The biggest health hazard is at the Bowen Ranch where there are no sanitary facilities. The Bowen Ranch has an illegal cesspool. Campers and visitors are not provided any sanitary facilities and use the bathroom on the ground. The Bureau of Land Management state that private camping facilities are provided at the Bowen Ranch. In addition to the health hazard posed by Mike Castro's violent nature as documented in these many law enforcement reports and by the victims on this forum. This is the greatest health hazard to the visitors at Deep Creek.
Concerned hotspringers have tested the water in the past and I believe would test the water again if brought to their attention. DCV's purpose is to protect the springs and work cooperatively with the Gov Agencies on a volunteer basis. DCV?
The real problem is the mismanagement of the U. S. Forest Service in not testing the water on a regular basis, not providing any sanitary facilities or at least public education on how to dispose of human waste properly in a rustic environment. The U.S. Forest Service is responsible for the health and safety of the public while at DCHS.
Each one of us has the power to affect Deep Creek Hot Springs as it is a "public place" and the public has rights to address issues with the public agencies. However, I believe this power comes with responsibilities to each other and to the protection of this beautiful area. What if one of us decided they were going to bring these issues to the media, 20/20 perhaps or 60 minutes, what impact would that have on the springs and its protection?
Each one of us have the future of these fragile hotsprings in our hands? Will we act responsibly with our power or irresponsibly like Mike Castro, the Bureau of Land Management and the U. S. Forest Service?