GADSDEN – Residents across Northeast Alabama will have several opportunities this month to learn more about local waterways, environmental issues and water quality as Coosa Riverkeeper hosts a series of public events throughout the region while also releasing its latest Swim Guide bacteria monitoring results.
The nonprofit organization announced multiple July events that will take place in communities throughout East Alabama, including Gadsden, Oxford and Eastaboga, along with the release of its Week 7 Swim Guide report designed to help the public make informed decisions before swimming in area lakes and streams.
PBS Frontline Screening Planned in Gadsden
One of the featured events will be a public screening of the PBS Frontline short film “Contaminated: The Carpet Industry’s Toxic Legacy” on Tuesday, July 21.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Pitman Theater, located at 629 Broad Street in downtown Gadsden.
According to Coosa Riverkeeper, the documentary examines how PFAS chemicals once used in manufacturing stain-resistant carpets entered the environment and drinking water in parts of Alabama and Georgia while exploring their ongoing health impacts.
Solutia Presentation Series Continues
Also scheduled for July 21 is another session of Solutia’s Presentation Series focusing on the Anniston PCB Site.
The meeting will be held from 5:30 until 7 p.m. at the Bynum Community Center, 200 Victory Drive in Eastaboga. The July topic will focus on how sediment dredging works as cleanup efforts continue at the Anniston PCB Site. Organizers say the presentations are intended to keep residents informed about ongoing environmental cleanup activities in the community.
Anniston PCB Community Meeting Scheduled
Residents interested in updates regarding the Anniston PCB Site are also invited to attend the Community Advisory Group (CAG) meeting on Tuesday, July 14, beginning at 5 p.m.
The meeting will be held at the Oxford Civic Center, 401 McCullars Lane in Oxford and will include information on cleanup activities, community health updates and other topics related to the Anniston PCB Site.
Summer Workshops Planned for Families
Families looking for educational activities this summer will also have several opportunities through Coosa Riverkeeper’s C.R.E.E.K. workshops.
Upcoming workshops include:
- C.R.E.E.K. & Stream – July 11
- Farm & Food – July 22
- The What & Why of Watersheds – August 1
The organization says the programs are designed to teach children about rivers, watersheds, wildlife and environmental stewardship through hands-on activities in partnership with Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve and Lovelight Farm.
Latest Swim Guide Results Released
Coosa Riverkeeper Announces July Events Across East Alabama, Releases Latest Swim Guide Results
https://coosariver.org/swimguide/
Coosa Riverkeeper also released its latest Swim Guide bacteria monitoring report from July 2.
Across the monitoring network, 34 locations recorded low E. coli bacteria levels, two locations reported moderate levels and nine locations tested with high bacteria levels.
Within the WEIS coverage area, several locations tested with elevated bacteria levels, including:
- Little Canoe Creek
- Big Canoe Creek (Highway 231)
- Black Creek
- Hokes Bluff Mill Pond
- Jack L. Ray Park
- Cheaha Creek
- Lincoln Landing
Several other popular recreation sites in Northeast Alabama received low bacteria readings, including Beaver Creek Slough, Lower Big Canoe Creek, Big Wills Creek, Southside Landing, Upper Choccolocco Creek, Coldwater Creek Park, River Bend Boat Ramp, Pell City Lakeside Park and Logan Martin Dam Park. One location, the Highway 77 Boat Ramp on Logan Martin Lake, recorded moderate bacteria levels.
Coosa Riverkeeper encourages the public to check the latest Swim Guide results before swimming by visiting its online Swim Guide and reminds residents that water quality conditions can change following heavy rainfall.
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