SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Chattahoochee River is now fully reopened.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area officials announced Wednesday that people can now visit any portion of the river. E. Coli contamination from the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility closed sections of the river in late June as a safety precaution.
Bacterial levels are now below the criteria recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to officials. The park had conducted water quality sampling with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper daily since first detecting the spill nearly three weeks ago.
"U.S. Public Health Service officials supported the reopening after seeing continual improvement in sampling results and process improvements at the Fulton County facility," National Park Service officials said in a news release.
The park continues to assess impacts on wildlife, vegetation and aquatic resources. Bacterial levels will also be monitored at Medlock Bridge, Powers Island and Paces Mill.