Redwood National & State Parks superintendent Steve Chaney announces that the emergency closure of the boat launch area at Freshwater Lagoon has been lifted. An illegal release of sewage from a portable toilet at Freshwater Lagoon occurred on or about June 27, 2012. The release was localized to both sides of the boat launch on the north end of the lagoon.
Testing by the Humboldt County Environmental Health Division at Freshwater Lagoon on July 9, 2012 indicates no total coliform or fecal coliform in water samples taken from the boat launch and from the end of the lowest road along the lagoon edge, south of the launch. These results indicate that the lagoon waters have naturally remediated following an illegal release of sewage from an RV or portable toilet that occurred at the boat two weeks ago. The risk to public health and safety from the illegal spill of sewage has been abated. The associated emergency closure for the protection of public health and safety is no longer necessary.
Questions may be directed to the park's Chief of Resources Management and Science Dave Roemer at 707-465-7700.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
