HEALTH
CONCERNS
ABOUT
FLAMBEAU
RIVER
WHAT IS E. COLI?
E. coli is the abbreviated name of the
bacterium in the family Enterobacteriaceae
named Escherichia coli. The name E. coli
encompasses a wide range of bacteria,
some of which help us and some of which
hurt us. Approximately 0.1 percent of the
total bacteria within an adult’s intestines
are E. coli. All typical intestinal bacteria are
necessary for proper digestion. The
presence of E.coli indicates that other
disease-causing microorganisms may also
be present. Giardiasis and cryptospiridiasis
are two such waterborne diseases. They
can cause cramps and diarrhea.
HOW IS E. COLI HARMFUL?
The E. coli we can acquire from our
surroundings is sometimes harmful. Most
E. coli illnesses are acquired by eating
contaminated food, but contaminated
drinking water or water swallowed while
swimming are other sources. The E. coli
variant known as 0157:H7 associated with
contaminated meat can also be found in
water. 0157:H7 causes severe intestinal
illness and very rarely, kidney failure.
WATER CONTAMINATION
In surface waters, E. coli presence is
commonly attributed to fecal
contamination from agricultural lands and
from urban and residential areas. Known
sources include untreated sewage or feces
from wildlife, waterfowl, domestic pets
and farm livestock. Familiar contributors
to the problem include large flocks of
geese and seagulls, and urban pet owners
who leave their dogs’ droppings on the
ground. It is possible that the current
E.coli presence is from a non-traditional
source.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
WATER TESTING
The Price County Health Department tests
all county-owned swimming beaches. In
July of 2003 Price County was scheduled
to open a new county beach at Smith Lake
on the North Fork of the Flambeau River.
E. coli was discovered in the water test. No
obvious sources of E. coli could be found.
In the spring of 2004 the North Fork of
the Flambeau River was tested from the
lower dam on Highway 13 North. The
series of tests identified the point of
contamination as the effluent from the
paper processing function of the Fraser
Paper Mill. No human sewage, bird
dropping or any other source of
contamination could be found near the
paper mill. The North Fork had not been
tested before this time for E. coli or any
other biological contamination.
INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Fraser Paper representatives are seriously
concerned about the water test findings
and health implications. The Wisconsin
Paper Council is working to understand
the problem along with the Department of
Natural Resources. There is no fecal
contamination in the paper mill process.
Fraser Paper has not violated any rules and
is not violating any discharge water permit
conditions.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
No illnesses have been associated with
ingestion of the water of the North Fork
of the Flambeau River for the past five
years. We do not know how long E. coli
has been in the river. The problem had
only been identified for the first time in the
summer of 2003 because a new beach was
to open on the river. No historical data is
available.
The Price County Health Department
recommends no swimming in the river.
If you are canoeing or fishing the river,
take all care to avoid swallowing the
water. Infections can occur if an open area
of the skin is in prolonged contact with the
water.
Shower or wash your hands after
swimming in any type of water.
Properly cooked & prepared fish are not
impacted by the E.coli.
COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS
INVESTIGATION OF
E. COLI
CONTAMINATION IN
THE NORTH FORK OF
THE FLAMBEAU RIVER,
PRICE COUNTY, WI
Fraser Paper Mill, the Department of
Natural Resources, the Price County
Health Department, the Wisconsin Paper
Council and the Wisconsin Department of
Health and Family Services are working as
a cooperative unit to address this problem.
For more information contact:
Tracy Ellis, Health Officer
Price County Health Department
(715) 339-3054
tracy.ellis@co.price.wi.us.
Tom Aartila, Basin Supervisor
Department of Natural Resources
(715) 762-4684 ext. 116
tom.aartila@dnr.state.wi.us
Web sites:
http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/
Program and Services>
Public Health>
Environmental Services
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/wm
Department of Natural ResourcesBureau of Watershed Management
Price County Health Department
104 S. Eyder Avenue, Ground Floor
Phillips, WI 54555
Department of Natural Resources
875 S 4th Ave
Park Falls, WI 54552
Fraser Papers, Inc
200 1st Ave N
Park Falls, WI 54552
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