14-057 Corps reopens Lyons Ferry swim beach

Published Aug. 7, 2014
STARBUCK, Wash. – The Walla Walla District of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reopened the swimming area and beach at Lyons Ferry Park today after test results received this afternoon showed the water was again safe for in-water recreation.

Corps natural resources staff take weekly water samples at designated swimming areas in the district and have them tested for fecal coliforms that pose a potential hazard to human health. The Lyons Ferry Park swimming area and beach was closed Friday, Aug. 1, when tests showed that fecal bacteria exceeded levels considered safe for people.

“The reduction in those bacteria levels this week is likely because of recent cooler temperatures and increased wind through the Snake River gorge,” said Darren Opp, assistant natural resources manager at the Corps’ office in Clarkston, Wash. “That’s all it needed to get the water moving better through the swimming area and flush out the fecal bacteria contamination. We’ll continue to test our designated swimming areas throughout the warm-weather season to help ensure public safety for our visitors.”

For additional information about outdoor recreation opportunities in the Walla Walla District, visit www.nww.usace.army.mil\corpsoutdoors.
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Contact
Public Affairs Office
509-527-7020
cenww-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 14-057