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June 9, 2008

Walk, bike, but don't get in the Woonasquatucket River

Sometimes heat makes us do irrational things.

With temperatures expected to hit the mid 90s, and a heat index shooting past 100 degrees, any body of water might start to look tempting.

But the Environmental Protection Agency is reminding people –– especially residents of North Providence, Johnston and Providence –– to steer clear of the Woonasquatucket River, which has sediment that’s contaminated with dioxins.

Of course, it's still a beautiful river in places, and local groups have been working with the EPA to clean contaminated areas and make the river and its banks a pleasant place to be.

So walk, run or bike along the river's edge. Even take a canoe or kayak on the river, but be sure to wash thoroughly after any contact with the water or sediment. And here are some more tips for safely enjoying the river:

Don’t eat fish, turtles, eels or other wildlife or plants from the Woonasquatucket River.
Don’t wade in the shallow water or swim in the river.
Don’t dig into the river banks.
Do obey warning signs posted along the river.

For more information, see information from the EPA about the Woonasquatucket River.

-- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 9:54 AM | Permalink

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