Despite the extensive channelization activity, much of what the river must have been prior to this can be seen in the wetlands surrounding it near the Interstate 40 bridge and also along State Route 69 between Camden and Paris.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has been collecting data on possible contaminates in the numerous fish species in the Big Sandy River and embayment.

After the tested was completed an advisory was issued that Bass and Crappie in the backwater area, locally known as the Springville Bottom, had high levels of mercury contamination.

[5] The advisory follows: Children and nursing or pregnant mothers should avoid eating crappie or bass from Springville Bottom in any amount, and everyone else should limit consumption to one meal per month.

Catch and release fishing, boating, swimming, or drinking treated water in this area poses no additional risk.” -TDEC Deputy Commissioner Shari Meghreblian[5]36°24′35″N 88°4′16″W / 36.40972°N 88.07111°W / 36.40972; -88.07111