Contaminated Water Enters Napa River Tributary Creek: Advisory

NAPA COUNTY, CA — Water contaminated by the Clover Flat Landfill in Calistoga was seen entering a tributary to Dutch Henry Creek, which flows into the Napa River, the Napa County Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services advised Friday.

The county and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board are in contact with the landfill owner on a plan to stop the ongoing release of leachate, which is water contaminated with chemicals and metals due to mixing with garbage, Napa County Spokeswoman Molly Rattigan said Friday afternoon in a news release.

Meanwhile, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is assessing the potential impact of the release on the creek, Rattigan said.

"Napa County Public Health Officer, Dr. Karen Relucio, advises the public not to consume, use, or contact the water," Rattigan said.

"Should you or your pets come in contact with creek or river water, wash any affected area thoroughly with soap and water," Rattigan said.

The county will provide further notifications, including lifting of the advisory, as necessary.

Anyone concerned about their personal health as related to the contaminated water should contact their physician or healthcare provider, county officials said.