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| A new advisory for largemouth bass (photo from NC Wildlife Resources Commission) |
Clean And Clear Catawba, by Alice Battle – March 9, 2012
The contaminants are PCBs, of which there are about 209
configurations of chlorine atoms attached to biphenyl. Large-mouth bass and blue catfish have PCBs
in their tissue above the recommended guidelines. Bass are at the top of the
food change in the lakes and catfish are at the bottom. Since fish at the bottom and at the top of
the food chain contain PCBs, fish in between most likely will show the
same results. One fish a month is the recommended limit for consumption. Pregnant women should avoid the fish
altogether.
Last year, a fish-consumption advisory was issued for fish caught on the South Carolina side of Lake Wylie. In late December, that fish advisory was extended to the North Carolina side of the lake.
PCB facts
Last year, a fish-consumption advisory was issued for fish caught on the South Carolina side of Lake Wylie. In late December, that fish advisory was extended to the North Carolina side of the lake.
PCB facts
PCBs have low water solubility, but have high solubility in
organic solvents, oils and fats. They
are very stable and do not decompose easily due to their inability to oxidize
in the natural environment. This makes disposal difficult.
PCBs easily penetrate the skin. Skin rashes are common for
those who come in contact with them. They also have potential endocrine-related
health effects, especially thyroid and reproductive hormones.
PCBs were used as insulating fluids in transformers and
capacitors, which are used in the electrical industry. Though enclosed, such
devices can leak, catch fire or explode. The United States Congress banned
domestic production of PCBs in 1979,
although some use continues.
In the past, PCBS were used in paints, cements, pesticides,
flame retardants, lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, adhesives, wood floor
finishes and sealants. There were many
applications for the chemicals.
Water's safe for drinking
Drinking water from Mountain Island Lake and Lake Norman is safe. PCBs are found in the sediment. Some testing has been done, but not enough. For example, core samples have not been taken from the sediment to see how much and how long these deposits have been happening. Current sources of PCBs are also unknown.
Here is additional information from the Catawba RiverKeeper and NC and SC agencies that oversee public health and environmental issues.
Drinking water from Mountain Island Lake and Lake Norman is safe. PCBs are found in the sediment. Some testing has been done, but not enough. For example, core samples have not been taken from the sediment to see how much and how long these deposits have been happening. Current sources of PCBs are also unknown.
Here is additional information from the Catawba RiverKeeper and NC and SC agencies that oversee public health and environmental issues.
About Alice Battle – Alice lives
on Mountain Island Lake has served on numerous groups devoted to protecting the
lake, including the Duke Energy Relicensing stakeholders group. She currently
is Lakekeeper for the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.
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