Health Advisory Lifted at Mill Creek, Aug. 25

The Oregon Health Authority today lifted a public health advisory for contact with marine water at Mill Beach, located in Curry County. The agency issued the advisory Aug. 7 after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters. Results from subsequent samples taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality showed contamination had subsided and the water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk associated with water contact activities. However, officials recommend staying out of large pools and runoff from water frequented by birds, because this can be an indication of increased bacteria from fecal matter. State officials continue to encourage other recreational activities at all Oregon beaches, suggesting only that water contact be avoided when advisories are in effect.