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Little River swim concerns arise

By Jared Felkins
The Times-Journal

Published January 11, 2007

Swimmers at Little River may be looking for a new place to play this summer if E coli levels remain high.

According to John Bundy, superintendent of Little River Canyon National Preserve, recent water tests in 11 different areas of Little River have shown elevated levels of E coli – more than the Environmental Protection Agency lists as safe for swimming. Bundy said at times, the levels were high enough that if it were summer, the preserve would be forced to post no swimming signs.

“What we have been doing in the past is that we have been doing regular, monthly water counts, but now we are sampling several water sites all along the river from Mentone to the mouth,” Bundy said. “What we have determined is that at times we are getting E coli samples that are above acceptable levels than the EPA allows.”

Bundy said the high levels seem to occur after large amounts of rainfall. He speculated the high levels could be due to animal and people feces runoff from area houses and farms, but could not say for sure what is causing it.

“The levels exceed EPA limits,” said Mary Shew, resources management specialists. “In October and November, the limits exceeded throughout the water shed. We really see these high numbers after a lot of rain.”

Shew said some sites tested along Little River contained 12 times the amount of acceptable E coli levels. Continued testing will determine what actions the preserve will take during the summer months.

“Potentially what that could mean is that we would have to post signs during the summer if we find there are high counts,” Bundy said. “What the sign is going to say is what the EPA says it has to say. We don’t know how often after that we will have to test to determine whether or not the levels are too high. We are going to do whatever the EPA requires. We are going to comply with the regulations.”

Bundy said he and his staff plan to continue testing the water and will meet with EPA officials.

“We are in the process of talking to the EPA to see what we’re going to do during the summer,” Bundy said. “We are not as concerned with it at this point because no one is swimming. We are going to have to do what the law requires.”

Bundy said those using the river for recreational purposes during the winter should not be alarmed at this point.

“We are not as concerned with kayakers at this point because they are not immersed in the water for long periods of time,” Bundy said.

But Bundy said he is not taking the situation lightly.

“I’m concerned not only for Little River Canyon, I’m concerned for the economy,” Bundy said. “We don’t have a crystal ball to tell the long-term effects of this. We don’t know what the weather will do or if we are going to have a wet year or a dry year.

“I think it’s reasonable for the public to focus some attention on this issue. It’s too early in the game to know what is going on or how to handle it.”

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