Mercury Causing Problems In Two Northern Lakes

Mercury Causing Problems In Two Northern Lakes

Monday, December 22, 2008 at 14:17

 

 

Authorities are warning the public not to eat fish from two lakes in the north.

 

High concentrations of mercury have been discovered in fish in Yew and Long Lake, which are located about 135 kilometres northeast of La Ronge.

 

Dr. James Irvine, the chief medical health officer for the north, says they’ve talked to trappers in the area and don’t believe a lot of fish have been taken from those two lakes recently.

 

But he says children and pregnant women could be especially vulnerable if they eat fish from them.

 

That’s why he’s advising anyone who has been eating fish from the two lakes to stop and get themselves checked out.

 

He adds the two lakes are closed until further notice.

 

Meantime an environmental project officer with the government says the problem was presented to them in the fall by Golden Band Resources, which was conducting an environmental study in the area.

 

It now appears the problem was caused by an operation from the 70’s.

 

Signs will be posted around the lakes once they determine the best places for them.