The Effingham County Emergency Management Agency has lifted its advisory on the Ogeechee River.

The Effingham EMA has not received reports of any distressed fish since July 5 and water levels are increasing.

“We would like to remind everyone in Effingham County that the Ogeechee River in Effingham County is classified as a fishing river, not recreation, and that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division still maintains fishing advisory for the Ogeechee River due to high mercury levels,” said Ed Myrick, Effingham EMA director.

The guidelines for eating fish from the Ogeechee River recommend limiting consumption of largemouth bass, red-breasted sunfish, snail bullhead, channel catfish, and spotted suckers to either one meal per week or one meal per month.

It has been reported that the Environmental Protection Agency and EPD will continue to collect ambient data on mercury concentrations in water, sediments, and fish.

“We will continue to monitor the Ogeechee River,” Myrick said.

He asked that citizens report any distressed fish or other concerns to the Effingham County Emergency Management Agency at 754-8200.