Clay Residents Urged To Avoid Trace Creek And Wilson Branch; High E Coli Numbers

Clay County residents advised to avoid contact with Trace Creek and Wilson Branch because of pathogens in the water.

TDEC issued a Water Contact Advisory Thursday after receiving several complaints about potential impact on water quality from an animal feeding operation. Deputy Commissioner Greg Young said the agency took the step because of a threat in the water.

In August, TDEC collected pathogen samples from Trace Creek and Wilson Branch, near the Hermitage Springs area. The samples found E. Coli numbers higher than expected.

“In the interest of public health, people are advised to avoid contact with the water in these areas,” Young said.

The advisory is in effected along Trace Creek from the Old Gamaliel Road bridge to the Max Bean Road bridge. The Wilson Branch advisory begins at its origin and continues through its confluence with Trace Creek.

TDEC inspectors will continue to monitor the E. Coli numbers.