Yearly Notice

[Rusty]

Fish consumption advisory issued

From staff reports

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality has issued a series of fish consumption advisories for people who live in the Tar Creek area.

The advisories are in reference to fish caught in waters affected by runoff from historic lead and zinc mining operations.

“This fish advisory does not mean all fish caught from these waters are unsafe to eat.” the advisory states. “Instead, it provides guidelines for residents of the Tar Creek area to make informed choices about their health and diet.”

The general public, living outside the Tar Creek Mining District and visitors, are not at risk.

This advisory concerns the consumption of fish caught in the Tar Creek area or waters that may be impacted by the Tri-State Mining District and the Tar Creek Superfund Site.

A study conducted in 2003 examined cadmium, lead, and zinc concentrations in fish collected from mill ponds within the Tar Creek Superfund Site, as well as the Spring and Neosho Rivers downstream from historic lead and zinc mining activities.

In 2007, a follow up study was conducted which included the same study area plus extended test areas throughout Grand Lake and the Grand Neosho River below Pensacola Dam.

DEQ analyzed a variety of fish using a variety of preparation methods including carcass (scaled, skin-on, headless, gutted fish to represent fish that are canned or non-game fish that are difficult to obtain boneless fillets from), skin-on fillets (boneless, scaled), skinless fillets and paddlefish eggs.

Lead is known to accumulate in the bones and organs of fish.

Fish collected were grouped into five categories: non-game fish (Carp, Freshwater Drum, Redhorse Sucker and Smallmouth Buffalo); game fish (Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, White Bass, and White Crappie); sunfish (Bluegill Sunfish, Green Sunfish, and Hybrid Sunfish); catfish (Blue Catfish and Channel Catfish) and Paddle Fish.

According to the DEQ report issued Wednesday, most boneless fillet portions are safe to eat in normal quantities.

“The only exception is non-game fish from Spring River, such as carp and buffalo, from which boneless fillets are difficult to obtain.” the report states.

Paddlefish and paddlefish eggs are safe to consume normal quantities.

To reduce exposure to lead when consuming fish from the waters impacted by the Tar Creek Superfund site and the Tri-State Mining District, ODEQ is recommending that residents eat portions that do not contain bones or skin.

“Fish are an important part of a healthy diet providing high quality protein and essential nutrients,” the study states. “However, not all fish should be consumed in unlimited amounts by everyone.”

A meeting will be held in Miami in March to inform the public of the advisory and to allow an opportunity for questions and concerns.

The time and place of the meeting has not been determined.

For more information, contact the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality at 405-702-1000 or visit www.deq.state.ok.us/csdnew/2007TCFishReport.pdf to view the 2007 study