Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery Partially Re-Opened to the Public

For Immediate Release

August 18, 2017

Contact: Steve Segin, 303-236-4578, robert_segin@fws.gov

Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery Partially Re-Opened to the Public

DENVER—The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery in Vernal, UT has experienced a series of septic system line breaks that resulted in fluid waste discharge into Jones Hole Creek. As a result, there are increased levels of coliform bacteria (E. coli) in the water downstream from the hatchery. To ensure public safety the hatchery has closed Jones Hole Creek within the hatchery to all recreational activity, including fishing, wading, and swimming. The Service has been communicating with the Tri-County Health Department as we continue to work on measures to address this issue. Hatchery staff has worked diligently over the last eight months to address the septic system issue. New pumps were installed in the spring and contractors scoped the septic lines with a camera to identify the lines breaks this summer. Repair work will begin immediately after a contractor has been selected.

In order to limit the impact to visitors, portable toilets have been placed in the parking area adjacent to the Jones Hole Creek trailhead. Running water facilities have been closed until the septic system repairs are completed.
“We are glad this temporary measure allows us to reopen to visitors”, said Kip Bottomley, Jones Hole Hatchery manager “We apologize for the closure and septic leak and will work quickly to correct the situation and get the hatchery fully back open to the public.”

The hatchery serves as a trailhead for the Jones Hole and Island Park trails in Dinosaur National Monument. This partial closure will restore visitor access to the trailhead and these trails.