Jones Hole Creek has been closed to recreational activity in Dinosaur National Monument due to a septic line break. According to Chief of Visitor Services Dan Johnson, the septic break occurred at the Jones Hole Fish Hatchery managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Monument staff were notified of the discharge on Wednesday at about 4:30pm. The leak has increased fecal coliform levels well above the levels considered safe by the Utah Department of Environmental Health and Quality. “Under advisement from the U.S. Public Health Service, all waters of Jones Hole Creek have been closed to recreational activities until further notice,” shares the announcement. “Monument staff have installed temporary signs informing visitors of the closure of Jones Hole Creek.” The stream waters within the monument boundaries are being monitored below the fish hatchery to determine if the creek was contaminated and if so, to what extent. If levels are below the recommended levels, the waters will be reopened for recreational access. Until then the area is closed to fishing and swimming. For more information, visit
www.nps.gov/dino
.
https://www.nps.gov/dino/planyourvisit/jonescreekarea.htm
