Health officials now happy with Cold Creek Trout Camp

SANDUSKY — Erie County Health Department officials emphasized how the Cold Creek Trout Camp is now in full compliance with health and safety rules. Furthermore, the camp's operating license is no longer in jeopardy. "We're all good. We're going to renew his license next year," said Craig Ward, the department's chief environmental public health officer. Earlier this year, health department officials complained that the fishing camp didn't comply with rules that require 15 feet of space between recreational vehicles parked at the camp's site, 4711 Venice Road (U.S. 6) in Sandusky. State code requires 15 feet of space. It's a safety issue because, otherwise, a fire could easily spread from one vehicle to another, Ward said. Ward said the health department had been trying to obtain compliance from there for years. After the camp failed yet another inspection, in August, the health department sent a letter on Sept. 28 to the owner of the trout camp, Michael Mascarenas, threatening to revoke the business' campground license if it did not come into compliance. Since then, Ward said, the campground has worked to come into compliance. An inspection in early November showed it was doing well in following the rules, Ward said. Mascarenas could not be reached for comment after a phone call from the Register. Erie County has 16 campgrounds licensed for permanent operation. While there have sometimes been issues at the other 15, as a rule, they've been quickly fixed, Ward said.