Following a closure last month due to a contamination incident, the Chattahoochee River in Georgia has been declared safe and reopened to the public. Elevated levels of E. Coli bacteria, stemming from a discharge at the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility in Fulton County, prompted authorities to close sections of the river in late June as a precautionary measure. Recent tests reveal that the bacteria levels have now fallen below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's recommended limits, allowing the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area to lift the restrictions.
In the weeks following the initial detection of the spill, the park collaborated with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper to conduct daily water quality sampling. The consistent improvement in these results, along with enhancements to processes at the Fulton County facility, contributed to the decision to reopen, supported by U.S. Public Health Service officials. While the river is now accessible, the National Park Service will continue to monitor the long-term effects of the spill on the local ecosystem, including wildlife, vegetation, and aquatic resources. Ongoing water quality assessments will also be conducted at several trails along the river: Medlock Bridge, Powers Island, and Paces Mill.
