Official: Mill Creek Park lakes no threat to hikers, bicyclists

YOUNGSTOWN _ Although Mill Creek MetroParks lakes Newport, Cohasset and Glacier are closed to water activities due to high E. coli bacteria levels, driving, bicycling or hiking on the roads around the lakes don’t pose a health risk, Mahoning County’s health commissioner said today.

When asked if these land-based activities present any illness threat, Patricia Sweeney replied: “Absolutely none.”

She said breathing lakefront air is not a health hazard.

“It’s a wonderful location to be physically active,” she said of the park. “Just stay out of the water.”

MetroParks officials closed the lakes indefinitely July 10, immediately after receiving water-sample test results from the county board of health’s lab showing elevated E-coli levels in Lake Newport.

The board of health tested the water last week after a Lake Newport fish kill the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency said was caused primarily by discharges from the city’s combined storm and sanitary sewer overflows due to heavy rains in late June.

“Everything is going on as scheduled, except for water activities,” Samantha Villella, MetroParks community engagement director, said of park-sponsored programs.

“Come out and enjoy the MetroParks,” she urged, adding that water-based activities constitute “a small portion of what we provide.”

Most of the dead fish have been removed from Lake Newport, and their removal continues in park lakes and in Mill Creek, she said.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com