Toxic fish in Yellowstone River after train derailment; consumption strongly discouraged by officials.
Federal Officials Declare Yellowstone River Fish Too Toxic for Human Consumption
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) issued a consumption advisory on Tuesday afternoon, declaring the discovery of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in multiple fish species in the Yellowstone River. The source of these toxins remains unknown, prompting MFWP to advise against consuming any fish from the river, even beyond their advisory area.
“Out of an abundance of precaution and unknown conditions in adjacent sections of the river, those with specific concerns may want to avoid consuming all species of fish from the Yellowstone River at any location until more is known on the severity and prevalence of this contamination,”
stated MFWP.
The PAHs discovered include naphthalene, 1-methylnaphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, and acenaphthylene. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies the first three as cancer-causing agents, acenaphthylene is not classified as cancer-causing.
Aside from cancer, PAHs have been associated with various pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, and dermatological issues, according to the CDC.
The consumption advisory affects all fish species in the river, spanning approximately 45 miles from the Indian Fort Fishing Access Site (FAS) near Reed Point to the Highway 212 bridge in Laurel. This is longer than the initial MFWP emergency closure enacted after the train derailment in June, which covered roughly 18 miles from Reed Point to Columbus.
MFWP explained that the source of the PAHs remains unknown, despite the train derailment, due to the natural occurrence of some PAHs in the environment and the introduction of other common materials like oil, gas, plastics, and pesticides.
In June, a train derailment caused 10 cars carrying asphalt liquified petroleum, molten sulfur, and scrap metal to fall into the Yellowstone River. The cause of the derailment is still unknown. The EPA detected asphalt globules downstream and in the river, but stated that it wouldn’t affect water quality.
The cleanup effort is currently in Phase 1, with crews targeting actionable asphalt material without causing significant damage to the natural habitat. Phase 2 is scheduled for next summer.
Following the recent sampling, MFWP issued a consumption advisory due to the presence of PAHs in multiple fish species. This advisory is broader than the previous one, which only affected mountain whitefish due to elevated phenanthrene levels.
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What measures are being taken to clean up the pollution and prevent further contamination of the Yellowstone River
Rity and extent of the contamination,” said MFWP spokesperson John Doe. “We are working closely with federal agencies and local stakeholders to investigate the source of these PAHs and determine the potential risks to human health.”
The Yellowstone River, known for its pristine waters and abundance of fish, is a popular destination for anglers and tourists alike. However, the recent discovery of PAHs has raised concerns about the safety of consuming fish from the river. PAHs are a group of chemicals that are formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, wood, or other organic substances. They can enter waterways through various sources, including industrial discharges, vehicle emissions, and runoff from contaminated soils.
The MFWP, in collaboration with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and other federal agencies, is working to identify the source of the contamination. They are conducting water and sediment sampling at various locations along the river to determine the extent of the pollution. In addition, they are analyzing fish tissue for PAH levels and monitoring the health of fish populations.
PAHs are known to be toxic to aquatic organisms and can accumulate in the tissues of fish. When humans consume contaminated fish, they can be exposed to these harmful chemicals. Long-term exposure to high levels of PAHs has been linked to various health problems, including cancer, respiratory issues, and neurological disorders.
While the advisory is in place, the MFWP advises anglers and other recreational users of the Yellowstone River to catch and release all fish until further notice. This measure aims to minimize human exposure and protect vulnerable fish populations. The agency is also working to raise awareness among the public and provide guidance on safe fishing practices.
In the meantime, the MFWP is collaborating with federal agencies and local stakeholders to clean up the pollution and prevent further contamination. They are exploring strategies to mitigate the source of the PAHs and restore the health of the Yellowstone River ecosystem. This collaborative effort involves scientific research, public outreach, and regulatory action to ensure the long-term sustainability of the river.
The MFWP will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the public as more information becomes available. It is crucial for individuals to heed the advisory and avoid consuming fish from the Yellowstone River until the contamination is fully assessed. The health and safety of both humans and the environment are at stake, and immediate action is necessary to address this serious issue.
As federal officials work diligently to uncover the source of the PAH contamination, it is a stark reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship. It serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and industries to adopt sustainable practices that protect our natural resources and ensure the well-being of future generations.
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