Guidelines for Eating Fish
from Georgia Waters
2001 Update Georgia Department of Natural Resources
205 Butler Street, S.E. Suite 1152 Atlanta, Georgia 30334
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For more information on fish consumption in Georgia, contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Environmental Protection Division 205 Butler Street, S.E., Suite 1152 Atlanta, GA 30334 (404) 656-4713
Wildlife Resources Division 2123 U.S. Hwy. 278, S.E. Social Circle, GA 30279 (770) 918-6418
Coastal Resources Division One Conservation Way Brunswick, Ga. 31520 (912) 264-7218
-- or --
Check the DNR Web Site At: http://www.dnr.state.ga.us For this booklet: Click on Environmental, Choose Georgia's Environment. Go to fish consumption guidelines. For the current Georgia 2001-2002 Freshwater and Saltwater Sport Fishing Regulations, Click on Wildlife. Choose Fishing Regulations. For more information on Coastal Fisheries and Regulations, Click on Coastal. Choose Recreational Fishing. For information on Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) source reduction, reuse options, proper disposal or recycling, Click on P2AD (Pollution Prevention Assistance), and select HHW listed topics.
To Check USEPA and USFDA for Federal Guidance on Fish Consumption USEPA: http://www.epa.gov/ost/fishadvice USFDA: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/seafood.html
Image Credits: Covers: NOAA Historic Photo Collection, National Marine Fisheries Service; White Crappie (Front), and Striped Bass, old species name (Back). From The Fisheries and Fisheries Industries of the United States (1880's), Atlases undertaken by Deputy Commissioner George Brown Goode U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) -- , Snowy Egret (p. v), Fisherman (p. 1), Sunfish (p. 2), Raccoon (p. 3), Yellow Bullhead (p. 4), Birds (p. 49), All Line Drawings by Robert Shallenberger, USFWS. Diagram of Fish Fat Areas (p. 6): Taken from U.S. EPA Brochure, Document # EPA-823-B-97-009.
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Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v Are Georgia's Fish Safe to Eat? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 How Do Georgia's Fish Compare? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 How Do Fish Become Contaminated? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 What is Being Done? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Benefits of Eating Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Risks of Contaminated Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Special Notice for Pregnant Women, Nursing Mothers and Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Guidelines to Reduce Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Using These Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Fish Consumption Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Georgia Public Lakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Georgia Rivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Georgia Estuarine Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Special Listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Special Mercury Guidance on King Mackerel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
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Introduction
Fishing is a popular pastime in Georgia. Whether you go alone to relax and enjoy nature, with your friends to enjoy camaraderie and "fish tales" or with your family to pass on a sport you learned as a child, fishing is a fun and rewarding sport enjoyed by many people.
Not only does fishing give people an excuse to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, but it can also put a healthy, satisfying meal on the table. Fish is low in saturated fat, high in protein, and can have substantial health benefits when eaten in place of other high-fat foods. The quality of sport fish caught in Georgia is very good; however, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, chlordane, DDT residues (DDE/DDD), and dieldrin have been found in some fish. In most cases, the levels of these chemicals are low. However, to help ensure the good health of Georgians, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has developed guidelines for how often certain species of fish can be safely eaten. These guidelines are based on the best scientific information and procedures available. As more advanced procedures are developed, these guidelines may change. Also, it is important to keep in mind that these calculations are based on eating fish with similar contamination over a period of 30 years or more.
These guidelines are not intended to discourage people from eating fish, but should be used as a guide for choosing to eat fish from Georgia waters.
The river basin where tested sites are located has been identified in the tables. The fourteen major river basins in Georgia are shown on the map provided on page 8, preceding the consumption guidance tables. The listings for lakes have been divided into those with a surface area of 500 acres or more, and small lakes and ponds less than 500 acres in size. The Georgia rivers have also been divided into freshwater rivers and creeks, and estuarine systems. An index in provided at the back of the booklet for quick page reference to subjects or tested locations.
Are Georgia's Fish Safe to Eat?
Yes. The quality of fish in Georgia is good. This booklet provides you with the guidance and recommendations to use in eating fish in a healthy and informed manner.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has one of the most progressive fish testing programs in the southeast. A variety of different fish species were tested for 43 separate contaminants, including metals, organic chemicals and pesticides. Many of these contaminants did not appear in any fish; however, two contaminants, PCBs and mercury, were frequently detected in significant amounts in a few species from some bodies of water in Georgia. Three additional contaminants, chlordane, DDT residues (DDE/DDD), and dieldrin were also detected infrequently. This publication provides you with information on those five contaminants--PCBs, mercury, chlordane, DDE/DDD and dieldrin.
In some areas, fish are contaminated with low concentrations of PCBs, which stands for polychlorinated biphenyls. It is now illegal to manufacture PCBs; however, in the past, these synthetic oils were used regularly as fluids for electrical transformers, cutting oils, and carbonless paper. Although they were banned in 1976, they do not break down easily and remain in aquatic sediments for years. Over time levels of PCBs are decreasing.
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that does not break down as it cycles between land, water, and air. As mercury cycles through the environment it is absorbed and ingested by plants and animals. Most of the mercury absorbed or ingested will be returned to the environment but some will remain in the plant and animal tissues. It is not known where the mercury in Georgia's fish originated. Mercury may be present in fish because of the mercury content of soils and rocks in the southeast, from municipal and industrial sources, or from fossil fuel use. Scientific evidence is growing that mercury is transported long distances through the upper atmosphere, making its control a global environmental issue. Although mercury has always been present, scientific research shows that the amount of mercury cycling through the environment has increased significantly following the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s.
Fish at one site had enough chlordane to recommend a restriction in consumption. Chlordane is a man-made pesticide used in the U.S. from the late 1940s to the early 1980s. Historically, chlordane was used as an agricultural pesticide, but in 1978 it was restricted to termite control use only. It is now banned for all uses. Chlordane is persistent in the environment and may remain in aquatic sediments for years.
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Fish at one site had enough DDE/DDD residues to recommend a restriction in consumption. The DDE/DDD contaminants are chemical breakdown products of the pesticide DDT. DDT was first synthesized in 1874 and its insecticidal properties were discovered in 1939. In the United States DDT was used extensively until 1969. The U.S. production of DDT was discontinued in 1969. Residues of DDE/DDD are persistent and break down slowly in the environment.
Fish at one site had enough dieldrin to recommend a restriction in consumption. Dieldrin is another chlorinated pesticide like chlordane and DDT, and has been restricted from use in the United States. It was used to control corn and citrus pests, termites, and in moth proofing. Dieldrin is persistent in the environment because of the slow breakdown rate.
Like PCBs, the chlorinated pesticides do not break down easily and remain in aquatic sediments for years. These organic contaminants tend to concentrate in fat and fatty tissues of fish such as the liver and other organs. Over time levels of PCBs and chlorinated pesticides are decreasing.
Some fish in the Savannah River contain the radioactive elements cesium-137 and strontium-90. Exposure to large amounts of these elements may increase the risk of developing cancer.
How Do Georgia's Fish Compare?
Georgia has one of the most extensive fish monitoring programs in the southeast. This is not because Georgia has highly contaminated fish, but because the DNR has made a serious commitment to evaluate fish quality and provide detailed information to the people of Georgia. Review and comparison of data collected nationally on fish tissue contamination that the U.S.EPA has assembled shows that the quality of fish in Georgia is similar to that in surrounding southeastern states.
How Do Fish Become Contaminated?
Contaminants get into water as a result of storm water runoff, industrial and municipal discharges, agricultural practices, nonpoint source pollution and other factors. When it rains, chemicals from the land and in the air are washed into the water. Contaminants are carried downstream by rivers and creeks into lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries.
Contaminants can get into fish in a variety of ways. Fish absorb PCBs, chlordane and other pesticides from either water, suspended sediments, or their food.
These chemicals concentrate in the fat of fish tissue and in fatty fish such as carp and catfish. Cleaning and cooking a fish to remove fat will lower the amount of PCBs, chlordane or other pesticides in a fish meal. Larger, older fish and fish which eat other fish may accumulate more contaminants than smaller, younger fish. Contaminants are not usually detected in panfish such as crappie and bluegill.
Once in the water, mercury is converted to methylmercury by bacteria and other processes. Fish absorb methylmercury from their food and from water as it passes over their gills. Mercury is bound to proteins in fish tissue, including muscle.
What is Being Done?
The DNR is committed to protecting Georgia's rivers, streams, lakes and other waters. Both PCBs and chlordane have been banned and the levels of these chemicals are steadily decreasing over time.
The Department began this progressive program to evaluate problem areas and to protect public health by giving people the information they need to make decisions about eating fish from different waters. The DNR's fish testing program is ongoing. Testing on additional lakes and rivers is balanced with retesting of waters where changes may be occurring. Contaminant levels in fish change very slowly and sampling the same species of fish from the same locations over time will allow the DNR to document changes and trends in contamination levels.
Georgia has more than 70,150 miles of rivers and streams and more than 425,382 acres of lakes, reservoirs and ponds. It will not be possible for the DNR to sample every stream and lake in the state. However, high priority has been placed on the 26 major reservoirs which make up more than 90% of the total lake acreage. Waterways listed in this guide will continue to be sampled as part of a five year rotating schedule of river basin planning and monitoring to track any trends in fish contaminant levels. The Department has also made sampling fish in rivers and streams downstream of urban and/or industrial areas a high priority. The DNR also focuses attention on areas which are frequented by a large number of anglers.
Most lakes and rivers contain a wide variety of fish and selecting which species of fish to test is important. The DNR samples fish that are top predators (high in the food chain) and fish that feed on the bottom. For this reason, largemouth bass and channel catfish are usually the primary species tested. Hybrid bass are also tested in areas with good fisheries for this species. Smaller fish, such as crappie, bluegill and redbreast sunfish, are tested in secondary studies after testing the larger target fish. This is because smaller fish accumulate contaminants more slowly and in smaller amounts than larger fish and bottom feeders.
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To prevent future contamination, the Department seeks to identify pollution sources and to work with industries, cities, farms and others to reduce the threat posed by pollutants. In many cases this means implementing new technologies or practices that eliminate the use or creation of contaminants and thus the need to dispose of or discharge these chemicals. State laws have tough restrictions and penalties for discharge of toxic substances. The DNR is responsible for enforcing these laws in Georgia and for ensuring compliance with these regulations.
Individuals can play a role in preventing contamination of Georgia's waters by recycling and disposing of chemicals, such as oil, antifreeze, paint, and other wastes properly. Manufacturers are working to reduce the use of mercury in their products, but it is still found in common household products such as thermostats, electrical switches, thermometers, some batteries, and fluorescent and mercury vapor lamps. To protect Georgia's waterways from contamination, individuals, industries, farmers and others must learn to modify their day-to-day activities and work practices to apply new ways to prevent pollution. The DNR will continue to work closely with these groups to improve water quality in Georgia. Planning, regulations, facilities modernization, public education and other activities will play a major role in protecting Georgia's waters for future generations.
Benefits of Eating Fish
Fish has long been recognized as a nutritious "protein food". It's nutritional value as a protein source is greater than that for beef, pork, chicken or milk. Additionally, the types and amounts of dietary fats are generally more "heart healthy" than the fats found in other protein foods. Fish is also an important source of the fatty acids which are critical for the development of the brain and nervous system. Fish is an excellent source of several vitamins, and also contributes appreciable amounts of dietary calcium, iron and zinc. These minerals are essential nutrients that tend to be low in people's diets. Many studies suggest that eating fish regularly may help protect against heart and inflammatory diseases.
These guidelines are based on a range in fish meal size from 4 to 8 ounces ( to pound). Where the guidelines recommend only 1 meal per week or month, you may prefer to have two smaller meals over that period.
Risks of Contaminated Fish
These guidelines were designed to protect you from experiencing health problems associated with eating contaminated fish. PCBs, methylmercury, chlordane, DDE/DDD and dieldrin build up in your body over time. It may take months or years of regularly eating contaminated fish to accumulate levels which would affect your health. Keep in mind that these guidelines are based on eating fish with similar contamination over a period of 30 years or more. Current statistics indicate that cancer will affect about one in every four people nationally, primarily due to smoking, diet and hereditary risk factors. If you follow Georgia's consumption guidelines, the contaminants in the fish you eat may not increase your cancer risk at all. At worst, using the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) estimates of contaminant potency, your cancer risk from fish consumption should be less than 1 in 10,000.
PCBs, chlordane, DDD/DDE and dieldrin can cause cancer in laboratory animals exposed to large amounts, and may cause cancer in humans. Effects other than cancer from these chemicals may include developmental problems in children whose mothers were exposed to them before or during pregnancy. Studies of people who have been exposed to very large quantities of these chemicals (pesticide workers, etc.), have indicated a relationship between high exposures and health effects on the nervous system, digestive system and liver, and the immune system.
Exposure to methlymercury has not been linked to cancer. Methylmercury is a concern because of it's potential to damage the nervous system, especially in the developing fetus and young child.
The consumption advice provided in this booklet is developed in a conservative manner. It is intended to protect both children and adults from cancer and the other potential toxic effects of these chemicals.
Special Notice for Pregnant Women, Nursing Mothers and Children
If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, or plan to become pregnant soon, you and children under 6 years of age are sensitive to the effects of contaminants such as mercury. DNR's guidelines are designed to be protective for these sensitive groups. This year, U.S. EPA has issued a national advisory recommending that these sensitive groups limit consumption of all freshwater fish to one meal per week due to mercury. People may wish to follow U.S. EPA's recommendation, especially in areas where DNR has not tested fish and offered detailed guidelines. For most other healthy adults, DNR's recommendations may actually be overly conservative.
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Guidelines to Reduce Risk
Keep smaller fish for eating. Generally, larger older fish may be more contaminated than younger, smaller fish. You can minimize your health risk by eating smaller fish (within legal size limits) and releasing the larger fish.
Vary the kinds of fish you eat. Contaminants build up in large predators and bottom-feeding fish, like bass and catfish, more rapidly than in other species. By substituting a few meals of panfish, such as perch, sunfish and crappie, you can reduce your risk.
Eat smaller meals when you eat big fish and eat them less often. If you catch a big fish, freeze part of the catch (mark container or wrapping with species and location), and space the meals from this fish over a period of time.
Clean and cook your fish properly. How you clean and cook your fish can reduce the level of contaminants by as much as half in some fish. Some chemicals have a tendency to concentrate in the fatty tissues of fish. By removing the fish's skin and trimming fillets according to the following diagram, you can reduce the level of chemicals substantially. Mercury is bound to the meat of the fish, so these precautions will not help reduce this contaminant.
Remove the skin from fillets or steaks. The internal organs (intestines, liver, roe, and so forth), and skin are often high in fat and contaminants.
Trim off the fatty areas shown in black on the drawing. These include the belly fat, side or body fat, and the flesh along the top of the back. Careful trimming can reduce some contaminants by 25 to 50%.
Cook fish so fat drips away. Broil, bake or grill fish and do not use the drippings. Deep-fat frying removes some contaminants, but you should discard and not reuse the oil for cooking. Pan frying removes few, if any, contaminants.
Using These Guidelines
Check the following pages for the area where you fish. The lakes and rivers on the list are arranged in alphabetical order. If your fish or fishing location is NOT in this booklet, follow the suggestions in Guidelines to Reduce Risk .
If your fish or fishing location is in the booklet, it does not necessarily mean that there is a contaminants problem, but only that the fish have been tested. Meal advice will depend on what contaminant(s) were found and how much was found in different species and sizes of fish. Follow these instructions carefully.
< Measure fish from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail fin. < On the charts find your lake (river) and the species and size of fish you caught. If there is no
frequency listed for a particular size fish, that size has not been tested or is illegal to keep. For rivers, the size that was tested was the common creel size for that species. < Listed below are the four different recommended meal frequencies that are possible for different species and sizes of fish.
no restriction 1 meal per week 1 meal per month do not eat < For the purposes of these guidelines, one meal is assumed to range from to pound of fish (4-8 ounces) for a 150 pound person. Subtract or add 1 ounce of fish to the range for every 20 pound of body weight. For example, one meal is assumed to be 3 - 7 ounces for a 130 pound person and 5 - 9 ounces for a 170 pound person.
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RIVER BASINS OF GEORGIA
Chattahoochee River Basin Flint River Basin Coosa River Basin Tallapoosa River Basin Tennessee River Basin Savannah River Basin Ogeechee River Basin
Ochlockonee River Basin Suwannee River Basin Satilla River Basin St. Marys River Basin Oconee River Basin Ocmulgee River Basin Altamaha River Basin
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Fish Consumption Guidelines
The tables for public lakes have been separated into two categories based on size. The first set of lakes are those with a surface area of 500 or more acres. The second listing of public lakes includes those having less than 500 acres in surface area. These include Georgia DNR Public Fishing Areas (PFAs) and State Parks with small lakes and ponds, and municipal or other public fishing impoundments.
Georgia Public Lakes 500 Acres or Larger
Lake Allatoona
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Black Crappie No Restrictions
Carp
No Restrictions No Restrictions
White Bass
1 meal/week
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions
Spotted Bass No Restrictions 1 meal/week
Golden Redhorse
No Restrictions
Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions
Coosa River Basin
Over 16"
Chemical
1 meal/week 1 meal/week
PCBs PCBs Mercury Mercury
Lake Andrews Species
Largemouth Bass Channel Catfish
Less than 12"
12" - 16" 1 meal/week
Chattahoochee River Basin
Over 16"
Chemical
1 meal/week Mercury
No Restrictions
Banks Lake
Species
Less than 12"
Largemouth Bass
Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions
12 - 16" 1 meal/month
Suwannee River Basin
Over 16"
Chemical
Mercury
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Lake Blackshear
Flint River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12 - 16"
Over 16"
Chemical
Largemouth Bass *
No Restrictions * No Restrictions
Flathead Catfish
No Restrictions
Spotted Sucker
No Restrictions No Restrictions
* Only Largemouth Bass 14 inches and longer may be legally retained.
Lake Blue Ridge
Tennessee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16"
Chemical
Largemouth Bass No Restrictions* 1 meal/week
Mercury
White Bass
1 meal/week
Mercury
Channel Catfish
No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury
* Lake Blue Ridge has no minimum size on Largemouth Bass
Lake Burton
Savannah River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16"
Chemical
Largemouth Bass No Restrictions* No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury
White Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions
Channel Catfish
No Restrictions
Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions
* Lake Burton has no minimum size on Largemouth Bass
Carters Lake
Coosa River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16"
Chemical
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Spotted Bass No Restrictions No Restrictions
Channel Catfish
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Walleye
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Lake Chatuge Species
Largemouth Bass Channel Catfish
Less than 12"
Tennessee River Basin
12" - 16"
Over 16"
Chemical
No Restrictions No Restrictions
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond)
Savannah River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16"
Chemical
Largemouth Bass
1 meal/week 1 meal/week Mercury
Black Crappie No Restrictions No Restrictions
White Perch
No Restrictions
Redear Sunfish No Restrictions
Hybrid Bass
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Striped Bass
No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions
Catfish
No Restrictions No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury
Bullhead
No Restrictions
Spotted Sucker
No Restrictions
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Goat Rock Lake
Chattahoochee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16"
Chemical
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions 1 meal/month
PCBs, Mercury
White Bass
1 meal/month 1 meal/month
PCBs
Hybrid Bass
1 meal/week
1 meal/month
PCBs
Spotted Sucker
No Restrictions
Black Crappie No Restrictions No Restrictions
Channel Catfish
1 meal/week 1 meal/month
PCBs
Lake Harding (Bartletts Ferry)
Chattahoochee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16"
Chemical
Largemouth Bass
1 meal/week
1 meal/week
PCBs, Mercury
Channel Catfish 1 meal/week
1 meal/week 1 meal/month
PCBs
Crappie
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Hybrid Bass
1 meal/week
1 meal/month
PCBs
Lake Hartwell: Tugaloo Arm
Savannah River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16"
Chemical
Largemouth Bass
1 meal/week 1 meal/month Mercury
Black Crappie No Restrictions No Restrictions
Hybrid/Striped No Restrictions 1 meal/month Bass
Do Not Eat
PCBs
Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions 1 meal/month
PCBs
Carp
1 meal/week Mercury
Lake Hartwell: Main Body, Georgia/South Carolina Listing
Savannah River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16"
Chemical
Largemouth Bass
1 meal/month 1 meal/month
PCBs
Hybrid/Striped Bass
Do Not Eat
Do Not Eat
Do Not Eat
PCBs
Channel Catfish 1 meal/month 1 meal/month 1 meal/month
PCBs
Information on Main Body ((M) Downlake of Andersonville Island) provided courtesy of the South Carolina DHEC (Ph.: 1-888-849-7241) to ensure consistency of guidance.
High Falls Lake
Ocmulgee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16"
Chemical
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions 1 meal/week
PCBs
Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions 1 meal/week
PCBs
Redear Sunfish No Restrictions
Hybrid Bass
No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions
Black Crappie No Restrictions No Restrictions
Jackson Lake
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions
Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions
Black Crappie No Restrictions
Redear Sunfish No Restrictions
Ocmulgee River Basin
Over 16"
Chemical
1 meal/week Mercury
1 meal/week
PCBs
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Lake Juliette
Ocmulgee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16"
Chemical
Largemouth Bass No Restrictions* No Restrictions No Restrictions
Redear Sunfish No Restrictions
Bullhead species
No Restrictions
* * Lake Juliette has no minimum size on Largemouth Bass
Lake Sydney Lanier
Chattahoochee River Basin
(Chattahoochee and Chestatee Arms and Main Body all Assessed
and Found to have comparable residue levels of mercury )
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16"
Chemical
Striped Bass
No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury
Spotted Bass *
1 meal/week * 1 meal/week Mercury
Largemouth Bass *
1 meal/week * 1 meal/week Mercury
White Catfish
No Restrictions
Channel Catfish
No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury
Carp
1 meal/month
PCBs
Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions
Black Crappie No Restrictions
* Only Largemouth, Spotted and Shoal Bass 14 inches and longer may be legally retained.
Lake Nottely
Tennessee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16 "
Over 16 "
Chemical
Largemouth Bass
1 meal/week 1 meal/week Mercury
Striped Bass
1 meal/week Mercury
Channel Catfish
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Black Crappie No Restrictions
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Lake Oconee
Oconee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16 "
Over 16 "
Chemical
Largemouth Bass * No Restrictions * No Restrictions * 1 meal/week Mercury
Hybrid Bass
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions
White Catfish No Restrictions
Black Crappie No Restrictions
* Only Largemouth Bass between 6 and 11 inches, and 14 inches or longer may be legally retained.
Lake Oliver Species
Largemouth Bass
Less than 12"
12" - 16 " 1 meal/week
Channel Catfish Striped Bass
Bluegill Sunfish Redear Sunfish
No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions
Chattahoochee River Basin
Over 16 "
Chemical
1 meal/week
PCBs, Mercury
1 meal/week
PCBs
Lake Rabun
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16 "
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions
White Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions
Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions
Savannah River Basin
Over 16 "
Chemical
1 meal/week Mercury
1 meal/week Mercury
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Lake Richard B. Russell
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16 "
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions
Black Crappie No Restrictions No Restrictions
Sunfish
No Restrictions
Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions
White Perch
No Restrictions
Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions
Bullhead
No Restrictions
Savannah River Basin
Over 16 "
Chemical
1 meal/week Mercury
Lake Seminole
Chattahoochee/Flint River Basin (Apalachicola)
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16 "
Over 16 "
Chemical
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury
Channel Catfish
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Bullhead
No Restrictions 1 meal/week
Mercury
Spotted Sucker No Restrictions No Restrictions
Lake Sinclair
Oconee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16 "
Over 16 "
Chemical
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Hybrid Bass
No Restrictions
No Restrictions
Catfish
No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions
Black Crappie No Restrictions
Lake Tobesofkee
Ocmulgee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16 "
Over 16 "
Chemical
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury
Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions
Lake Tugalo
Savannah River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16 "
Over 16 "
Chemical
Largemouth Bass
1 meal/month 1 meal/month Mercury
White Catfish
No Restrictions
Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions
Lake Varner (Cornish Creek Reservoir, Newton County)
Ocmulgee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16 "
Over 16 "
Chemical
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions
Channel Catfish
No Restrictions
Lake Walter F. George (Eufaula)
Chattahoochee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16 "
Over 16 "
Chemical
Largemouth Bass *
*
No Restrictions
Hybrid Bass
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Channel Catfish
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Black Crappie No Restrictions
Spotted Sucker
No Restrictions No Restrictions
* Only Largemouth Bass 14 inches and longer may be legally retained.
16
17
West Point Lake
Chattahoochee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16 "
Over 16 "
Chemical
Largemouth Bass *
*
1 meal/week
PCBs,
Mercury
Hybrid Bass
No Restrictions 1 meal/week
1 meal/week
PCBs
Channel Catfish
1 meal/week 1 meal/week
PCBs
Carp
1 meal/week
PCBs
Black Crappie No Restrictions
Only Largemouth Bass 16 inches and longer may be legally retained.
Lake Worth (Flint River Reservoir)
Species
Less than 12"
Largemouth Bass
Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Spotted Sucker
Flint River Basin
12" - 16 "
Over 16 "
Chemical
No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury
No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury
No Restrictions No Restrictions
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Georgia Public Lakes and Ponds Less Than 500 Acres in Size
Lake Acworth
Coosa River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16" Chemical
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions 1 meal/week Mercury
Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions
City of Adairsville Pond
Species
Less than 12"
Carp
12" - 16" No Restrictions
Coosa River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Albany By-Pass Pond
Species
Less than 12"
Largemouth Bass
Brown Bullhead
12" - 16" 1 meal/week 1 meal/week
Flint River Basin Over 16" Chemical 1 meal/week DDE/DDD
DDE/DDD
Allen Creek Wildlife Management Area, Ponds A and B
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions
Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions
Oconee River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Lake Bennett (Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center)
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Largemouth Bass *
1 meal/week*
* Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.
Oconee River Basin Over 16" Chemical 1 meal/week Mercury
18
19
Big Haynes Reservoir
Species
Less than 12"
Largemouth Bass
Channel Catfish No Restrictions
12" - 16" 1 meal/month 1 meal/week
Ocmulgee River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Mercury Mercury
Big Lazer PFA (Gum Creek Impoundment)
Flint River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16" Chemical
Largemouth Bass *
No Restrictions * 1 meal/week Mercury
Channel Catfish
No Restrictions
* Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.
Bowles C. Ford Lake, City of Savannah
Savannah River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16" Chemical
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions No Restrictions
White Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions
Brasstown Valley Kids Fishing Pond
Species
Less than 12"
Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions
12" - 16"
Tennessee River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Bush Field Airport, Augusta: Unnamed Pond
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Largemouth Bass No Restrictions 1 meal/week
Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions
Savannah River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Mercury
20
Clayton County Water Authority: Blalock Reservoir
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions
Black Crappie No Restrictions
Ocmulgee River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Clayton County Water Authority: J.W. Smith Reservoir
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions
Redear Sunfish No Restrictions
Flint River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Clayton County Water Authority: Shamrock Reservoir
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions
Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions
Ocmulgee River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Dodge County PFA (Steve Bell Lake)
Ocmulgee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12 - 16"
Over 16" Chemical
Largemouth Bass *
No Restrictions * No Restrictions
Channel Catfish
No Restrictions No Restrictions
* Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.
Evans County PFA
Ogeechee Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16" Chemical
Largemouth Bass *
No Restrictions * 1 meal/week Mercury
Channel Catfish
No Restrictions
* Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.
21
Fort Yargo State Park Lake (Marburg Cr. Watershed Proj.) Oconee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16" Chemical
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Carp
No Restrictions
Ken Gardens Lake (Albany, Georgia)
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions
Channel Catfish No Restrictions
Flint River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Little Ocmulgee State Park Lake (Gum Creek Swamp))
Ocmulgee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16" Chemical
Largemouth Bass
1 meal/month Mercury
Brown Bullhead
1 meal/week
Mercury
Lake Mayer (City of Savannah)
Ogeechee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16" Chemical
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions
Redear Sunfish No Restrictions
Speckled Bullhead
No Restrictions No Restrictions
McDuffie PFA (East Watershed Ponds)
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Largemouth Bass *
No Restrictions *
Channel Catfish
No Restrictions
* Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.
Savannah River Basin Over 16" Chemical
22
McDuffie PFA (West Watershed Ponds)
Savannah River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16" Chemical
Largemouth Bass *
1 meal/week * 1 meal/week Mercury
Channel Catfish
No Restrictions No Restrictions
* Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.
Nancy Town Lake (Habersham County)
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Bream
1 meal/week
Savannah River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Chlordane
Lake Olmstead (Richmond County)
Species
Less than 12"
Largemouth Bass
Spotted Sucker
12" - 16" No Restrictions No Restrictions
Savannah River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Paradise PFA (Horseshoe 4)
Species
Less than 12"
Channel Catfish
12" - 16"
Suwannee River Basin Over 16" Chemical No Restrictions
Paradise PFA (Lake Patrick)
Suwannee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Over 16" Chemical
Largemouth Bass *
No Restrictions * No Restrictions
Brown Bullhead
No Restrictions No Restrictions
* Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.
23
Payton Park Pond, Valdosta
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions
Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions
Suwannee River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Reed Bingham State Park Lake
Species
Less than 12"
Largemouth Bass
White Catfish
12" - 16" 1 meal/month
Suwannee River Basin Over 16" Chemical 1 meal/month Mercury 1 meal/month Mercury
Lake Rutledge (Hard Labor Creek State Park)
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Largemouth Bass
No Restrictions
Channel Catfish No Restrictions No Restrictions
Oconee River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Lake Seed Species
Bluegill Sunfish
Less than 12" No Restrictions
12" - 16"
Savannah River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Sheppard Lake (Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center)
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16"
Largemouth Bass *
No Restrictions *
* Minimum size is 14 inches unless posted otherwise.
Oconee River Basin Over 16" Chemical
Stone Mountain Lake
Ocmulgee River Basin
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16 "
Over 16 " Chemical
Largemouth Bass
1 meal/week Mercury
Catfish
No Restrictions No Restrictions
Treutlen County PFA (Sand Hill Lake)
Species
Less than 12"
12" - 16 "
Largemouth Bass
1 meal/month
Lake Chubsucker 1 meal/week 1 meal/month
Altamaha River Basin Over 16 " Chemical 1 meal/month Mercury
Mercury
Tribble Mill Lake, Gwinnett County
Species
Less than 12"
Largemouth Bass No Restrictions
Black Crappie No Restrictions
Bluegill Sunfish No Restrictions
12" - 16 " 1 meal/week
Ocmulgee River Basin Over 16 " Chemical
Mercury
24
25
Georgia Rivers
Please note that the consumption guidelines for Georgia rivers are presented in a different format from the lake charts. Due to the flow of rivers, the site tested is important to the consumption guidelines. Consumption guidelines may vary from one stretch of river to another. The fish tested was the common creel size for the location and species. Freshwater rivers and creeks are tabulated first, followed by listings for Georgia tidal estuarine systems.
Georgia Freshwater Rivers and Creeks
Alapaha River (Tifton to Stockton)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
U.S.Hwys. 82 to 84
Spotted Sucker
See Above
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
Suwannee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
No Restrictions
Alapaha River (Near State Line)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Near Statenville
Bullhead
See Above
Suwannee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/month
Mercury
Alapahoochee River (Near State Line)
Species
Site Tested
Bullhead
Echols County
Suwannee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
Alcovy River Species
Spotted Sucker Chain Pickerel
Site Tested Arrowhatchee Farms
See Above
Ocmulgee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions
26
Allatoona Creek, Cobb County
Species
Site Tested
Spotted Bass
Ga. Hwy. 176
Alabama Hog Sucker
See Above
Coosa River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
Altamaha River, Near Baxley and Near Jesup, Ga.
Altamaha River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass
U.S. Hwy 1
1 meal/week
Mercury
Channel Catfish
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
Flathead Catfish
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
Largemouth Bass
U.S. Hwys 25/84
1 meal/week
Mercury
Channel Catfish
See Above
No Restrictions
Flathead Catfish
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
Apalachee River Species
Largemouth Bass Channel Catfish
Site Tested Apalachee Beach
See Above
Oconee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
No Restrictions
Beaver Creek (Tributary to Patsiliga Creek)
Species
Site Tested
Yellow Bullhead
Taylor County
Flint River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
Boen Creek Species
Bluehead Chub
Site Tested Rabun County
Savannah River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
27
Brasstown Creek Species
Northern Hog Sucker
Site Tested Towns County
Tennessee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Brier Creek (Burke County)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Ga. Hwy. 56
Spotted Sucker
See Above
Savannah River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
Broad River Species
Channel Catfish Flathead Catfish
Site Tested Ga. Hwy 17 See Above
Savannah River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions
Buffalo Creek Species
Bluegill Sunfish
Site Tested Carroll County
Tallapoosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Butternut Creek Species
Hog Sucker
Site Tested Union County
Tennessee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Cane Creek (Wimpy's Air Field)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Lumpkin County
Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
28
Canoochee River (Above Ft. Stewart)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
U.S. Hwy. 280
Channel Catfish
See Above
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
Ogeechee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
Canoochee River (At & Below Ft. Stewart)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass Below Canoochee Creek (Taylor Creek)
Channel Catfish
See Above
Ogeechee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/month
Mercury
Casey Canal (Tributary to Hayners Cr. / Vernon River)
Ogeechee River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass
Eisenhower Dr.
No Restrictions
Bluegill Sunfish
See Above
No Restrictions
Stripped Mullet
See Above
1 meal/week
Dieldrin
Chattahoochee River (Near Helen, and Above Lake Lanier)
Species
Site Tested
Redeye Bass
Ga. Hwy 75, Helen
Snail Bullhead
See Above
Golden Redhorse
See Above
Largemouth Bass Belton Bridge Road
Channel Catfish
See Above
Chattahoochee River Basin
Recommendation 1 meal/week 1 meal/week 1 meal/week 1 meal/month
No Restrictions
Chemical Mercury Mercury Mercury Mercury
29
Chattahoochee River (Buford Dam to Morgan Falls Dam)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass Multiple, Dam to Dam
Carp
See Above
Brown Trout
See Above
Rainbow Trout
See Above
Chattahoochee River Basin
Recommendation 1 meal/week
No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions
Chemical Mercury
Chattahoochee River (Morgan Falls Dam to Peachtree Creek)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass Below Morgan Falls
Carp
See Above
Brown Trout
See Above
Jumprock Sucker
See Above
Chattahoochee River Basin
Recommendation No Restrictions 1 meal/month No Restrictions No Restrictions
Chemical PCBs
Chattahoochee River (Peachtree Creek to Franklin, Ga.)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Multiple Sites
Spotted Bass
See Above
Carp
See Above
Channel Catfish
See Above
Striped Bass
See Above
White Sucker
See Above
Chattahoochee River Basin
Recommendation 1 meal/week
No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions 1 meal/month No Restrictions
Chemical Mercury
PCBs
30
Chattahoochee River (West Point Dam to Interstate 85)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Below Dam
Spotted Bass
See Above
Flat Bullhead Catfish
See Above
Chattahoochee River Basin
Recommendation No Restrictions
1 meal/week No Restrictions
Chemical Mercury
Chattahoochee River
Chattahoochee River Basin
(Oliver Dam to Oswichee Creek, Chattahoochee County)
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass
Below Eagle Phoenix Dam
No Restrictions
Channel Catfish
See Above
1 meal/week
PCBs
Chattahoochee River
Chattahoochee River Basin
(Chattahoochee County to Stewart County; Oswichee Creek to Omaha, Ga.)
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass
Oswichee Creek
No Restrictions
Spotted Sucker
See Above
No Restrictions
Crappie
See Above
No Restrictions
Channel Catfish
See Above
No Restrictions
Chattahoochee River (Early County)
Species
Site Tested
Hybrid Bass
Downstream of Plant Farley
Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
31
Chattanooga Creek Species
Bluegill Sunfish Northern Hog
Sucker
Site Tested Ga. Hwy 193
See Above
Tennessee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions
Chattooga River (Northwest Georgia)
Species
Site Tested
Bluegill Sunfish
Chattoogaville
Black Crappie
See Above
Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions
Chickamauga Creek (East and South)
Species
Site Tested
Rock Bass
Ga. Hwy 2
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
Tennessee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions
Chickamauga Creek (West)
Species
Site Tested
Spotted Bass
Ga. Hwy 2
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
Tennessee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
No Restrictions
Chickasawhatchee Creek, WMA near Elmodel, Ga.
Flint River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Spotted Sucker
Wildlife Mgm't Area
No Restrictions
32
Coleman River, Near Mouth, Rabun County
Species
Site Tested
Rainbow Trout
Near Tate City Rd.
Savannah River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Conasauga River: Near State Line; and Below Dalton
Coosa River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Rainbow Trout
Upstream Rough Cr.
No Restrictions
White Bass
Old Tilton Bridge
1 meal/month
PCBs
Smallmouth Buffalo
See Above
1 meal/month
PCBs, Mercury
Coosa River Species
Smallmouth Buffalo Largemouth Bass Striped Bass Spotted Bass Channel Catfish Blackie Crappie
Site Tested Rome to State Line
See Above See Above See Above See Above See Above
Coosa River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
PCBs
1 meal/week
PCBs
1 meal/month
PCBs
No Restrictions
1 meal/month
PCBs
1 meal/week
PCBs
Daniels Creek (Dade County)
Species
Site Tested
Bluegill Sunfish
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Tennessee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Dukes Creek (Near Helen)
Species
Site Tested
Rainbow Trout
Near Ga.Hwy. 75
Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
33
Etowah River (Dawson County)
Species
Site Tested
Blacktail Redhorse Kelly Bridge Road
Coosa River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
Etowah River (Above Lake Allatoona, Cherokee County)
Coosa River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Spotted Bass
York Street
1 meal/week
Mercury
Golden Redhorse
See Above
No Restrictions
Etowah River (Below Lake Allatoona, Bartow/Floyd Co.s)
Coosa River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Channel Catfish
U.S. Hwy. 411
No Restrictions
Largemouth Bass
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
Striped Bass
See Above
No Restrictions
Spotted Bass
See Above
1 meal/week
PCBs, Mercury
Bluegill Sunfish
See Above
No Restrictions
Smallmouth Buffalo
See Above
1 meal/month
PCBs
Flint River (Spalding/Fayette Counties)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Ga. Hwy. 92
Spotted Sucker
See Above
Flint River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
No Restrictions
Flint River (Meriwether/Pike/Upson Counties)
Species
Site Tested
Shoal Bass
Ga. Hwy. 18
Channel Catfish
See Above
Flathead Catfish
See Above
Flint River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
No Restrictions
No Restriction
Flint River (Taylor County)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
U.S. Hwy. 80
Channel Catfish
See Above
Shoal Bass
See Above
Flint River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
No Restrictions
No Restrictions
Flint River (Above Lake Blackshear, Macon/Dooly Co.s)
Flint River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass Oglethorpe, Ga. Hwy 49
1 meal/week
Mercury
Channel Catfish
See Above
No Restrictions
Flint River (Below Lake Blackshear, Worth/Lee Co.s)
Flint River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass No. Albany, Ga. Hwy 32
1 meal/week
Mercury
Channel Catfish
See Above
No Restrictions
34
35
Flint River (Dougherty/Baker/Mitchell Counties)
Flint River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass Below Albany & Merck No Restrictions
Sucker
See Above
No Restrictions
Flathead Catfish
See Above
No Restrictions
Goldmine Branch (Tributary to Warwoman Cr.)
Savannah River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Brook Trout
Rabun County
No Restrictions
Gum Creek Species
Largemouth Bass Carp
Site Tested Crisp County
See Above
Flint River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
No Restriction
Ichawaynochaway Creek
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Cordays Millpond
Spotted Sucker
See Above
Flint River Basin
Recommendatio Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
No Restriction
Jacks River (Fannin County)
Species
Site Tested
Brown Trout
Watson Gap
Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Jones Creek (U.S. Forest Service Rd. 28-1)
Species
Site Tested
Brown Trout
Lumpkin County
Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Kinchafoonee Creek (Sumter/Lee Counties)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass Ga. Hwys 49 to 118
Spotted Sucker
See Above
Flint River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
Little Dry Creek (Floyd County)
Species
Site Tested
Bluegill Sunfish
Near Rome
Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Little River (Above & Below Rocky Cr., Wilkes Co.)
Savannah River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass Above Rocky Creek
1 meal/week
Mercury
Silver Redhorse
See Above
No Restrictions
Largemouth Bass Below Rocky Creek
1 meal/week
Mercury
Spotted Sucker
See Above
No Restrictions
Little River (West of Valdosta, Lowndes County)
Suwannee River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass Above Ga. Hwy 133
1 meal/week
Mercury
Spotted Sucker
See Above
No Restrictions
36
37
Little Tallapoosa River Species
Largemouth Bass Black Crappie Brown Bullhead
Site Tested U.S. Hwy. 27
See Above See Above
Tallapoosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions
Little Tennessee River (Rabun County)
Tennessee River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Mixed Bass/Sunfish Above John Kelly Rd. No Restrictions
Mixed Sucker Spp.
See Above
No Restrictions
Mixed Bass/Sunfish Species: Rock Bass, Redbreast and Green Sunfish Mixed Sucker Species: Black Redhorse, Striped Jumprock and Northern Hog Sucker
Middle Oconee River (Above and Below Athens, Clarke Co.) Oconee River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Redbreast Sunfish U.S. Hwy 29, (Above)
No Restrictions
Spotted Sucker
See Above
No Restrictions
Silver Redhorse
Below Barber Creek
No Restrictions
Mill Creek (Whitfield County)
Species
Site Tested
Spotted Sucker
Near Dalton
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions
Moccasin Creek (Lake Burton Hatchery)
Species
Site Tested
Rainbow Trout
DNR Hatchery
Savannah River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
38
Muckalee Creek (Sumter/Lee Counties)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass McLittle Bridge Rd. To Ga. Hwy 118
Spotted Sucker
See Above
Flint River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
No Restrictions
Mud Creek, Near Powder Springs, Cobb County
Chattahoochee River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Alabama Hog Sucker
Ga. Hwy 360
No Restrictions
Bluegill Sunfish
See Above
No Restrictions
Nickajack Creek, Cobb County
Species
Site Tested
Alabama Hog Sucker
Cooper Lake Road
Bluegill Sunfish
See Above
Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
No Restrictions
Noonday Creek Species
Alabama Hog Sucker
Redbreast Sunfish
Site Tested Cobb County
See Above
Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
No Restrictions
North Oconee River (Above and Below Athens, Clarke Co.) Oconee River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Redbreast Sunfish Newton Bridge Road
No Restrictions
Redbreast Sunfish Whitehall Rd. (Below) No Restrictions
Flat Bullhead
See Above
No Restrictions
39
Ochlockonee River (Moultrie to Thomasville)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Above Thomasville
White Catfish
See Above
Ochlockonee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
Ochlockonee River (Thomasville to State Line)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Ga. Hwy. 93
Spotted Sucker
See Above
Ochlockonee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
Ocmulgee River (Butts/Monroe Counties)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Below Lloyd Shoals Dam, Lake Jackson
Brown Bullhead
See Above
Ocmulgee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
No Restrictions
Ocmulgee River (Bibb County)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
6 Miles Downstream of Tobesofkee Creek
Flathead Catfish
See Above
Channel Catfish
See Above
Ocmulgee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
1 meal/month No Restrictions
PCBs, Mercury
Ocmulgee River (Houston/Twiggs Counties)
Species
Site Tested
Channel Catfish
Ga. Hwy. 96
Flathead Catfish
See Above
Ocmulgee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions
40
Ocmulgee River (Pulaski County)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Hawkinsville
Channel Catfish
See Above
Ocmulgee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions
Ocmulgee River (Wilcox/Telfair Counties)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
U.S. Hwy 280
Flathead Catfish
See Above
Ocmulgee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
Ocmulgee River (Telfair/Wheeler Counties)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
U.S. Hwy 341
Flathead Catfish
See Above
Ocmulgee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
Oconee River (Oconee and Greene Counties) Confluence of North and Middle Oconee to Lake Oconee
Oconee River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass Above Barnett Shoals
1 meal/week
Mercury
Silver Redhorse
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
Oconee River (Baldwin/Wilkinson Counties)
Species
Site Tested
Flathead Catfish Milledgeville to Dublin
Largemouth Bass
See Above
Channel Catfish
See Above
Oconee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions
41
Oconee River (Laurens County)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
I-16
Spotted Sucker
See Above
Channel Catfish
See Above
Oconee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions
Ogeechee River (Washington County)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Ga. Hwy 88
Spotted Sucker
See Above
Ogeechee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
Ogeechee River (Jefferson County; Louisville)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
U.S. Hwy 1
Spotted Sucker
See Above
Ogeechee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
Ogeechee River (Burke County; Midville)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Ga. Hwy. 56
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
Ogeechee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
42
Ogeechee River (Bulloch County; near Oliver)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Ga. Hwy. 24 (south crossing)
Chain Pickerel
See Above
Channel Catfish
See Above
Bowfin
See Above
Spotted Sucker
See Above
Ogeechee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
1 meal/week No Restrictions
1 meal/week 1 meal/week
Mercury
Mercury Mercury
Ogeechee River (Bryan County)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Ga. Hwy 204
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
Ogeechee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
Ogeechee River (Near Ft. McAllister)
Species
Site Tested
Mullet
Fort McAllister
Ogeechee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Ohoopee River (Near Oak Park, Ga.)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
I-16
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
Altamaha River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
Ohoopee River (Near Reidsville, Ga., Tattnall Co.)
Altamaha River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass Ga. Hwys 280 to 56
1 meal/month
Mercury
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
Spotted Sucker
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
43
Okefenokee Swamp (Stephen Foster State Park)
Suwannee River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Bowfin
Billy's "Lake"
1 meal/month
Mercury
Flier (sunfish)
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
Olley Creek, Near Austell, Cobb County
Species
Site Tested
Large Scale Stoneroller
Clay Road
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
No Restrictions
Oostanaula River (Floyd/Gordon Counties)
Species
Site Tested
Smallmouth Buffalo Ga. Hwy 156, Calhoun
Bluegill Sunfish Spotted Bass
Bluegill Sunfish Largemouth Bass
Striped Bass Smallmouth Buffalo
Channel Catfish
See Above Ga. Hwy 140
See Above See Above See Above See Above See Above
Coosa River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
PCBs, Mercury
No Restrictions
1 meal/week
Mercury
No Restrictions
1 meal/week
PCBs
1 meal/month
PCBs
No Restrictions
1 meal/week
PCBs
Patsiliga Creek (Upstream of Beaver Creek, Taylor Co.)
Flint River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass
From McCants Millpond to Ga. Hwy
108
No Restrictions
Spotted Sucker
See Above
No Restrictions
Chain Pickerel
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
44
Patsiliga Creek (Downstream of Beaver Creek)
Flint River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Bass Spp. *
Taylor County
1 meal/month
Mercury
Sucker Spp. *
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
*Bass were Largemouth and Shoal Bass; Suckers were Grayfin Redhorse, Spotted Sucker and Greater Jumprock
Pipe Makers Canal (Near Savannah, Georgia)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Chatham County
Savannah River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
Ponder Branch (Walker County, Villanow)
Species
Site Tested
Redeye Bass
Ga. Hwy 136
Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Proctor Creek, Near Acworth, Cobb County
Coosa River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Green Sunfish Ga. Hwy 293, Old US 41 No Restrictions
Satilla River (Near Waycross, Ware/Brantley Co.s)
Satilla River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass
U.S. Hwy 84
1 meal/month
Mercury
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
Channel Catfish
U.S. Hwy 301
1 meal/week
Mercury
45
Satilla River (Folkston, Burnt Fort, Charlton/Camden Co.s)
Satilla River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass
Ga. Hwy. 252
1 meal/month
Mercury
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
1 meal/month
Mercury
Savannah River (Columbia County)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass Above New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam
Spotted Sucker
See Above
Savannah River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
Savannah River (Richmond/Burke Counties)
Savannah River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass Downstream of New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam
1 meal/week
Mercury
Sucker
See Above
No Restrictions
Specific fish consumption guidelines have not been issued for the radionuclides cesium-137 and strontium-90, in the Savannah River (Burke & Screven Counties), adjacent to the Savannah River Site (SRS). The guidelines based on mercury were evaluated and deemed to be protective.
Savannah River (Screven County)
Savannah River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass
U.S. Hwy 301
1 meal/week
Mercury
Redear Sunfish
See Above
No Restrictions
Channel Catfish
See Above
No Restrictions
Specific fish consumption guidelines have not been issued for the radionuclides cesium-137 and strontium-90, in the Savannah River (Burke & Screven Counties), adjacent to the Savannah River Site (SRS). The guidelines based on mercury were evaluated and deemed to be protective.
46
Savannah River (Effingham County)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Ga. Hwy 119
Channel Catfish
See Above
Savannah River (Fort Howard)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Near Rincon
White Catfish
See Above
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
Bowfin
See Above
Savannah River (Chatham County)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
U.S. Hwy. 17
Channel Catfish
See Above
Savannah River (Tidal Gate)
Species
Site Tested
Red Drum
Tidal Gate
White Catfish
See Above
Sewell Mill Creek, Cobb County
Species
Site Tested
Alabama Hog Sucker
Ga. Hwy 120
Bluegill Sunfish
See Above
Savannah River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
No Restrictions
Savannah River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
No Restrictions
1 meal/month
Mercury
Savannah River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
No Restrictions
Savannah River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
No Restrictions
1 meal/week
Mercury
Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
No Restrictions
47
Short Creek (Warren County)
Species
Site Tested
Sunfish
Warren County
Ogeechee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
Slab Camp Creek (Oconee County)
Species
Site Tested
Greater Jumprock Watson Spring Road
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
Oconee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions
South River (Henry County)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Snapping Shoals
Silver Redhorse
See Above
Ocmulgee River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
PCBs
No Restrictions
South River (Butts/Newton County Line)
Species
Site Tested
Channel Catfish Below Snapping Shoals
Ocmulgee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
South River (Butts County)
Species
Site Tested
Black Crappie
Ga. Hwy. 36
Largemouth Bass
See Above
Channel Catfish
See Above
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
Ocmulgee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions
Spring Creek (Seminole/Decatur/Miller Counties)
Flint River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass
Ga. Hwy. 84
1 meal/week
Mercury
Spotted Sucker
See Above
No Restrictions
Stamp Creek (Cherokee County)
Species
Site Tested
Rainbow Trout
Pine Log WMA
Coosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Stekoa Creek Species
Striped Jumprock
Site Tested Rabun County
Savannah River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
St. Marys River (Charlton County)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
Near St. George
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
St. Marys River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/month
Mercury
1 meal/week
Mercury
St. Marys River (Camden County)
Species
Site Tested
Largemouth Bass
U.S. Hwy. 17
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
St. Marys River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
No Restrictions
48
49
Suwannee River (Off Ga. Hwy. 177, Clinch/Ware Co.s)
Suwannee River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Largemouth Bass
Short Camp Road
1 meal/month
Mercury
Bullhead Catfish
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
Chain Pickerel
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
Swamp Creek (Whitfield County)
Species
Site Tested
Redeye Bass
Redwine Cove Road
Coosa River Basin
Recommendation Chemical
1 meal/week
Mercury
Talking Rock Creek (Downtown Talking Rock, Pickens Co.)
Coosa River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Redeye Bass
Near Fire Department
1 meal/week
Mercury
Tallapoosa River Species
Blacktail Redhorse Bluegill Sunfish
Site Tested U.S. Hwy. 27
See Above
Tallapoosa River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions No Restrictions
Tallulah River, Towns County
Species
Site Tested
Rainbow Trout
Charlies Creek Road
Savannah River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Tributary to Hudson River (Alto, Ga., Banks County)
Savannah River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Redeye Bass
Below Alto Prison
1 meal/week
Mercury
Brown Bullhead
See Above
No Restrictions
50
Upatoi Creek Species
Grayfin Redhorse
Site Tested Above Mouth
Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Withlacoochee River (Hahira to State Line, Berrien/Lowndes Counties)
Suwannee River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Redbreast Sunfish
Ga. Hwy 122
1 meal/week
Mercury
Largemouth Bass
Near Clyattville
1 meal/month
Mercury
Redbreast Sunfish
See Above
1 meal/week
Mercury
Yahoola Creek (Consolidated Goldmine)
Species
Site Tested
Alabama Hog Sucker
Lumpkin County
Chattahoochee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
Yellow River Species
Flat Bullhead Catfish
Site Tested Porterdale Dam
Ocmulgee River Basin Recommendation Chemical No Restrictions
51
Georgia Estuarine Systems
Estuaries and freshwaters in Georgia are included in the watersheds of 14 different river basins, using the United States Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC), cataloging system. Estuarine systems often communicate with adjoining basins due to natural interconnections and manmade structures and actions such as causeways, tidal gates and dredging. Terry Creek is technically in the Satilla River Basin, but because of tidal dynamics, water exchange occurs between it and the Altamaha River system.
Turtle River System: Purvis and Gibson Creeks, (St. Simons Estuary)
Satilla River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Blue Crab, Clams, Mussels, Oysters, Shrimp, and other
seafood
Purvis & Gibson Creeks
Do Not Eat
PCBs, Mercury
Upper Turtle & Buffalo Rivers (St. Simons Estuary)
Satilla River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Shrimp Blue Crab
Turtle and Buffalo Rivers,Upriver of Georgia Hwy 303
No Restrictions 1 meal/week
PCBs, Mercury
Flounder
1 meal/week
PCBs, Mercury
Red Drum
1 meal/week
PCBs, Mercury
Croaker
1 meal/month
PCBs, Mercury
Spotted Seatrout
1 meal/month
PCBs, Mercury
Black Drum
Do Not Eat
PCBs, Mercury
Clams, Mussels, Oysters
Do Not Eat
Shellfish Ban *
* Shellfish Ban per the National Shellfish Sanitation Program
52
Middle Turtle River (St. Simons Estuary)
Satilla River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Shrimp Flounder
State Hwy 303 to Channel Marker 9
No Restrictions 1 meal/week
PCBs, Mercury
Black Drum
1 meal/month
PCBs, Mercury
Red Drum
1 meal/month
PCBs, Mercury
Spotted Seatrout
1 meal/month
PCBs, Mercury
Croaker
1 meal/month
PCBs, Mercury
Blue Crab
1 meal/month
PCBs, Mercury
Clams, Mussels, Oysters
Do Not Eat
Shellfish Ban *
* Shellfish Ban per the National Shellfish Sanitation Program
Lower Turtle & South Brunswick Rivers (St. Simons Estuary) Satilla River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation Chemical
Shrimp Red Drum Flounder
Turtle River (From Channel Marker 9) and South Brunswick River
(Downstream to Dubignon and Parsons
Creeks)
No Restrictions No Restrictions No Restrictions
Blue Crab
1 meal/week
PCBs, Mercury
Croaker
1 meal/week
PCBs, Mercury
Black Drum
1 meal/month
PCBs, Mercury
Spotted Seatrout
1 meal/month
PCBs, Mercury
Clams, Mussels, Oysters
Do Not Eat
Shellfish Ban *
* Shellfish Ban per the National Shellfish Sanitation Program
53
Special Listings
Terry Creek (St. Simons Estuary)
Satilla River Basin
Species
Site Tested
Recommendation
Chemical
Yellowtail (Silver Perch) Spot
South of Torras Causeway to Lanier Basin
1 meal/week No Restrictions
PCBs, Mercury
Mullet
No Restrictions
Spotted Seatrout
No Restrictions
Black Drum
No Restrictions
Red Drum
No Restrictions
Croaker
No Restrictions
Shrimp
No Restrictions
Blue Crab
No Restrictions
Clams, Mussels, Oysters
Do Not Eat
Shellfish Ban *
* Shellfish Ban per the National Shellfish Sanitation Program
Terry Creek and Dupree Creek, (St. Simons Estuary)
Satilla River Basin
Species
Site
Recommendation Chemical (Cause)
All Seafood: Blue Crab, Clams, Oysters, Mussels, Shrimp, and Fish
All of Terry and Dupree Creeks North of Torras Causeway, to 1/2 mile West of confluence with the Back River
No Fishing or Swimming
in these areas is recommended by the CRD, EPD and
U.S.EPA
Due to the cleanup of toxaphene contaminated sediments
54
Special Mercury Guidance on King Mackerel
On March 23, 2000, Georgia joined together with North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida in issuing a joint health advisory for the consumption of large king mackerel caught offshore in the South Atlantic Ocean that have been found to have high mercury concentrations. This advisory was issued to provide guidance on the safe consumption of king mackerel to the general public and sensitive populations such as pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children. It does not prevent fishermen from landing fish larger than 39 inches.
Georgia DNR officials began working with the other Southeast States to determine levels of mercury in king mackerel in 1998 after learning that Gulf Coast States initiated a similar program. Each State's findings documented consistent levels of mercury over a range of sizes with high levels found in large king mackerel. This is Georgia's first consumption advisory for ocean waters. The king mackerel is a migratory species with the Atlantic population ranging from South Florida through North Carolina and into the Mid-Atlantic.
King Mackerel: Atlantic Ocean Offshore Georgia Coast
Atlantic Ocean
Size Range (Fork Length = FL) Recommendation
24 to Less than 33 inches
No Restrictions
33 to 39 inches (a 33 inch fish weighs approximately 10 pounds)
1 meal per month ** for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children age 12 and younger
1 meal per week ** for other adults
Over 39 inches (approximately 15 to 17 pounds)
Do Not Eat
King Mackerel are measured in Fork Length (FL), which is from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail. The minimum legal size in Georgia is 24 inches FL, with a maximum daily creel limit of 3 fish per person. Federally permitted commercial fishermen are limited to 3500 pounds per trip, and a minimum size of 24 inches FL.
** One meal portion in this special guidance is 8 ounces or pound.
King mackerel spawn along the continental shelf of the Atlantic Coast, rapidly growing to approximately 20 inches in length in the first year. Their diet consists almost exclusively of other fish. King mackerel typically have a maximum life span of 15 years, reaching approximately 4 feet in length and 25 to 30 pounds in weight. Most fish landed are considerably smaller. As a fast-growing, long-lived top predator, the king mackerel has a propensity for accumulating high levels of mercury.
55
Index
Lake Acworth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Adairsville Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Alapaha River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Alapahoochee River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Albany By-Pass Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Allen Creek WMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Alcovy River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Allatoona Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Lake Allatoona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Altamaha River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Lake Andrews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Apalachee River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Banks Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Bartletts Ferry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Beaver Creek, (Tributary to Patsiliga Creek) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27, 44-45 Lake Bennett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Big Haynes Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Big Lazer PFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Lake Blackshear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Lake Blue Ridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Boen Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Bowles C. Ford Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Brasstown Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Brasstown Valley Kids Fishing Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Brier Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Broad River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Buffalo Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Lake Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Bush Fied Unnamed Pond, Augusta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Butternut Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Cancer risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Cane Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Canoochee River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Carters Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Casey Canal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Cesium-137 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 46 Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 24 Chattahoochee River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29-31 Chattanooga Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Chattooga River (NW Georgia) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Lake Chatuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Chickamauga Creek (East and South) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Chickamauga Creek (West) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Chickasawhatchee Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 5 Chlordane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi, 1-4, 23
56
57
Chlorinated pesticides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Clarks Hill Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Clayton County Water Authority (Blalock, J.W. Smith, Shamrock Reservoirs) 21 Coleman River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Conasauga River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Coosa River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Cornish Cr. Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Daniels Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 DDE/DDD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi, 1-2, 4, 18 DDT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi, 1-2 Dieldrin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi, 1-2, 4, 29 Dodge County PFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Dukes Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Dupree Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Etowah River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Eufaula Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Evans County PFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Flint River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-36 Flint River Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Fort Yargo State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Ga. Estuarine Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Ga. Freshwater Rivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Ga. Lakes 500 Acres or Larger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Ga. Lakes Less Than 500 Acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Goat Rock Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Goldmine Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Gum Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Hard Labor Creek State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Lake Harding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Lake Hartwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Health benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 High Falls Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Horseshoe 4 Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Ichawaynochaway Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 J. Strom Thurmond Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Jacks River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Jackson Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Jones Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Lake Juliette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Ken Gardens Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Kinchafoonee Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 King Mackerel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Lake Lanier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Little Dry Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Little Ocmulgee State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Little River (Wilkes County) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Little River (Valdosta, Lowndes County) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Little Tallapoosa River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
58
Little Tennessee River (Rabun County) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Lake Mayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 McDuffie PFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Meal advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Meal frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Meal size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Mercury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v, 1-2, 6 Methylmercury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 4, 5 Middle Oconee River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Mill Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Moccasin Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Muckalee Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Mud Creek, Cobb County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Nancy Town Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Nickajack Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Noonday Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 North Oconee River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Lake Nottely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Nursing mothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Ochlockonee River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Ocmulgee River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41 Lake Oconee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Oconee River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41-42 Ogeechee River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43 Ohoopee River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Okefenokee Swamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Lake Oliver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Lake Olmstead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Oostanaula River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Paradise PFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Lake Patrick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Patsiliga Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45 Payton Park Pond, City of Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Pipe Makers Canal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Polychlorinated biphenyls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v, 1 Ponder Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Proctor Creek, Cobb County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Purvis and Gibson Creeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Lake Rabun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Lake Richard B. Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Risk factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Radionuclides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 46 Reed Bingham State Park Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Lake Rutledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Satilla River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-46 Savannah River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47 Lake Seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
59
Lake Seminole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Sewell Mill Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Sheppard Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Short Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Lake Sinclair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Slab Camp Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 South Brunswick River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 South River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Spring Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 St. Marys River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Stamp Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Stekoa Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Steve Bell Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Stone Mountain Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Strontium-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 46 Suwannee River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Swamp Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Lake Sydney Lanier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Talking Rock Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Tallapoosa River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Tallulah River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Terry Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Lake Tobesofkee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Treutlen County PFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Tribble Mill Lake, Gwinnett County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Tributary to Hudson River, Alto, Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Lake Tugalo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Turtle and Buffalo Rivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Turtle River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52-53 Upatoi Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Lake Varner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Lake Walter F. George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 West Point Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Withlacoochee River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Lake Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Yahoola Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Yellow River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
60
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