Groups push probe of mining mercury emissions, Nev. fisheries

[NVMojo]

RENO, Nev. (AP) - The nation's largest gold producing state has been asked to investigate whether mercury emissions from the mines are contaminating area fisheries.

Citing a recent study by the University of Nevada, Reno, a coalition of environmentalists, health care advocates, sportsmen and American Indians said Thursday that a fish consumption advisory for mercury should be issued for one large reservoir in northeast Nevada and perhaps other fisheries downwind from mining operations.

Fish tissue samples collected by university researchers at Wild Horse Reservoir 60 miles north of Elko found mercury concentrations that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers a public health risk, especially to children and pregnant women, the groups said.

"We believe that an investigation into the public health risks from fish consumption from reservoirs, lakes and rivers in northern Nevada is warranted," they said in a letter to the state health administrator.

"It is important that Nevada families and visiting tourists have accurate information to determine which fish are safe to eat and how many fish are safe to eat."

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http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nevada/2006/dec/14/121410265.html

[ShockediSay]

1. Sad thing is, most if not all of the fish I used to catch for a meal

are one big step closer to mercury poisoning

esp w/ BushCo's "rules" governing emmissions