Saturday, May 18, 2013

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Kinchafoonee Creek snags swimmers
Posted: 06.19.2012 at 1:00 PM
Updated: 06.24.2012 at 6:40 PM
Matt Prichard

Matt Prichard joined the Fox 31 News Team in May of 2012 as a general assignment reporter.

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Update: Crews find barbed wire

Swimmers still enjoy the creek, despite warning signs.  / Matt Prichard
Photo

ALBANY, GA --
UPDATE 6/23

Lee County crews were out at the Kinchafoonee Creek one last time Saturday cleaning out nails that had apparently been dumped there.

They say so far they have found over 150 pounds of nails at the blue hole where swimmers tend to hang out.

Barbed wire has also been found and is believed to have been placed there around the same time as the nails that were first discovered last Tuesday, since it had not yet rusted over.

But just because crews are finishing the clean up, swimmers are still warned to swim at their own risk.

“Do so at your own risk, just know that we've done what we can, but there still can be items underneath the water, it's hard to get everything,” says Ben Roberts with the Lee County Code Enforcement.

They'd like to thank Flint River Barbecue for donating lunch to those working Saturday.



Lee County Fire officials found several hundred nails at the bottom of Kinchafoonee Creek this past weekend.

Water and summer seem to go hand in hand. Whether you're on the California coast laying by the pacific, or spending the weekend at Kinchafoonee Creek right here in southwest Georgia. That summer fun will come to a screeching halt Saturday though, after the Leesburg fire department discovered a significant amount of roofing nails on the bottom of Kinchafoonee Creek.

"They're roofing nails, and they're used to hold down the tar paper. And if you take a handful of them and throw them out, they'll typically land with the point side sticking up. Making them perfect to jab somebody in the foot," said Chief County Marshal Jim Wright.

And although locals who frequent this area may be upset to have their Saturday plans snagged up, the department says it's necessary for not only the safety of the public, but the operation of the department.

"We have to respond down here and treat the injured, and transport the injured to the hospital, so it's just easier for us to come spend our day here, and clean it up so the general public has a safe environment to enjoy their activities," said Fire Captain Bobby Spencer.

With many residents questioning how the nails got to the bottom of the creek, Fire Officials says they believe the nails were placed there to harm visitors to the area.

I suspect there was some ill intent to it, I can't prove it, we don't have any suspects. But it's suspicious, given the number and the samll area they were found in," said Wright.

Authorities are asking the public to remain out of the area until a full cleanup can be performed. However, if you find any other nails, trash, or other debris in the area, call Jim Wright at (229) 759-6000 or email jwright@lee.gov.us.

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