in sampling results and process improvements at the Fulton County facility. The park is assessing impacts on wildlife, vegetation, and aquatic resources,” Honious said.

The park will continue its BacteriALERT partnership with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and the U.S.

Geological Survey to monitor water quality at Medlock Bridge, Powers Island, and Paces Mill.

She advised park visitors before getting in the water to always remember to wear a life vest and check the flow rate, weather forecast, and bacteria levels.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) said on July 13 that it will decide what enforcement action to take after partially treated wastewater flowed into the Chattahoochee.

Current information about the river is available on social media and at www.nps. gov/CHAT.