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Chattahoochee River National Recreation AreaGreat Blue Heron catching a fish - Photo by Tom Wilson
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Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Visitor Safety a Concern at Chattahoochee River NRA Due to Raw Sewage Spills 5/7/03

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Date: May 7, 2003
Contact: David Ek, Chief of Science Resource Management, 678-538-1321

Concern for visitor safety became a top priority at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area this week.  Heavy rainstorms experienced in the area over the past few days has caused many sewer lines in or near the river to overload causing overflow of raw sewage into the tributary creeks and streams of the Chattahoochee River and on to the surrounding parklands.  This raw sewage, including feces, toilet tissue and female hygiene products, presents a serious health concern for visitors accessing some park trails, as well as the riverbank.  The Park Management Team has closed the Paces Mill area of the park.

This area of the park will remain closed until further notice.

Cobb County Water System is responsible for cleaning up Paces Mill, located off of Cobb County Parkway.  This cleanup could take several days.

It is possible that additional park areas will be closed as well, depending on additional storms.

Jones Bridge ruins - Photo by Matt Harr  

Did You Know?
Jones Bridge spanned the Chattahoochee River from 1904-1922 falling into disrepair in the 1930's. Half of the bridge was "stolen" in 1940, neighbors didn't know the workers cutting the bridge were not authorized to do so until it was too late.

Last Updated: August 10, 2006 at 12:57 EST