Lower Arkansas River still has poop problems for duck hunters

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is warning duck and goose hunters in the Lower Arkansas Valley that contamination remains from a giant Pueblo sewer pipe spill into the river in August, and that outdoorspeople should still take precautions. 

“Raw sewage can carry pathogens such as E. coli, viruses and parasites,” said Ashley Rust, CPW water quality specialist. The agency, she said, is sending hunters precautions for waterfowl shooting and gathering “out of an abundance of caution.” 

The spill from a failed pipeline patch sent 4.2 million gallons of untreated Pueblo sewage into the Arkansas River east of Interstate 25, and for weeks state health officials have been testing for contaminants for hundreds of miles downstream. 

Potentially dangerous bacteria remains elevated at some points along the river and nearby wildlife refuges, renewed by recent heavy rainfall washing residue back into the streams. Those planning to use the areas for recreation can check recent test results at a state site. 

New warnings from state officials highlight potential exposure while hunting and wading in shallow water, retrieving wet birds from bodies of water, residue on hunting equipment and clothing, and on the birds themselves during cleaning and cooking. 

The tips for waterfowl hunting and recreation in the area include: 

• Avoid exposing bare skin directly to river or lake water. 
• Handle clothing as though it is contaminated, and wash separately from other clothing. Sanitize boots and waders before storing for the season. 
• Clean decoys and other hunting equipment, and keep it separate from other gear. 
• Wash hands and other exposed skin with soap and running water, which is preferable to liquid sanitizer. 
• Wear throwaway gloves when handling harvested birds. 
• As with other meat preparation, use safe handling in the kitchen, including keeping waterfowl meat separate from other food and always cooking game to internal temperatures of 165 degrees or more. 
• Rinse retriever dogs after hunting, and try to keep them from drinking potentially contaminated water in the field.

In an early September update, CPW said the wildlife areas potentially impacted included Melon Valley, Rocky Ford, Oxbow, Purgatoire River, Fort Lyon, North Gateway Ponds, Granada, Deadman, Midwestern Farms and Holly.