FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2010
CONTACT: Robbie Wilbur
601/961-5277
MDEQ EXTENDS WATER CONTACT ADVISORY FOR RICHLAND CREEK AND PEARL RIVER
(JACKSON, Miss.) -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Thursday extended the temporary water contact advisory issued August 31, downstream from Byram on the Pearl River to the bridge at Rosemary Road which is east of Terry. The advisory is now in effect for Richland Creek from Pearson Road in the City of Pearl to the confluence with the Pearl River and also for the Pearl River downstream to Rosemary Road. MDEQ sampling results today indicated elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria in the area. MDEQ staff will sample again Friday.
MDEQ recommends that people avoid water contact recreation such as wading or swimming in these areas. In addition, people should avoid eating fish from these waters until further notice.
The advisory was issued due to a leak that occurred in a gravity wastewater interceptor pipe managed by the West Rankin Utility Authority about one-quarter of a mile east of South Pearson Road in Pearl. MDEQ staff will continue to sample the area to determine the severity and extent of the problem. The advisory will be lifted when water sampling shows bacteria levels have dropped to acceptable levels.
# # # |