JACKSON'S MILL, W.Va. (WBOY) — A group of students involved in a 4-H study at Jackson's Mill made the surprising discovery that the West Fork River might be contaminated with E. coli.

During a STEM class at WVU Extension's Ultimate Outdoor Weekend, students measured E. coli levels in the West Fork River that were more than five times the healthy range. According to a press release from the WVU Extension, E. coli levels were at 700 when the healthy range is about 100-130.

Emma Gardner, a STEM specialist at WVU Jackson’s Mill who led the activity, continued testing with several groups at two 4-H camps and measured even higher levels at 1,300, which Gardner says is "dangerously high."

Gardner submitted the data to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Save Our Streams Pr

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