[Scythian]

EPA study finds high levels of contaminants in lake fish nationwide

By Scott Learn, The Oregonian
November 10, 2009, 3:30PM


A study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found high levels of the neurotoxin mercury in game fish in 49 percent of lakes and reservoirs nationwide.

The study, released today, also found polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs -- a mostly banned industrial chemical and probable carcinogen -- in game fish at levels of potential concern in 17 percent of lakes and reservoirs sampled across the nation.

The EPA randomly selected 500 lakes and reservoirs for the testing, including nine in Oregon and 14 in Washington. It tested predator fish such as bass and trout and bottom-feeding fish such as catfish and carp for contaminants. The agency did not immediately release separate test results for each water body.

Burning fossil fuels, primarily coal, accounts for nearly half of mercury air emissions caused by human activity in the United States, the EPA says. In Oregon, Portland General Electric's Boardman coal plant and an Ash Grove Cement kiln in Baker County have been the focus of mercury reduction efforts.

Regulators have concluded that PCBs, widely used in industry in the 1940s and 1950s, are the main contaminant of concern in the Portland Harbor Superfund site.

The EPA urged sport fishermen, women of child bearing age and children to follow fish consumption advisories.

[ArrogantBustard]

The EPA urged sport fishermen, women of child bearing age and children to follow fish consumption advisories.

Always a good idea ... your state's DNR will be happy to help.

Virginia

West Virginia

Maryland

At the present moment, "Virginia.gov" is down, so I can't provide a link.