Flint Creek can now be used once again for fishing, boating and swimming.
A recreational use advisory was issued by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health after a huge fire at Eco Operations on Dewey Avenue in Gorham on Aug. 30.
Officials lifted the advisory Oct. 8. An investigation into the fire is continuing.
The advisory, which covered the entire length of the creek, was issued out of an abundance of caution, state officials said, because of the environmental impacts from runoff after the fire. The company was storing hand sanitizer and other combustible liquids at the site, according to local and state officials.
Several hundred dead fish were reported downstream shortly after the fire, prompting the advisory.
Officials said water quality samples and data collection along the creek show significant improvement and low health risk for fishing, fish consumption, boating and swimming.
There are no indications of impacts to public drinking water supplies, state officials said.
DEC officials referred the response action for the proper disposal of hazardous materials to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Flint Creek deemed safe for recreation after August fire
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

