Part Of Chattahoochee River Reopens After E. Coli Contamination

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — After being closed for at least a week due to E. coli contamination, portions of the Chattahoochee River reopened Monday, according to the National Park Service.

The park service's Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area made the announcement in a news release. All downstream sections of the park below Powers Island are now open.

"The river between Powers Island and points south is open today," the park service told Patch. "We are continuing to monitor water quality with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and assess the condition of the closed portions of the river daily."

A sewage spill near Willeo Creek Park in Roswell at the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility prompted the closure on June 30 that impacted portions of the river in Sandy Springs, from the Chattahoochee Nature Center to all downstream sections of the recreation area. Elevated levels of Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, were found in the river after the spill.

The river remains closed Monday from the Chattahoochee Nature Center to Powers Island.

"The sections of the river below Powers Island have bacterial levels below the criteria recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency, but conditions remain subject to change," park officials said in the release. " ... The park will assess impacts to wildlife, vegetation and aquatic resources."

The Fulton County Public Works Department is continuing treatment at the Big Creek facility to ensure all wastewater meets permitting requirements, park officials said.

The park service encouraged people to always wear a life vest, monitor weather forecasts and check bacteria levels and the flow rate before getting into the water.