Officials close Smith Canal for fishing, limit public access after oil spill causes public health threat
Authorities have closed down a large swath of the Smith Canal in Stockton for fishing activity after an oil spill occurred in the area earlier this week. A safety zone has also been established for all of the Smith Canal limiting public access to the area “for safety and environmental purposes.” On Sunday, California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife issued the closure after it was determined “a threat to public health is likely” for those fishing in the area or consuming fish or shellfish caught in the vicinity of the spill or anywhere the petroleum is anticipated to spread. About a mile of the canal’s waterway from Yosemite Lake at the American Legion Park to Mission Road are off limits to all fishing activity until further notice as cleanup and containment efforts are underway.
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